Throughout the month of March, WQP is sharing Q&A’s with outstanding women in the water quality industry in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Get to know fabulous women in water as they share their background, accomplishments, passions and more, and join us in celebration of their voices. Meet Nichole Pennisi, Metsorb business manager for Graver Technologies.
Read other 2022 WQP Women in Water Q&As:
- Meet Jennifer Diener of Pentair
- Meet Blanca Salgado of DuPont
- Meet Emily Watkins of Jason’s Water Systems
How did you become involved in the water industry?
I started my water career with a part-time job analyzing water samples for a small industrial/commercial water treatment company in the early 90s. From there, I moved into a chemist position in R&D and applications with Graver Technologies (still industrial water applications initially) that morphed into a similar role focused on drinking water and then into business management within the same (MetSorb) group.
What are some of your accomplishments you are most proud of?
I love that we help provide safe drinking water for so many people. I have had the opportunity to work on design and installation of projects from small in-home systems to commercial sized systems in schools and small communities all the way through large municipal systems serving thousands of people domestically, as well as internationally. Throughout my water journey, I have worked with some brilliant scientists and engineers and am honored to be a co-inventor on four U.S. patents for water treatment products.
How can mentorship play a role in elevating women in leadership? Has mentorship influenced you?
The simplest way is through role modeling effective, successful leadership skills. Helping to create a supportive network is another way. Mentorship (as both a mentee and a mentor) has absolutely shaped the scientist, water advocate, person that I am.
What's your "why water"? What drives you about your work?
Making a difference.
Who are you when you close the laptop? A hidden talent or hobby when not working?
A wife, mom, grandmother, life-long student. Avid SCUBA diver because....water!
What piece of media (books, TV shows, movies, games, podcasts, etc.) has had the greatest impact on you in the past 12 months?
Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb."
