As a young girl growing up in Venezuela, Nohemy Revilla loved numbers. While she was in school, her parents — a Chemist and a Chemical Engineer — encouraged her to pursue a life of science. During her Junior and Senior high school years, students had to choose either a year studying Humanities or Science. “I easily chose Science,” she laughs.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in Venezuela, Revilla decided to seek a different path. She moved to California to complete a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering at San Jose State University. While earning her degree, she found an internship opportunity at the SFPUC’s Southeast Treatment Plant (SEP). “Wastewater was always more interesting because it’s complicated," says Revilla.
During her internship, she was part of the Process Team analyzing wastewater operations data to ensure operations are executed as planned and regulatory standards are being met. “I would take a lot of data samples and analyze them to make sure a certain chemical was working,” Revilla explained. “I was in heaven!”
After completing her internship, Revilla was hired as a Junior Engineer at the SEP. Since then, she has worked her way to full Engineer classification. All the while, she continued to stay curious about all the jobs around her at the SEP. “It’s important to try new things.”
Revilla now manages the purchase of various chemicals for all the SFPUC’s Wastewater Enterprise odor control units and digester gas conditioning systems, including those at the SEP and the Oceanside Treatment Plant. She wears many hats, which makes her days complicated, and she enjoys it. “I like collecting data around the site, like the ‘Odalogs’ (odor data logging devices) from the collection system, SEP and OSP, and some pump stations.”
After reviewing the data, she consults with SEP staff to discuss adjusting chemicals used in the treatment process. In addition, Revilla facilitates Treatment Facilities Asset Management. She meets with a cross-functional group of treatment facilities, engineering, and maintenance planning staff. They discuss all aspects of managing the plant. She also serves as Operations Engineering Maintenance Liaison for the Treasure Island Resource Recovery Facility construction and pump station redevelopment project and on other Capital Improvement Projects. “I’m busy,” she laughs.
At the SEP, her team is all women, all of whom she describes as incredibly smart and the best mentors one could have. Revilla has been at the SFPUC’s wastewater treatment plants for more than 17 years. She says she has always felt included, respected, and productive. “The thing about working here at SFPUC is that people are very welcoming,” she says. In the beginning, there was a lot to learn, but she discovered that people around here are supportive as employees learn. “They contribute to my success," Revilla says with a smile.
Revilla adds that Senior Sanitary Engineer, Meei-Lih Ahmad, and Senior Engineer, Linda Leong, have been specifically helpful. “They are experienced, they are patient, but they are also strict and efficient,” she says.
Advice to Young Women
As Revilla looks back at her young life and education, she has advice for young women. She remembers feeling confident in her intelligence and abilities. But she knows not all girls growing up feel that way. One of the best ways to gain confidence, she says, is to ask questions and try new things.
“Remember that all along the way you are learning.” She encourages young girls to find a place where they are encouraged to ask questions and learn things that are above or outside their jobs or studies. “You will always have that knowledge for yourself, and you can use your knowledge to improve things for your team -- and even share it with others.”