Can you share a moment when mentorship, sponsorship, or peer support made a meaningful difference in your career?

"Receiving an AWWA scholarship and Waste Management scholarships eased a lot of pressure and allowed me to focus on my classes instead of constantly worrying about how I would cover expenses as a single mother. I was able to graduate on time and step into the workforce ready to build a career. I was able to go off food assistance and, for the first time, have health insurance and retirement benefits. That stability meant security for our family."

Brenda Staudenmaier, Water & Wastewater Training Specialist, WI Rural Water Association

"I was being recruited by an engineering firm when I worked for a utility (I had not been actively seeking a new job), and asked for advice from our chief engineer on what to do (he is a well-known water works figure). He looked at me and said "GO." I took that advice--and had I not, I would not be where I am today (total butterfly effect in action)."

Kirsten King, Chief Executive Officer, New England Water Works Association, Inc.

"The AWWA Southeast Texas Chapter Women in Water group has been an invaluable support system. Having a network of women to openly discuss industry challenges with has made a meaningful difference in my professional growth. Our conversations remind me that many of us share similar struggles, and they continually encourage me to be more confident and to uplift and support others as well."

Susana Blauser Gonzalez, Client Service Manager, Houston Area Lead, Brown and Caldwell

"I've been fortunate to have several great mentors in my career. Bruce Jennings was a prime example of a humble leader. He was kind, respected by all who met him, and absolutely brilliant as an Engineer. He was both a division manager and company president during my time working with him. He didn't just lead. He taught, encouraged, and supported the next generation of Engineers professionally and personally."

Laura Leenderts, Project Manager, Outside Sales, DSG Supply

"The clearest one I can recall is when my mentor made an analogy of cyclic voltammetry to crossing the street: look in one direction first, then to the other direction and back to the first direction again. This applies to my own personal growth: project my goals for the next 3-5 years, look to past performance and then continue to make progress towards future goals."

Anonymous, Quality Audit Coordinator

"Throughout my career, mentorship and sponsorship from individuals I have met through professional organizations have been extremely meaningful to my career. My first leadership opportunities came in the form of two volunteer leadership positions at the American Water Works Association (AWWA). For both of those roles, senior women in the organization encouraged me to apply and their mentorship and sponsorship were critical in obtaining the roles."

Ashley Pifer, Director, Water/Wastewater, Halff

"A senior manager once told me something that stayed with me: people with big egos are often the weakest, and truly strong women stand out through their courage. Her words reminded me that resilience and authenticity matter far more than loudness — and that gave me real confidence in my own path."

Anonymous, Business Relationship Manager - Group Country Manager

"Early in my career, as I served as the assistant to the Director of Buildings & Grounds. When my director went on extended medical leave and ultimately did not return, I doubted whether I was ready to take on the leadership role. “I didn’t feel qualified,” I recall. “If my mentor hadn’t told me that if I didn’t submit a résumé, he would submit one for me, I never would have applied. That was over 20 years ago now. Unbelievable.” His push changed the trajectory of my career and showed me just how powerful a mentor’s belief can be."

Tessa Chilson, Director of Environmental & Fleet Services, Alliance for Empowerment

"The mentorship I received from participating in AWWEE's [Association of Women in Water, Energy & Environment] The Exchange program was great. I was able to be mentored by another woman professional and really focus on the actionable steps needed to advance my career.

Sponsorship received from AWWA and WEF allowed me to obtain additional certifications to become certified in the lab, as a operator, and obtain credentials ranging in safety and beyond. Including textbooks and additional training aids. The peer support I received from WEF's SYPC allowed me to make industry friends, advocate at the FLY IN in DC, see behind the scenes and get active in other WEF subcommittees."

Nadine Robertson, Project Leader, Veolia

"Yes, I was privileged to work for many bosses but working with my colleague Andrea Putz Cheng, PhD at the Chicago Department of Water Management was the most meaningful.  Together, we brought different prospectives that lead to innovation and change."

