Summary of “Lisa P. Jackson: Environmental Engineering” Episode on The Moth Podcast
Episode Release Date: September 10, 2013
In this compelling episode of The Moth, Lisa P. Jackson shares her personal and professional journey in environmental engineering, highlighting the profound impact of her family's legacy, pivotal moments in her career, and her unwavering commitment to public service.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Timestamp: [03:00]
Lisa begins her story by reflecting on her father's legacy. Serving in the Navy during World War II, her father returned to a post-war New Orleans where, as a Black man in the late 1940s and 1950s, his career options were limited to roles like mailman, Pullman porter, or porter. Lisa’s father chose to become a mailman, a decision that instilled in her a strong sense of public service.
"I remember that feeling of real responsibility, of really having a role in the community that made me very proud." [04:15]
She fondly recalls accompanying her father on his mail routes, especially during Christmas, and the pride she felt witnessing the importance of his role in the community.
Educational Journey and Career Aspirations
Timestamp: [06:00]
Inspired by her father’s dedication, Lisa initially aspired to follow in his footsteps. However, after her father’s passing while she was in high school, her interests shifted towards mathematics and science, uncovering a natural talent that steered her towards a different path.
"When you’re the first kid to be going to college in a family and you’re good at math and science, there really only one career choice that your mom can think of, and that’s, my baby is going to be a doctor." [08:10]
Defying initial expectations, Lisa explored engineering during a summer program at Tulane University, sparked by both curiosity and the allure of a free HP programmable calculator. Her exposure to environmental disasters, such as the Love Canal incident, profoundly influenced her decision to specialize in environmental engineering.
Professional Career and Public Service
Timestamp: [10:00]
Graduating from Princeton with a graduate degree in engineering, Lisa embarked on a career dedicated to environmental protection. She worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and later for the state of New Jersey, where she made significant contributions to environmental policies and initiatives.
"I remember thinking in college, if a chemical engineer can make the processes that make all this goop, it’s going to be an engineer who figures out how to clean it up." [09:30]
Her dedication culminated in her appointment as the head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she continued to advocate for clean air, clean water, and the responsible management of chemicals.
Hurricane Katrina and Personal Crisis
Timestamp: [12:30]
A defining moment in Lisa’s life occurred during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Returning home to New Orleans to be with her mother on her birthday, she narrowly escaped the devastating effects of the hurricane. This experience highlighted the critical failures in engineering and environmental planning, particularly the loss of wetlands that exacerbated the hurricane’s impact.
"Because a storm that shouldn’t have caused the damage it did, did, is because the wetlands that should have been there to protect the city were gone." [13:10]
Facing the reality that her career in public service was not as financially rewarding as the private sector, Lisa contemplated leaving her role to provide more support for her mother. However, her mother’s understanding and appreciation of her work convinced her to stay.
Achievement and Recognition
Timestamp: [14:00]
Lisa’s perseverance paid off when she was appointed as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 by President Barack Obama. A memorable highlight of her career was the opportunity to bring her mother to Washington, D.C., where she met President Obama, symbolizing the culmination of her lifelong dedication to public service.
"Sometimes you have an opportunity to think about all the things that influence you. And I think we all do a little bit of reverse storytelling where we make all the facts fit." [14:30]
She concludes her story by emphasizing the importance of reflecting on one’s influences and maintaining a steadfast commitment to public service, inspired by her parents' legacy.
Conclusion and Reflections
Timestamp: [14:39]
In her heartfelt conclusion, Lisa underscores the significance of public service in her life, driven by her father's example and her own experiences. Her journey from a young girl walking the mail routes of New Orleans to becoming a leading figure in environmental protection illustrates the profound impact of dedication, resilience, and community-focused values.
"Every day I think about my dad and public service." [14:35]
Lisa P. Jackson's story is a testament to the power of personal heritage and the enduring quest to make a meaningful difference in the world through environmental engineering.
Post-Episode Notes:
Following Lisa’s narrative, the podcast is briefly concluded by host Dan Kennedy, providing information about her subsequent role at Apple as Environmental Director and acknowledging sponsors like Squarespace and PRX.
This episode of The Moth not only chronicles Lisa P. Jackson’s impressive career but also offers deep insights into the interplay between personal history, professional dedication, and the broader societal impacts of environmental engineering. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how individual commitment can drive significant change in protecting our planet and communities.