08/18/2026
PDP IN FOCUS: Katrina Thomas-Shaw
Social Work Supervisor, Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC)
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis
August 18 is a day worth celebrating twice for Katrina Thomas-Shaw: it marks both her birthday and her anniversary with the PDP, where she began her career on August 18, 2014. Before then, she had not realized that social workers were employed in corrections – but 12 years later, she has found her calling.
After spending her first decade at CFCF, Mrs. Thomas-Shaw was promoted to Social Work Supervisor in 2024. At PICC, she supervises social work staff, supports reentry efforts and programming, and helps ensure incarcerated individuals receive the services and support they need. Eight months after her promotion, Mrs. Thomas-Shaw’s hard work was recognized with the Social Work Supervisor of the Year award.
For Thomas-Shaw, the most rewarding part of the job is helping others. With more than 22 years in the social services field, she believes in showing up, being consistent and, as she puts it, “meeting people where they are.” She takes pride in knowing the people she serves: remembering their names and personal details, and recognizing when something has changed.
Her commitment to service extends beyond the PDP. Outside of work, Mrs. Thomas-Shaw spent 13 years as a block captain, following the example of her maternal grandmother, and believes in giving back to the community. She also enjoys gardening, giving her father and grandfather credit for her “green thumb.”
As we close this profile of Katrina Thomas-Shaw on her birthday and work anniversary, one more reason for celebration must be highlighted: on June 6 of this year, she married Cecil Shaw, a PDP Social Work Service Manager II. After more than a decade of service to others, Katrina enters this new chapter with plenty to celebrate, both personally and professionally.