Irene Schild Caminer, Attorney, Caminer Law, LLC.  Previously was the general counsel to the Chicago Department of Water Management from 1997-2017

"I would not be where I am today without the sponsorship I received at one of my early jobs.  My sponsor taught me but whenever I had performed technical work, she made sure I had the opportunity to present that work to leadership and/or at conferences.  She encouraged me to stretch myself in leadership roles in volunteer organizations and advocated behind the scenes for me in those roles.

That early experience of learning to communicate clearly, lead meetings and groups of people, was invaluable as I advanced in my career.  Most importantly though, she taught me the value of being both highly ethical and very generous - she embodied the abundance mindset that I carry with me to this day."

Natalie Sierra, National Practice Leader, Solids and Energy, Brown and Caldwell

"I had a wonderful boss who had unlimited patience.  He always took time to teach others.  He was also good at examining a problem and working through it.  We used to say, 'What would Ron do?' instead of 'What would Jesus do?'"

Rebecca Sagers, Former Treatment Control Analyst, Administrative Assistant, City of Three Rivers WWTP

"Earlier in my career, I witnessed a pivotal shift at my agency when the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and several board members were all women. While the leadership landscape has since changed, that specific era was a 'proof of concept' for me.

Seeing the AGM lead with a quiet, firm intensity showed me that leadership doesn't have to be loud or strong to be effective; in fact, her composure was a strategic strength. That moment dismantled the internal barriers I had about what a leader should look like and proved that women could not only hold these spaces but excel in them. It gave me the permission I needed to pursue my own path."

Melody Bailey, Director of Water Resources, Mojave Water Agency

"Be intentional about finding a company that believes in developing its staff. I believe that has made all the difference in my career. Starting as an intern, I had mentors who challenged me, invested in my growth, and opened doors as I advanced into leadership."

Caroline Dunkel, Senior Data Analyst, SediVision

"I began my career in the late 1980’s, so I really never experienced that until the 21st century. My “arrival” was in 2025 used to being bullied on construction sites. The offending male was banned from the site within 36 hours. I had recovered within a couple of hours. Situation normal.

But the behavior truly bothered many of the men on site. I spent a lot of time that day, listening, consoling, shaping. It was the first time in over 35 years that an unacceptable behavior was addressed in 48 hours. The impact of that moment still takes my breath away."

Susan Spore, Managing Engineer (off the cuff I say “cat herder”), Brown and Caldwell

"My college advisor made a difference in my life and future career by telling me, "It never hurts to ask, the worst they can do is say 'no'".  He opened doors for me that would otherwise have remained closed.  I've leaned into that approach to life ever since and never regretted it."

Anonymous, Watershed Coordinator and drinking water plant Lab Directory

"Over the course of my career, I have had the good fortune to be a mentor to many people. It is most rewarding seeing them succeed as time goes on. When I was first starting out in my career, mentors were not exactly readily available, remember it was 35 years ago, so they needed to be sought out. Find someone who is succeeding and get with them in terms of being able to learn from them. Remember you are always part of the team, regardless of your title and level."

Anonymous, Executive Director

"Fifteen years ago a great friend and mentor looked at me and said I’ve got an opportunity at Arcadis I’d like you to consider. I said yes, and the rest is history, we remain dear friends and colleagues today and it’s difficult to imagine a day when we no longer work together."

Tanya McCoy-Caretti, North America Business Area Sales Director, Resilience Water, Arcadis

"Gosh that’s big, each one of my employees have a special kind of mentorship. For one I made sure each one that is in my company has to learn the business in and out! I really let them know how important it is to act like an owner they need to take ownership in all parts of the business — that’s what makes my business so successful! I have 10 employees and 5 have been with me for 10 plus years and they all started at a young age!"

Wendi Kramerpugh, Owner & Vice President, Pure Valley Water

"When I was part of shortlisted project team and we were at the client interview/presentation. The client actually gave an amazing compliment of me (I was to be the Project Manager /RE of the team) to all in attendance. We won that one!"

Doreen Bartoldus, Senior Client Director, Brown and Caldwell

"I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career, often because I actively sought them out. Simply inviting someone to coffee or lunch can open the door to learning from their experiences, and most people are happy to share their insights. I have also had sponsors who encouraged me to step into leadership opportunities and pursue new projects.

Peer support has been invaluable as well, especially when working through challenges. Having colleagues who can offer different perspectives often leads to better solutions."

