Angela Charles is the director of Charlotte Water and has been with the city more than 34 years. Charlotte Water is the largest public water and wastewater utility in the Carolinas, serving more than a million customers in the City of Charlotte and greater Mecklenburg County including the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius.

In this Fast Five edition, we interviewed Angela Charles and in honor of Black History Month, we asked a few extra questions.

Which part of the organization do you lead?

I am the director of Charlotte Water.

Why did you decide to work for the City of Charlotte?

I decided to apply to the City of Charlotte because I was told that the city had good benefits. My mother was also a public servant in another city.

What is the biggest organizational priority you're working on right now?

We have several organizational priorities. One of them is to complete the construction of a regional wastewater treatment facility in the western part of Mecklenburg County that will serve two cities in Gaston County along with parts of our county.

What is your favorite part about working for the City of Charlotte?

My favorite part of working for the city is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community.

What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

I don't have a single favorite restaurant. However, I prefer locally owned restaurants like Wing King, Piece of Havana and New Zealand Café.

Why is Black History Month important to you?

Black History month is important to me because I think it's healthy and encouraging to highlight the contributions African Americans have made to our society. I work in a field of very few minorities and my goal is to represent and honor those who have created a path for me and foster a path for those coming after me.

Who are some people that have inspired you?

I am inspired by my grandmother and parents. My paternal grandmother was given away to a family at nine years old and was in servitude until she married my grandfather. She had very little education but ensured that my father was college educated. I continue to be inspired by her story and others in my family who stressed the importance of getting an education or a skill. I am inspired because my grandmother invested in me and encouraged me to complete college, work hard and take advantage of what this country has to offer.