Joan's Path: Pride at Work

Meet Joan M. Petric, a dedicated technician at the Wage and Hour Division’s Dayton office, as she shares insights into her career journey and reflections on Pride Month.

Q: Where did you grow up?

I was born in Frankfurt, Germany but most of my life was spent in the Dayton, Ohio area. My father was in the US Army, so I do have some memories of living in other states, but Dayton is my home.

Q: Why did you want to work for the Wage and Hour Division?

I can’t say I sought out the Wage and Hour Division as a career path but my journey with the Department of Labor led me here.

My journey started in the Civil Rights Division in 1988. After more than eight years of working in Washington, D.C., I began to search for jobs closer to home. My supervisor directed me to the Wage and Hour Division. As luck would have it, the Wage and Hour Division office in Dayton had an opening and I applied for the job. From the first day on the job as an investigator until today, I know this was the place for me. The mission of the Wage and Hour Division continues to be the reason I have stayed here so long.

Q: What do you like most about the work we do?

The work we do impacts so many people. In so many of our cases, we can assist the low-wage workers who are being taken advantage of. In many instances, we can get money into the hands of those workers who work so hard to care for their families.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m most proud of the team we have in Ohio. The technicians, investigators and managers work hard to move Ohio in the right direction and continue to uphold the mission of the Wage and Hour Division.

Q: What are some interesting facts about you?

I have worked for the U.S. Department of Labor for 36 years and I’m hoping to make it to 40 years. I’ve recently stepped down from the position of investigator and I’m currently a technician. I’m calling it a ‘phased’ retirement.

Q: How has your identity shaped your experience in the Wage and Hour Division?

I identify as a lesbian woman. The Columbus District Office has embraced me and has been a safe space for me. In the past, it was suggested that my identity not be disclosed to management. Today, that is not the case. Now, I can freely talk about my wife. This is one of the many reasons I have worked here so long.

Q: What does Pride Month mean to you?

For me, it’s a time of reflection on all the LGBTQIA community members that came before me and sacrificed so much so that I could be free to live my life as a lesbian woman. It’s also a time to listen to the stories of those women and men and support them in their journey to become who they are meant to be.

Q: Do you have any other words of wisdom?

Love yourself for who you are. Once you love yourself, you will attract good people to your circle.

#PublicService #Pride #Diversity #WhatInspiresMe Humans of Public Service Partnership for Public Service