Paula Hart, P.E., Principal/Owner, Hart Engineering, LLC

"I’m fortunate to work with a consultant who previously served as General Manager for our District. His passion and depth of knowledge continually inspire me to grow in my role. I value every opportunity to learn from him not only as a consultant, but as a mentor whose guidance has been truly impactful."

Claudia Sandoval, General Manager, Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District

"During a leadership transition within my company I was named acting GM.  Fear set in quickly and I tried to retreat.  A wizened Board Member told me I could absolutely do the job, and that I had basically already been doing it for some time. He said, 'just do it and you will see.' His belief that I was the right person made me pause and reassess myself.  Sometimes others see more in you than you see in yourself.  Sixteen years later I am still acting in action."

Cynthia Ellis, General Manager, Madison Suburban Utility District

"Honestly, too many to mention. My oldest daughter recently asked me why her dad and I have so many teams at work and I told her: 'It's because no one can accomplish anything by themselves.' And I genuinely believe that. I have never navigated a tough situation (or a very successful situation) alone."

Samantha Kepley, Principal of Project Management, Brown and Caldwell

"I worked for small firms with owners/principals that always treated me as a professional for over thirty years, that appreciated my hard work and dedication; and was given a lot of opportunities to work on a variety projects from start to finish and through construction. These mentors were inclusive and inspired great leadership qualities in their employees."

C Neisess, Associate Engineer, Stormwater Division, State DOT

"When I was starting DLDT back in 2010, I had a handful of mentors who really showed up for me. They did more than offer advice. They believed in the vision and became some of the very first supporters of what has grown into my life’s work.

Having people believe in my ideas and in my ability to lead them made all the difference. That early encouragement gave me the confidence and courage to keep going, even when things felt uncertain."

Erin Huber-Rosen, Executive Director and Founder, Drink Local Drink Tap

"My first manager could have dismissed me because I was not the strongest mechanically. Instead, he recognized the strengths I brought and created opportunities for me to use them while I built other skills. That support changed the trajectory of my career and gave me the confidence to grow into roles I might not have pursued otherwise."

Vanessa Kichline, Capital Project Facilitator, Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority

"My team of public works staff have rallied behind me throughout this stormwater journey.  They have schooled me, they have helped me, they have stood behind me and supported me.  When I have a problem, we solve it together. 

I ask for advice and they are ready and willing to do whatever to make it happen. The staff is always ready to help or correct something when needed, without question.  Having the right people in your corner is always helpful."

Lettice Brown, MS4 Coordinator, City of York

"We just finished a 3.5 million dollar grant funded project in 2024. My co-workers, board of directors, engineers and contractors worked so well together. There were frustrating days, but we were all supportive and uplifting daily trying to get through it. The hardest part was the customer complaint. We all came out of that project exhausted but so much closer."

Pamela Jarecki, General Manager, Lake of The Woods Mutual Water Company

"As a journalist on all topics related to water I have the opportunity to learn from the clean tech sector while also being faced with the crimes and atrocities that water is exposed to. What has made the difference is connecting with the brilliant minds who are creating first of a kind approaches in clean-tech with bio mimicry.  Nature is the greatest teacher."

Suzanne Forcese, Journalist, The WaterToday Media Group

"My Mother, Carol Russell started Water Treatment & Accessories, LLC and I began working with her when I was 27 years old. She was not only my Mom but a wonderful mentor. I learned so much working side by side just by listening to her on the phone with customers.

I learned not just the parts and products but most importantly how to forge relationships with our customers and not just in a business sense but by really caring and providing the best we can for them. She not only started Water Treatment & Accessories she also was the executive director for Eastern Water Quality Association for many years. Watching how driven she was and how she interacted with our customers inspired me and taught me valuable lessons. She and I ran the business for many years and were the ultraviolet gurus!

It felt empowering to be a woman owned dynamic duo business that we could be proud of. Years later she wanted to begin stepping back and retire so my brother stepped in and he and I became co-owners. Sadly, Mom passed in 2023, we are continuing her legacy and proud to say the business continues to grow. She was a force of nature, driving me to do my best, teaching values and morals and at the same time teaching how to run a successful business!"

