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IT’S A WRAP! The second cohort of Educate 2 Lead (E2L) concluded with two powerful days of leadership development, reflection, and celebration—bringing together leaders committed to strengthening California’s water and energy sectors through community-centered leadership. * Leadership & Beloved Community: Speakers explored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equity, and interconnectedness, emphasizing leadership rooted in compassion, collaboration, and collective fulfillment. *Skill Building & Application: Participants developed Leadership Development Plans from their LeAD assessments and presented capstone projects applying leadership strategies to real organizational challenges. *Community & Celebration: Inspiring panels, career pathway discussions, and a graduation ceremony celebrated the cohort’s growth and commitment to advancing resilient teams and meaningful change. #Educate2Lead #WaterLeadership #BelovedCommunity #DiverseLeadership #cawater

Leaders of California, Arizona and Nevada are criticizing the Trump administration’s proposals for water cutbacks along the Colorado River, urging ... Read More latimes.com/environment/st… #cawater

A great opportunity at @CA_DWR! Graduate Student Assistant Position: The student will primarily support Basin Characterization Program activities, including using Python, GIS, and AI to analyze and integrate datasets, develop maps and models, and assist with data management and visualization. If you know any master’s or PhD students—or professors working in groundwater-related fields—please feel free to share the posting. calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jo… #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Graduate 💫 Juan Zamorano, Maintenance Supervisor, @IEUAwater Juan C. Zamorano serves as Maintenance Supervisor at Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Regional Wastewater Recycling Plant No. 1, where for the past six years he has directed scheduling and oversight of electrical and instrumentation work while partnering with engineering staff on major capital projects. With more than 14 years of experience in wastewater maintenance and electrical construction, his expertise spans Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, equipment installation, and facility upgrades. Licensed as a general electrician in California, he also holds advanced certifications in wastewater electrical and instrumentation and in control systems. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Juan served nine years—three and a half on active duty—and earned two Purple Hearts during his 2006 deployment to Iraq. His leadership philosophy, shaped by both military and professional service, centers on empowering and supporting his team of technicians to deliver reliable results. An immigrant and first-generation professional, he lives in Redlands with his wife and daughter, driven by the mission of protecting community health and safety through clean, efficient water treatment. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Graduate 💫 Leela Stevens, PE, PMP, Civil Engineer, @LongBeachCity Public Utilities Department Leela Stevens has been with the Long Beach Public Utilities Department since 2021 and currently serves as a Civil Engineer in the Department’s Pipeline Division. In her role, she oversees the engineering design, construction management, and inspection of a wide range of capital improvement projects, including pipeline improvement and rehabilitation, cathodic protection, well rehabilitation, and sewer lift station upgrades. Leela is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a University of Southern California Foundation-certified Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist and is credentialed through the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) to perform condition assessments of pipelines, manholes, and laterals. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Graduate 💫 Alma Ramirez, MPA, Public Affairs Program Manager, @EasternMuni Alma Ramirez is a Public Affairs Program Manager for Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) – California’s sixth-largest water agency – representing seven cities and other unincorporated Riverside County and northern San Diego County areas, within EMWD’s service area. In her role, Alma focuses on stakeholder engagement, leading the effort on the social media, multimedia, and multicultural outreach programs, including Latino media relations. In addition, she works on various communications related to high-profile construction projects and marketing campaigns. Prior to EMWD, Alma served in various capacities for the City of Lake Elsinore, the Western Riverside Council of Government (WRCOG), and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA). A Riverside native, Alma earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside in 2015 and her Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University in 2018. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and staying active. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Eduardo Perez, Assistant Plant Manager, @LACitySAN Eduardo Perez is an Assistant Plant Manager for the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment’s (LASAN) Wastewater Reclamation Division, overseeing both the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant and the Los Angeles Glendale Water Reclamation Plant. In his role, Eduardo leads the engineering section, ensuring effective plant operations through strategic project initiation and implementation. He is instrumental in advancing the implementation of the advanced water purification facility, a project designed to bring water sustainability to the Los Angeles region. His responsibilities also include supporting the development of new infrastructure and the renewal of existing facilities. A registered Civil Engineer in California, Eduardo brings twenty years of experience with LASAN, spanning wastewater conveyance, process engineering, and project management. Eduardo holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Ignacio Murillo, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Design Manager, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Ignacio Murillo is a civil engineering professional with a passion for building infrastructure. He has spent the majority of his career at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, where he has led everything from hands-on design projects to large-scale construction management. He currently manages the Civil and Mechanical Design section, focusing on streamlining workflows, keeping projects on budget, and ensuring designs meet expectations. Known for bringing people together—engineers, stakeholders, and contractors alike—he is committed to fostering effective collaboration across teams. Previously, he led the Construction Management section, where he guided projects through tight timelines and shifting priorities. Whether mentoring junior staff, improving processes, or navigating organizational change, Ignacio prioritizes making systems work better for both his team and the communities served. Murillo is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, holding a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine. Beyond credentials, Ignacio is driven by solving problems, building strong relationships, and delivering results. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Alejandro Mendez, Water Superintendent, @citysanfernando Alejandro Mendez is the Water Superintendent for the City of San Fernando, bringing over 20 years of experience in water operations, treatment, and distribution. His career began in the field, repairing leaks, maintaining wells, and testing backflow devices—experiences that instilled a deep respect for the technical work that keeps a community’s water system running. To strengthen his technical foundation, he completed coursework in water treatment processes, water distribution operations, and waterworks mathematics at College of the Canyons, as well as cross-connection courses through the University of Southern California and American Water Works Association. This training, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has equipped him to manage both the operational and regulatory demands of a modern water system. Today, he oversees citywide water operations, from groundwater supply and treatment to infrastructure upgrades and emergency response. He is recognized for being a reliable leader during late-night system failures, regulatory inspections, and long-term planning for the city’s water supply. Driven by service, Alejandro ensures his staff have the tools, training, and support they need while maintaining safe, reliable water service for the community for generations to come. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Warisa Niizawa, Division Engineer, @SanDistricts Warisa Niizawa is the Manager of the Air Quality Engineering Section for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. With extensive experience in air quality regulations, she and her team provide robust regulatory services to stakeholders in her agency. Their work is the backbone of her organization's operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and thereby protecting public health and the environment. Ms. Niizawa actively collaborates with other organizations in the regulatory and legislative processes. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an MS in Environmental Engineering from CSU Fullerton. #cawater

