Shanaka Winters: Manager for Engineering Distribution Extensions

Worked at Louisville Water since 2008

Designing water pipelines and overseeing project engineers has given Shanaka Winters a fulfilling career in civil engineering.

Winters is Louisville Water’s Manager for Engineering Distribution Extensions, a role she was recently promoted to in 2022.  She manages a team of project engineers responsible for building infrastructures that supply water to new developments and extends existing water mains along private and public roads.

“This year will mark 15 years with the company. I entered this field because of the public works aspect: we aim to deliver projects that make the world a more livable place for all of society,” Winters said.

Although her job is very technical, Winters said it’s fast paced.

“We are continuously receiving new water main extensions requests to evaluate and design…helping to grow our system,” she said.

For aspiring civil engineers, Winters gave the following advice:

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

When she’s not working, Winters loves the great outdoors and relaxing with a good book.

“I enjoy road biking with my husband, traveling to places considered off the beaten path, and I love to read.”