How has working in the water sector shaped your perspective on leadership, service, or impact?

"Working in the water sector has reshaped my perspective on leadership as a shared responsibility rooted in service and long-term impact. I’ve seen firsthand that creating lasting, sustainable change in water access and quality is never the result of one organization or one leader, it requires collective commitment.

True leadership in this space means bringing together organizations at every level, empowering the people who power this sector, and aligning around a common goal. When we collaborate with intention and keep communities at the center of our work, we can build a future where everyone can rely on safe, accessible, and dependable water."

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

"Just because someone is a supervisor or superintendent does not mean they are smarter or superior."

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

"Working in an industry dominated by white males has shaped how I move with confidence and sense of my belonging in this industry."

Pat Lindsay-Harvey, Commissioner and Board Chair, Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority

"I was unfamiliar with the water sector before I started this position. I have learned a lot from water characteristics, rules and regulations, public works responsibilities, municipal government characteristics, and the other side of the public eye. 

I understand both sides, if you will. I see the frustration of the public but I also see the stress of public work staff.  Being a leader in a sector provides that "both sides approach" and problem solving to try to make everyone happy. Being able to help others is also a great responsibility as an industry leader."

Lettice Brown, MS4 Coordinator, City of York

"Working in the water sector is a valuable and gratifying public service.  It provides a sense of purpose while witnessing the positive impact it offers the community."

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

"Early in my career, I learned that you can be firm without being harsh, direct without being disrespectful, and compassionate without being weak. Supervising operators, managing infrastructure, writing SOPs, and making operational decisions requires both backbone and balance.

This industry needs women who: •Think critically •Care about environmental stewardship •Lead with integrity Build teams, not silos.

Mentors matter. Professional groups matter. Other women in water matter. Collaboration is how we grow stronger utilities and stronger careers. The water industry isn’t just pipes and plants. It’s public health. It’s environmental protection. It’s resilience. It’s legacy work."

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

"One of the most important lessons in leadership in the water sector is to prioritize environmental stewardship in order to provide clean sustainable water, the key to life."

C Neisess, Associate Engineer, Stormwater Division, State DOT

"Unfortunately, I've had three toxic foremen in a row, so I'm leaving the industry soon, because I'm seeing a pattern. This wasn't just my perspective. The bosses I've had were objectively toxic according to modern psychology, and all of my coworkers always agreed.

The only place I could have made it work was when the utility director had my back and told the foreman to back off. That was a good job, but I ended up moving to a different state and haven't had the same support from higher up."

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

"Working in the water sector gave me a new perspective on how important the work we do as engineers. The future depends on the work we do now."

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

"Working in the water sector completely reshaped how I think about leadership, service, and impact. I began my career in chemical manufacturing, and I’m grateful for that technical foundation — but when I moved into water, something shifted. It stopped feeling like “a job” and started feeling like a calling.

In water, the product isn’t a commodity — it’s public health, dignity, and daily life. Every decision touches families, hospitals, schools, and the resilience of an entire community. That perspective changes how you lead. It makes you more accountable, more people-focused, and more committed to doing things the right way — especially when no one is watching. 

For me, leadership in water means serving first: supporting the operators and teams who keep systems running 24/7, investing in training, and building a culture that prioritizes safety, reliability, and trust. The impact is real — and it’s why this work matters."

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

"It is my passion. Water for people … all of them."

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

"It has shaped my sense of service most of all. The work we do in water quality and treatment has a direct impact on the community. Not just on my family and me, but on every person who turns on a tap.

When there are no complaints, you know you've done your job well. But it's quiet work. Most people never think about where their water comes from or what it takes to make it safe. Someone once told me that water quality sampling is the most boring job and the most important job, and I think that's exactly right.

That combination keeps me grounded. It reminds me that doing things correctly, following protocols without shortcuts, and staying current on emerging contaminants like PFAS isn't just professional diligence. It's a responsibility to the people we serve."

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

"The public sector moves very slowly and there is a lot we get wrong."

Anonymous, Laboratory Director

"Water like people, should not be taken for granted.  Working in the water sector reminds me that the stakes are real, for the long term, and deepens my commitment to ethics and transparency.  Working in an industry where decisions impact entire communities sharpens judgment and builds measured, thoughtful leadership under pressure.

