Tag Archive for: Women in Water Conference

Women in Water Conference Sells Out For Second Year in 2025

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The popular Women in Water Conference achieved a sellout for its second straight year with its eighth annual full-day event on March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College.

The in-person event welcomed high school and college students, along with industry veterans. Under this year’s theme, “Riding Your Career Wave,” attendees took advantage of the opportunity to network and learn from peers and leaders in the water industry.

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Now in its eighth year, the Women In Water Conference continues to grow and build its reputation as a vital resource for water and wastewater industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“It’s been very organic the way it’s grown,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a management analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority. “People hear about it, and they talk about it.

“One thing we really try to do is have every speaker tell their own story. No matter what topic they’re speaking to, everybody has a story. How did you get to where you are? It makes it more personal, and you can connect more with them,” said Rose.

Presenters and Topics For All Career Levels

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talk about advancing in your career at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager Kimberly Thorner talks about career advancement at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Speakers represented multiple disciplines, discussing a variety of topics from the water industry’s history in San Diego County to current career opportunities and career paths. Rose said the Women In Water Conference works hard to have something for everyone.

“We try to touch on what’s going on and what’s relevant at that time. What are we going through as a community? What would be of interest to us? What are we missing? We want to have topics that touch a variety of levels, but touch everyone as a woman, so that when they leave, they feel connected and they feel like a part of something,” said Rose.

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants visited displays and talked to member agencies and other organizations about employment opportunities, including the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Presenters represented the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District and Santa Margarita Water District.

Panel discussions included “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges”, “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions” and a review of the county’s current potable reuse programs, including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority Principal Water Resources Specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region's water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, San Diego County Water Authority principal water resources specialist, talked with conference attendees about the San Diego region’s water history. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Seevani Bista, a principal water resources specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, presented a popular session to start the day, discussing the San Diego region’s water history.

“A lot of people assume that everybody in the water industry knows that, but many don’t,” said Rose. “There’s quite an interesting history here in San Diego, and it’s something that connects all of us there, how water was first brought to San Diego. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to start the day.”

Positive Feedback From Participants

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference participants have offered positive feedback about the programs at the 2025 Women In Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Positive feedback is already being received and will help guide next year’s event. Among the comments:

“I felt honored to participate and be a part of this special event, which showcases the accomplishments of women and where we can grow.”

“This event highlights women’s collective power to make changes in the water industry, despite the climate on the outside, and we can speak to the things that are left unsaid and inspire those in the future.”

Wide Diversity In Career Opportunities

Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Lisa Marie Harris, CFO and Director of Finance for the San Diego County Water Authority, was among the featured speakers at the 2025 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

(L to R) Women in Water committee members Vicki Quiram, Senior Consultant, MKN (recently retired General Manager of Carlsbad Municipal Water District); Vanessa Murrell, Center for Water Studies, Cuyamaca College; Maria Rose and Karla Sanchez, San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

8th Annual Women in Water Conference Schedule Announced

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The popular Women in Water Symposium has set its return for 2025 with a full-day event on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Cuyamaca College. Registration is now open.

This inclusive event welcomes everyone from high school and college students to seasoned industry veterans. It offers the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and gain insights from knowledgeable speakers. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

The 2025 Women in Water Conference theme is "Riding the Career Wave."

The 2025 Women in Water Conference theme is “Riding the Career Wave.”

This year’s program theme is “Riding Your Career Wave.” Speakers from a wide variety of disciplines at all levels will discuss career opportunities and paths.

Participating presenters confirmed to date represent the San Diego County Water Authority, City of Oceanside, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Hoch Consulting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District.

Aspiring student water and wastewater professionals are encouraged to attend the 2024 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Aspiring student water and wastewater professionals are encouraged to attend the 2024 Women in Water Symposium. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“Our Women in Water Symposium brings together exceptional women from throughout the region, including those who currently work in the water industry, as well as those who are interested in joining,” said event chairperson Maria Rose, a San Diego County Water Authority management analyst.