Laura Witmer, Co-owner, Water Treatment & Accessories, LLC

"My coworkers taught me to weld, and that was really cool!"

Katy Langston, Wastewater / Water Operator, City of Palmer, Alaska

"Mentorship doesn’t always look like formal coaching. Sometimes it looks like your team carrying you when you can’t carry them. On New Year’s Day, my mom passed away. I stepped away from work — not as the Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations — but as a daughter. What impacted me most wasn’t a formal leadership lesson or a strategic plan. It was my crew.

They checked on me. They worried about me. They handled the department in my absence without drama, without escalation, without ego. They trusted the systems we’ve built. They trusted each other. And they trusted that I would come back. Some of them have jokingly called me ‘the buffer’ over the years — the one who absorbs pressure, translates expectations, and keeps things steady.

During that time, I realized something powerful: They had become that for me. That is peer support. That is sponsorship in action. That is culture. Leadership isn’t proven when you’re present and directing traffic. It’s proven when you’re gone — and everything still works. Their strength during one of the hardest seasons of my life reminded me that mentorship flows both directions. We build people — and if we do it right — they build us back when we need it most. I will never forget that."

Angela G Walker, Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations, Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission

"I'll give a plug for AWWA's Transformative Water Leadership Academy and AWWA in general!  Get involved with your professional association and join a committee."

Anonymous, Laboratory Director

"One of the most meaningful examples of mentorship in my career happened when I immigrated to the United States. Back home I had held an executive role, but here I started over — as a water treatment plant operator trainee. I was eager to learn, and I was paired with the plant’s senior operator: crusty, set in his ways, and incredibly capable. Many people struggled with his style, but I listened closely, followed his guidance, and treated his experience with respect.

We didn’t agree on everything — I asked questions and occasionally challenged his reasoning — but I learned that honest dialogue works best when it’s grounded in respect. Over time, he became my mentor, my friend, and a steady touchstone in my career. Within two years I became the plant supervisor — his boss — yet our partnership only grew stronger because we valued what each other brought to the table. The takeaway I carry with me is simple: to earn respect, you must first give it."

Luiza Yordanova, Water Plants Manager, City of Yuma Utilities Department

"The Operations Director of a large utility district offered me mentorship.  He gave me advice to advance my water career. He felt I had great potential and fueled my drive to achieve needed certifications and experience."

Michelle Perkins, Wastewater Superintendent/Water & Distribution Operator, Tuolumne Utilities District

"I wouldn't say I had a formal mentor or sponsor, but peer support has made a real difference. Over the years, I've stayed in touch with lab managers at other utilities, and we look out for each other. If someone has a question or is working through a problem, we reach out. The folks at the Department of Health are the same way. They genuinely welcome your questions because it shows you're not hiding anything. That network matters.

It also reinforced something I've come to believe strongly: relationships are everything in this industry. The water community in the Pacific Northwest is small. People know each other, people talk. Building good relationships throughout your career isn't just personally rewarding. It has real professional consequences too, in ways that can help you or hurt you down the road."

Emilia Blake, Water Quality Lab Analyst, Skagit Public Utility District

"When I started working as a receptionist in a plumbing supply my boss made sure I invited to all the trainings and dinners with customers and vendors which made me a lot more valuable to our customers."

Anonymous, Inside Salesperson

"Yes, there was a pivotal moment during my doctoral research when mentorship made a meaningful difference. My academic background is rooted in analytical modeling, regression analysis, and machine learning approaches. However, in the early stages of applying these methods to water quality assessment, I initially viewed them as purely technical tools.

Through discussions with a mentor, I began to see the deeper connection between data-driven modeling and real-world water management challenges. I realized that regression models and AI algorithms were not just mathematical frameworks — they were decision-support tools that could strengthen monitoring systems and improve environmental protection.

That shift in perspective helped me integrate my analytical training more effectively into the water domain. It transformed my work from being method-focused to impact-focused, and it strengthened my confidence in contributing meaningfully to interdisciplinary water research."

Monireh Khayat, AI & Water Quality Researcher (PhD Candidate), Azad University, South Tehran branch, Industrial faculty