Sweetwater Authority held its San Diego Women in Water meeting at is Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant on Aug. 14. Co-sponsored by the Authority, Otay Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and Olivenhain Municipal Water District, the event brought more than 150 water professionals and elected officials together to share ideas and connect with industry professionals.
Guest speaker Dr. Maria-Elana Giner, P.E., shared her career journey that led her to be appointed by President Joe Biden as Commissioner of the United States International Boundary Commission in 2021. Giner is the second woman, and first Latina, to hold this position. Attendees were also provided with an in-depth tour of the Authority’s treatment facility, given and insider-look at the agency’s operations.
“The Board was honored to host yesterday’s Women in Water event, which supports women’s leadership and professional development in this essential industry,” said Board Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez in a press release. “By bringing together a diverse group of water professionals, we deepen our industry relationships and foster innovation and collaboration in addressing water issues throughout the region.”
San Diego Women in Water is organized by the California-Nevada American Water Works Association Women’s Leadership Committee, which was formed with the goal to develop a supportive platform for water professionals.