“This annual symposium offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and to network with our peers and leaders from throughout San Diego County.”

Career discussions address varied experience levels

A career discussion session at the 2024 Women in Water Conference. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

A career discussion session at the 2024 Women in Water Symposium. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Planned sessions address career development and transitions,  improving communication skills, and breaking through work stagnation.

Panel discussion topics include “Silent Currents: Things Left Unsaid in the Workplace,” “Riding the Waves of Leadership: Navigating Executive-Level Challenges,” “Beneath the Surface: A Day in the Life of Unseen but Essential Positions,” and a review of the county’s current Potable Reuse Programs including Pure Water San Diego, Pure Water Oceanside, and East County Advanced Water Purification Project.

The conference starts with a newly added networking session, which takes place during check-in from 8 to 10 a.m., as requested by previous attendees. It replaces the reception time after the conference at the end of the day.

General admission is $40. Attendance is free for students, educators, and counselors. Event registration is available online.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women in Water Conference on Thursday, March 20 at Cuyamaca College. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women in Water Symposium at Cuyamaca College on Thursday, March 20. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“Our sessions provide essential training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support women at every stage of their careers. Join us in empowering women to reach their full potential across diverse roles, from engineering to management and beyond,” said Rose.

Event details and updates are posted on the Cuyamaca College Center for Water Studies website.

Wide diversity in career opportunities

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.

Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl’s keynote address focused on the sixth annual conference theme, “Building Resilience In Post-Pandemic Times.” Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Diversity, Inclusion Key Themes at Women in Water Symposium

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl delivered an inspiring keynote address at the 2023 Women in Water Symposium at Cuyamaca College. The conference was not held at the college in 2021 or 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. And Kerl’s address focused on the sixth annual conference theme, “Building Resilience In Post-Pandemic Times.”

At the March 29 symposium, Kerl shared insights and lessons from leading the Water Authority during the coronavirus pandemic. One lesson was learning how to do business in a different way while still meeting the Water Authority’s essential mission.

“We need talent, knowledge, and fresh ideas from a wide range of people with a wide range of perspectives and life experiences and that is how we navigate a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world,” said Kerl.

Women In Water Symposium participants applauded Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl's keynote remarks about workforce diversity and resilience. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Women In Water Symposium participants applauded Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl’s keynote remarks about workforce diversity and resilience. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Conference organizers planned this year’s conference program to help attendees realign their focus following several years of unprecedented challenges. The goal is to give attendees tools and insights to help them navigate the new normal in the industry through both programming and career networking opportunities.

Diversity and resilience

Today, said Kerl, new norms and a changing work culture remain. Among the benefits are an increased sense of collaboration, a recognition of the importance of human connection, and the importance of workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kerl noted that resilient teams are diverse teams.

The Water Authority began efforts to survey its workforce before the pandemic. Rather than stalling the effort, it accelerated the work process.

“We had the opportunity to have conversations with people across the organization to work on those issues. From my standpoint, to be able to accomplish this work now and in the future, we need a diverse workforce. We need everybody coming to the workplace with their full selves. We need to empower our employees to reach their potential, whatever that may be,” said Kerl, drawing appreciative applause from the audience.

Water industry careers offer meaningful community impact

Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl emphasized the value of diverse workforce teams, and of bringing your "full selves" to the workplace. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl emphasized the value of diverse workforce teams, and of bringing your “full selves” to the workplace. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Kerl said she was drawn to a career in water because it allowed her to make the most meaningful impact on her community. “To me, there’s really no higher mission than being responsible for delivering critical, life-affirming water for our families and businesses,” she said.

She encouraged women to pursue water industry jobs at all levels, from engineering to management. The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit think tank, reports that in the United States, women currently represent only 15% of the water workforce.

