Southwest DC is fast becoming the “place to be” in the District. Over the next few months we will spotlight the dedicated staff of the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) who are focused on making our neighborhood a clean, safe, vibrant community to live, work, and visit.
SWBID Environmental Ambassador Charlene Porter is one of four women on the “blue shirt” team. She’s out and about beautifying the Southwest community. She says she knows her work really makes a difference. Asked how she came to work for the SWBID, Porter says she was walking in the neighborhood when she stopped into the SWBID office and asked whether they were hiring—the rest is history.
Porter is acknowledged as one of the top three team members. She constantly goes above and beyond her duties. One co-worker says one day he was looking for Porter and couldn’t find her. Eventually, he found her behind the trees looking for trash. She doesn’t want even one piece of paper on the ground on her route!
Co-workers say Porter is a real comedienne and keeps things lively, even when it’s been a long day. When you run into her you know a joke is coming! She’s great for team morale.
Porter grew up in Northeast DC, but for the past eight years she has lived right here in Southwest in Syphax Gardens. She loves our quiet neighborhood, where she lives with her 10-year-old daughter, a student at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School. She’s a single mother of two, if you count their Siamese cat Mya.
SWBID COO Andre Witt says, “Her work ethic is strong. She’s dependable. We’re lucky to have her!”
SWBID Executive Director Steve Moore says, “Charlene is a great addition to our team!”
Fun Facts about Charlene Porter:
Favorite movie: Madea’s Family Reunion
Favorite music: She loves music, especially hip-hop and oldies but goodies.
Favorite song: “Boo’d Up/Umbrella” Ella Mai and Rihanna mashup
Favorite sports team: Washington Redskins
Favorite Southwest spot: The SWBID office, where she gets to come to work every day
Best thing about her job: Helping the community
Proudest moment: She’s a proud mother.
Life motto: If there’s anything you don’t want to do, the women in blue will do it for you!
By: Donna Purchase