Tony Ndah, P.E. , serves as the Deputy Administrative Officer of General Services @valleywater, will discuss Facilities & Maintenance at our inaugural Community Water Careers Academy. The Community Water Careers Academy is designed for first- and second-year college students to explore career pathways in the water industry. Through eight sessions, participants connect with industry professionals to gain insight into required skills, career entry points, and educational pathways. The curriculum spans infrastructure, engineering, finance, and utilities management. Students who attend and complete the collaborative capstone project earn valuable hands-on experience and a scholarship. With a program team like ours, this inaugural academy is built for lasting impact! #CAwater #WaterCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #WaterIndustry #UtilitiesManagement #WaterProfessionals #CareerPathways #HigherEducation #PublicUtilities

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Orval Hernandez-Marcial, Acting Senior Environmental Engineer, @LACitySAN Orval Hernandez-Marcial is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. He began his career in 2013 as a student volunteer at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant with the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment, and later interned as a Student Engineer with the City of Long Beach. In 2016, he returned to Los Angeles Sanitation as an Environmental Engineering Associate in the Permit Compliance group, conducting audits on City facilities to ensure compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit. Promoted in 2019 to Environmental Engineer III for the Low Impact Development Counter, Orval now serves as Section Lead and Civil Engineer, managing operations, overseeing a team of 16 staff and consultants, and reviewing plans for on-site stormwater mitigation. His work has included major projects such as the Automated People Mover Train System at Los Angeles International Airport and leading the bureau’s implementation of Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for affordable housing projects. Orval also contributes to the engineering community as a licensed Professional Engineer, serving on the board of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Los Angeles Chapter and volunteering with Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement at California State University, Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys running and traveling. #CaWater

@CBSudduth, MBA, CPP, Board President of @WestCountyWD will discuss Procurement and Contracting at our inaugural Community Water Careers Academy. The Community Water Careers Academy is designed for first- and second-year college students to explore career pathways in the water industry. Through eight sessions, participants connect with industry professionals to gain insight into required skills, career entry points, and educational pathways. The curriculum spans infrastructure, engineering, finance, and utilities management. Students who attend and complete the collaborative capstone project earn valuable hands-on experience and a scholarship. With a program team like ours, this inaugural academy is built for lasting impact! #CAwater #WaterCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #WaterIndustry #UtilitiesManagement #WaterProfessionals #CareerPathways #HigherEducation #PublicUtilities

@CBSudduth, MBA, CPP, Board President of @WestCountyWD will discuss Procurement and Contracting at our inaugural Community Water Careers Academy. The Community Water Careers Academy is designed for first- and second-year college students to explore career pathways in the water industry. Through eight sessions, participants connect with industry professionals to gain insight into required skills, career entry points, and educational pathways. The curriculum spans infrastructure, engineering, finance, and utilities management. Students who attend and complete the collaborative capstone project earn valuable hands-on experience and a scholarship. With a program team like ours, this inaugural academy is built for lasting impact! #CAwater #WaterCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #WaterIndustry #UtilitiesManagement #WaterProfessionals #CareerPathways #HigherEducation #PublicUtilities

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Chris Garcia, Environmental Resources Planner II, @IEUAwater Chris Garcia is a Southern California native and currently serves as a Senior Water Resources Analyst for the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, where he oversees the agency’s Water Use Efficiency Programs. He has worked in the water industry for seven years and recently earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Outside of his professional pursuits, Chris enjoys paddleboarding, collecting vinyl records, experiencing live music, and spending time with his two cats—who, unlike him, do not share a love for water.

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Brian Funo, Accountant, @Waterreplenishment Brian Funo is a Senior Accountant at the Water Replenishment District. He began his public sector career with the Lawndale School District in various accounting roles before transitioning into the water industry. Brian is passionate about continuous improvement and supporting initiatives that directly benefit the community. He also serves on his organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where he helps advance initiatives that foster an inclusive and supportive workplace. Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing pickleball, and spending time with his family. He values building authentic connections and looks forward to strengthening his leadership skills, gaining new perspectives, and continuing to make a meaningful impact in his community. #cawater

Meet Our Cohort Member 💫 Jessica (Arden) Forte , P.E., Principal Engineer, @LVMWD Jessica Forte is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading infrastructure, water management, and community development projects across California. She currently serves as Principal Engineer at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, where she oversees major initiatives that advance water reliability, environmental stewardship, and resilient public infrastructure—including the landmark PURE Water Program. Previously, Jessica served as Director of Public Works for the City of Agoura Hills and held engineering leadership roles with the City of Westlake Village and the State of California, where she chaired the inaugural California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board. A past President of the City and County Engineers Association of Los Angeles, she is also an active member of the American Water Works Association and a dedicated supporter of local environmental and community events. Jessica earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management from Stevens Institute of Technology and holds multiple California certifications, including Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 and Water Treatment Operator Grade 2. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership and passion for mentoring the next generation of water professionals. #cawater