Water industry opportunities

“We’ve all faced a lot of uncertainty through the pandemic, but that has helped each of us develop resilience in big ways and small…. and now we can leverage that by courageously moving into uncharted territories – whether that’s a new project, a new position, or even a new career in the water industry,” added Kerl.

Kerl says thankfully it’s changing. Forty percent of the Water Authority’s workforce are women, and more than half its department heads. It takes raising awareness about opportunities in the industry.

“As we raise awareness about opportunities in our industry, through this forum and others, we can attract more women to the rewarding work we do,” said Kerl. “I view this Symposium as the next step in nurturing a new generation of water professionals.”

Work for Water

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $74,590, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For the first time since 2020, the Women In Water Conference returns to Cuyamaca College on March 29. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Women in Water Conference Fosters Workforce Diversity

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl is the keynote speaker at the 2023 Women in Water Conference at Cuyamaca College Wednesday, March 29. This year’s theme is “Building Resilience In Post-Pandemic Times.” Kerl’s remarks will focus on the conference theme of building career resilience in a new post-pandemic work environment.

The conference starts at 11 a.m. followed by a reception and professional networking at The Water Conservation Garden from 5 to 7 p.m.

Conference topics include interview tips; advocating for needs in the workplace; working with diverse teams of differing personalities; and becoming a leader of influence and change. Participants can have a professional headshot taken at the start of the conference and visit exhibit booths featuring organizations from the industry.

This year’s conference is designed to help attendees realign their focus following several years of unprecedented challenges. The goal is to provide the tools and insights to help them navigate the new normal in the industry through both programming and career networking opportunities.

Conference topics address varied experience levels

Women In Water Conference attendees will have opportunities to network with water industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The conference opens with a panel discussion about career opportunities for women in the water and wastewater industry.

Each of the afternoon’s breakout sessions offers three specific career level tracks to address needs at each level: entry level for individuals new to water industry careers; people looking for career advancement; and established professionals interested in honing their leadership skills and advocating for workforce diversity.

Lunch, refreshments, and parking are included in the $25 general fee. Registration is free for students. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Register here.

Wide range of career opportunities

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Since 2017, the Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” campaign has highlighted nearly 200 employees in San Diego County across multiple water agencies and job types.

The informational campaign is designed to introduce the wide variety of career opportunities available at all skill levels with an emphasis on welcoming a wide-ranging talent pool of candidates including women.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $74,590, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Women In Water Conference Showcases Career Opportunities

/in , /by /Water News Networkby Ed Joyce Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority
Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

More than 200 people explored career opportunities in the water and wastewater industry at the third annual Women in Water Symposium Thursday at Cuyamaca College.

The conference’s goal this year was to create a community of people with the interest and aptitude to take on what were previously considered non-traditional careers.

Speakers at the conference shared their personal experiences working in the water industry and offered tips for young professionals.

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Event Featuring Women Working in the Field of Water Coming This Week

/in , /by /San Diego Union-Tribuneby Karen Pearlman

RANCHO SAN DIEGO — Shauna Lorance knows more than a drop about a career in the water and wastewater industry.

Lorance worked in several executive management positions for the San Juan Water District for 20 years, for the Monterey County Water Resources Agency as its interim general manager, and was a consultant for several other water districts in the state before being named the city of San Diego’s Public Utilities Director last August.

Lorance will be the keynote speaker at the third annual Women in Water Symposium, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 16, at Cuyamaca College. The event is free for students and $35 for others. It will be followed by a tour of the Water Conservation Garden, adjacent to the school.

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Workforce Diversity Focus of ‘Women in Water’ Conference

/in , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority
Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

Career opportunities for women in the water and wastewater industry at every level are the focus of the third annual Women in Water Symposium January 16 at Cuyamaca College.

Vanessa Murrell, grant manager for the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, said the conference’s goal in its third year is to create a community of people with the interest and aptitude to take on what were previously considered non-traditional careers.

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