Leading in that space demands strategic vision, patience, and sustainability. In the water industry we plan beyond political cycles, budgets, and short-term wins to protect the generations ahead of us. 

Transparency, compliance, and accountability aren’t optional.  I learned to work within the regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, engineering constraints, environmental compliance, and public scrutiny in a steady manner that required persistence, thoroughness, and the ability to bring together different stakeholders such as engineers, lawyers, legislators, contractors, regulators, and communities."

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

"I enjoy getting customers what they need and providing an important service in the water industry."

Anonymous, Inside Salesperson

"Working in the Mojave Desert region has taught me that water leadership is, at its core, an act of stewardship. Because water is a finite and vital resource here, my perspective has evolved into one of Servant Leadership.

To lead in this sector is to serve the long-term viability of our community. It’s about moving beyond the technical data to understand that every drop we manage or recharge is a direct contribution to the sustainability and security of the people we serve. My impact isn’t defined by my title, but by the health of the resources I leave behind for the next generation."

Melody Bailey, Director of Water Resources, Mojave Water Agency

"I came to this industry with a background in hospitality. As a result, I thought I understood service and leadership on a high level, but working in the water sector has shown me how rewarding serving one’s local community can truly be.

Nearly every day I encounter members of the community looking to us for solutions or answers. Being the person to make a positive impact on their water, a vital aspect of life, has given me a renewed respect for the meaning and impact of service."

Rachel Smith, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, FCG DWSU

"Leadership in water is about stewardship. When we know better, we have a responsibility to do better, especially in an industry that directly affects public health and trust, and everyone’s future."

Caroline Dunkel, Senior Data Analyst, SediVision

"You are only passing through, and time flies.  Don't get too caught up in your position title.  I certainly know that I could never do this job a day without those around me, the highly qualified people who make my oversight such a pleasure and a success. 

Be present, be connected, be of good character and err on the side of empathy and good.  Things will generally work out and if not, then you have attorneys to help you thru the scrapes of work life."

Cynthia Ellis, General Manager, Madison Suburban Utility District

"Working in this field has allowed me to better assess the quality of the water coming out of my tap compared to other places and to pay more attention to my own household water consumption."

Anonymous, Quality Audit Coordinator

"Being involved in the water sector for 20 years has impacted my view on what type of leaders are needed to ensure future success. We need vibrant, enthusiastic and competent leaders now more than ever.

With regulatory changes, changes in public perspective, an aging operator workforce and lack of water infrastructure funding, the next generation of water leaders are going to have to think outside of the box to keep this profession moving forward and preserve the safety of our drinking water supplies."

Amy Finch, Business Unit Leader (General Manager), WhiteWater, Inc.

"It has defined my journey.  It has connected me to every person, plant, animal and bug.  We all  have a purpose here on the third rock from the sun -- because we are connected by all things water."

Suzanne Forcese, Journalist, The WaterToday Media Group

"Working in the water sector has shown me that regulatory compliance does not always equal safe. Some utilities have public relations staff who confidently promote their water as safe and healthy, when in reality it only meets the minimum regulatory requirements. Science and safety often move faster than regulations, and this gap has shaped my perspective on leadership.

True leadership means looking beyond compliance and advocating for practices that genuinely protect public health, even when it is more challenging or unpopular."

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

"Working in the water sector has shaped how I view leadership as a responsibility to serve something larger than ourselves. Water sits at the intersection of public health, environmental protection, community resilience, and industrial reliability, and that perspective keeps me grounded in purpose."

Tammy Richard, Chief Marketing Officer, Atlantium Technologies

"Working in the water sector shaped my perspective on service before self because I understand the part I play every day in ensuring public health. Water is the most essential resource on the planet, and I do not take it for granted considering the conditions some countries face.

Taking a leadership approach in educating the local community on watershed, water conservation, treatment plant tours etc. allows me to be a leader, servant, and make a lasting impact for future water stewards."

Nadine Robertson, Project Leader, Veolia

"Having been working for over 32 years when I joined the water industry and having had various leadership roles in the past, this role hasn't necessarily changed my perspective as much as it has opened my eyes to the challenges faced in the this industry."

