woMen adVancinG woMen

for tHe Good of water

by Abigail Madrone

Women Advancing Women for the Good of Water

On September 20th, a group of approximately 40 women and 7 men gathered for a workshop focused on Women Advancing Women for the Good of Water at the Western Groundwater Congress in Sacramento, CA. The workshop was sponsored by Balance Hydrologics, Dudek, Provost & Pritchard, and West Yost. This meeting was a first for GRA and a step in GRA’s journey to explore and incorporate more purposeful discussions, content, and events in support of building a more diverse, equitable and inclusion organization. The workshop was developed by GRA’s DEI Committee and facilitated by committee member and GRA’s Immediate Past President, Abigail Madrone.

The stellar panel of incredibly smart, talented, and driven women represented the public and private sectors of water and groundwater resources as well as education. Panelists shared poignant stories about mentors or champions in their careers that helped open a door, provided guidance at critical intersection, or simply asked the right question at the right time. Panelist acknowledged the role of both women and men in supporting their respective career development and accomplishments.

Panelists

• Marina Deligiannis, Deputy Director Water Resources Department, Lake County

• Dr. Rosemary Knight, Professor, Stanford University

• Jessica Law, Executive Director, Water Forum

• Kamie Loeser, Water and Resource Conservation Director, Butte County

• Lisa Turturro, Chief Client Officer, Haley & Aldrich

Both panelists and participants gained deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in water from different career perspectives. In general, women excel in creating collaborative work environments and in opening communication pathways, and yet all women lead, communicate and problem solve differently.

There was consensus amongst the panelists that there is a greater need for empathy, self-awareness, and kindness in professional and personal interactions. The Golden Rule, treating others how you want to be treated, is only a step in a positive direction. To engage with empathy and awareness more fully, people need to consider the Platinum Rule, which means you are actively seeking to understand how the people around you want to be treated.

All participants also made a group commitment to never ask a colleague when or if they plan or want to get married, regardless of gender identity, and never ask if someone is pregnant or wants to have children. These questions come across as being gender specific and are deeply private.

The panelists offered words of wisdom in their anecdotes and the audience question and answer session. Women were encouraged to speak up, and let your voice be heard. Panelists reminded participants to be wary of imposter syndrome, the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved because of one’s own efforts or skills, and know that your opinions, questions, and ideas bring significant value.

The panel wrapped up on a high note and a share commitment to collectively support the career development and opportunities for women to advance in the water industry through an expanded network, new connection to water leaders and a more enlightened GRA.