Laetitia Mulamula, PE

Program Manager, Water/Wastewater

A woman wearing a pink jacket and black blouse smiles as she stands in front of a tree.

Two women wearing hard hats engage in conversation at a job site.

Being a great listener is key when conducting client walk-throughs. Every project has unique needs and challenges, and attentive listening helps ensure that my team and I address concerns swiftly and accurately.

A woman wearing a bright yellow “Brasil” t-shirt smiles as she sits in a crowded stadium.

I’m an ardent soccer fan, an occasional pick-up soccer player, and an unreserved supporter of the Brazilian national team.

Three individuals dressed in formal American and traditional African attire are smiling and standing in front of decorative columns and an American flag.

In 2014, I received recognition from the director of the Africa Trade Office of Prince George’s County, Maryland, for my role in promoting collaboration in sustainable infrastructure development between the county and the local East African community.

A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a plaid shirt stands on a dirt road in a vast, open landscape.

Seeing the vast landscape of the Konza Technopolis project firsthand was essential for effective master planning as we laid the groundwork for this ambitious smart city development.

A woman wearing a blue t-shirt smiles while posing with a large, friendly lion mascot in a stadium.

I couldn’t pass up a picture with Stamford the Lion, the Chelsea F.C. mascot, while attending a D.C. United soccer game.

A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and work boots stands in a yard under bright sunlight. She is surrounded by gardening supplies.

Yard upgrade time! Nothing like a weekend dirt project to break away from my daily routine and get hands-on with nature.

A Conversation With Laetitia:

Tell us about your career journey.

What was your experience like at DC Water?

What do you enjoy most about program management?

What principles guide your approach to project management?

How do you see water infrastructure evolving?

Tell us about an impactful project you’ve worked on.

What inspired you to join our firm?

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Tell us about your career journey.

I’ve had the privilege of building a career dedicated to enhancing communities through sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure projects. From leading massive capital improvement programs (CIP) like DC Water’s $1 billion, 10-year infrastructure upgrade to developing infrastructure for Kenya’s Konza Technopolis, my work has spanned the globe. What excites me most is leading cross-functional teams to solve complex water challenges. I’m passionate about driving water sustainability through innovative solutions.

What was your experience like at DC Water?

Working at DC Water was an incredible opportunity to work with a talented team on critical infrastructure improvements that impact millions of residents. Collaborating with engineers, scientists, and program control consultants was inspiring, especially on projects like the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant—the largest in the world—where we maintained regulatory compliance while innovating for future sustainability. As program manager for DC Water’s consent-decreed wastewater treatment program, I helped implement the CIP by overseeing master planning, scheduling, and phased project execution. Seeing our strategies deliver results was deeply rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about program management?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is leading complex programs that bring people together to achieve something meaningful. I love orchestrating resources, managing timelines, and fostering collaboration. Watching a project evolve from planning to completion and knowing it will positively impact communities for years to come is immensely satisfying.

“With unparalleled expertise in planning, risk mitigation, and strategic collaboration, Laetitia brings a client-focused approach to every project. Her proven success in managing multi-billion-dollar, complex programs ensures our clients have a trusted partner to navigate even the most intricate infrastructure challenges.”

Edmund Aplerh-Doku, PE, DBIA, ENV SP
National Water Program Management Director
GFT TranSystem

What principles guide your approach to project management?

Three principles have always been my foundation:

Clear communication: Establishing open channels helps identify and address challenges early.
Fostering collaboration: Encouraging diverse perspectives leads to innovative solutions.
Quality focus: Delivering excellence in every project is non-negotiable.

These principles have consistently driven successful outcomes and helped me build strong, results-oriented teams.

How do you see water infrastructure evolving?

The future of water infrastructure is rooted in innovation. As we face climate change, population growth, and challenges like water scarcity and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, we’ll need resilient systems and smarter solutions. I foresee a greater reliance on data analytics, sustainable practices, and integrated water systems to meet these demands while ensuring long-term adaptability.

Tell us about an impactful project you’ve worked on.

The Konza Technopolis project in Kenya was truly impactful. This smart city initiative involved planning, designing, and implementing water, wastewater, power, and transportation infrastructure, all built on a sustainability framework. The challenge was immense, but the result—a model for sustainable, technology-driven urban development—was incredibly fulfilling.

What inspired you to join our firm?

I was drawn to this firm’s commitment to sustainability and innovative approaches to tackling water infrastructure challenges. Its forward-thinking mindset and dedication to making a difference align perfectly with my values and career aspirations.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m passionate about mentoring young professionals. Guiding aspiring engineers and project managers has been a consistent focus throughout my career. I believe mentoring is essential for the future of our industry, and it’s a responsibility I take to heart.