LIVONIA, MICH. – Debra Pospiech ’95, a graduate of Madonna University’s Paralegal Studies program, has emerged as a leading advocate for water accessibility and affordability in Michigan and beyond, transforming her career from a stay-at-home mother to an influential voice in water policy.
During her seven-year tenure as General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), Pospiech played a pivotal role in developing Detroit’s innovative Lifeline Plan, which has helped nearly 30,000 households maintain water service.
“I attended numerous public meetings and heard the stories of families struggling with their water, sewerage, and stormwater bills. I was moved by their stories,” Pospiech said. Working with DWSD Director Gary Brown, she helped craft and implement the Lifeline Plan, which caps water bills at 1.8% of average household income across three tiers, while also providing debt forgiveness and funding for water-conserving plumbing repairs.
Pospiech’s journey began at Madonna University, where she found the foundation for her future success in the paralegal program. “The number one benefit of my education at Madonna is that it gave me the groundwork and confidence to progress in my education and career,” she reflected. “I was a stay-at-home mother of two who knew I was a top-notch secretary, but that was not enough of a challenge for me.”
After Madonna, Pospiech went on to earn her law degree from Wayne State University. Her career path included experience in private practice and work with the City of Detroit before her role at DWSD.
Currently, Pospiech is working on state legislation that would establish Michigan as a national leader in water affordability programs. The proposed bills would create a sustainable funding source for affordability programs and set parameters for a statewide initiative modeled after Detroit’s successful Lifeline Plan.
Her advocacy extends to the federal level, where she recently attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. There, she and the Director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department met with members of Congress to advocate for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
“Ironically, there are similar laws for heating and cooling utilities at the national level which have been in place for decades, yet we don’t have a similar program for water – which is more vital to supporting life than heating or cooling,” Pospiech noted.
What makes her work particularly meaningful is the evolution of relationships with community advocates. “The water access advocates who previously protested outside our office building are now my partners in drafting and promoting legislation crafted by an unprecedented, diverse group of stakeholders who all share a common goal of helping families in need – whether it is because of generational poverty or a temporary family crisis,” she said.
The pending state legislation will be the first of its kind in the nation, establishing requirements for water providers and creating a model for other states to follow. At the federal level, Pospiech continues to advocate for sustained appropriations to support water payment assistance programs, building on the understanding gained during the COVID-19 pandemic about the vital importance of water access for public health.
Like Debra Pospiech, you can transform your career through Madonna University's Paralegal Studies program. Our ABA-approved program provides the foundation for success in law, public policy, and beyond.