Anonymous, Executive Director

"The water works field serves ALL — throughout my career it has fostered a sense of pride for the profession, beginning as a public servant working for a utility, and now in my role as an association professional. What our people do MATTERS. It has an impact, daily. Without water works professionals, society as we know it would not exist. To say we serve to make an impact is an understatement."

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

"Embracing the concept of sustainability was a turning point for me — not just in how we use materials and energy, but in how we lead. Learning to practice sustainable leadership has been one of the most meaningful impacts of my work in the water sector."

Anonymous, Business Relationship Manager - Group Country Manager

"Working in the water sector has shaped my understanding of leadership as a form of service. Water is directly connected to public health, ecosystems, and community resilience.

Through applying AI and data-driven models to water quality monitoring, I have learned that leadership means ensuring technology supports transparency, better decisions, and long-term sustainability. True impact happens when science is translated into practical solutions that protect communities and natural resources."

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

"I have never been more proud to be in the water sector.  I lead my team with the same thought.  I am proud of the hard work they put in and created a monthly newsletter to showcase all the work that happens at the plant and pump stations."

Kelly Devlin, Operations - Chemical Treatment Supervisor

"Working in the water industry, there is an underlying commitment to the communities we serve.  We aren't just part of the process to bring quality drinking water to homes, we are able to provide solutions that minimize operational expenses and maximize the value of the finished product. We have a responsibility to look out for the tax-payers and end users that finance projects and day-to-day operations."

Laura Leenderts, Project Manager, Outside Sales, DSG Supply

"Working for and supporting public sector/local government is like a calling. So many have spent entire careers here, not for fame and fortune, and not because the private sector didn’t come calling, but because they have an overwhelming desire to give back and create a better environment for generations to come."

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

"From middle school I was focused on doing something for the environment so working in the water sector has answered that calling. Starting with my degree, at the time a civil and environmental degree, then moving into construction of all types of water facilities locally and nationally. To a Masters in Sustainable Business. I feel this water industry is critical infrastructure for our world."

Doreen Bartoldus, Senior Client Director, Brown and Caldwell

"When I started in this field it was because I wanted to do something positive for the environment, but now I have the broader perspective of serving people as well, with respect to the communities we seek to serve.  Our work builds healthy communities by providing jobs, clean water and air, and educational opportunities."

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

"Working in the water sector has completely reshaped my perspective on leadership and service. Knowing that an entire community depends on such a vital natural resource has made me more intentional and responsible in how I approach daily operations. Understanding the importance of managing and conserving water has strengthened my commitment to lead with purpose, awareness, and a deep sense of stewardship."

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

"Utilities are taken for granted when they work well and criticized when there are service interruptions or cost increases. I've gotten more comfortable with not always being liked. If I know a decision was careful, informed, and in the best interest of the system, I can feel good about it even when others disagree."

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

"The work we do directly improves the lives of people in our communities. Whether we are improving the quality of the water we drink or reducing flooding risks in neighborhoods, our projects make a real difference in improving lives. Often this work goes unnoticed unless something goes wrong, which makes it even more important to approach it with care and responsibility."

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

“'I need to be a leader that I would want to work for.' That means providing high quality water to the customers, staying committed to continuous learning, and always asking whether there is a better way to complete the task at hand. Just as importantly, I want to emphasize fostering growth in your team."

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

"I have found that being a woman these days do matter it’s the time and knowledge you put in yourself! Nothing just happens you have to invest in you! Be open to change because you have the ability to make a difference in the people and your team! It’s like Nike says Just Do It! Has been my moto!"

Wendi Kramerpugh, Owner & Vice President, Pure Valley Water

"I started my career not realizing how rewarding it would be to work in the public sector and to serve the community. I just wanted to be an Engineer and build things. But over the course of 25 years, I have found that providing an essential service such as water to the community is very fulfilling."

Divya Agrawalla, Principal Civil Engineer

"Water is a huge component of our everyday lives. There is always something that happens that is not what you had planned. Moving on to how do we fix it rather then laying blame is the best way to deal with the situation and then always have a decompression afterwards on what could be done differently in the future."

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