TEX Sh2o
Esteban Cadena Jace Castleberry Mandalyn Castleberry Catherine Crowley Preston Davis Anthony Gehrig
Benjamin He Ramitha Irrinki Ashley Kirby Abby Lovelace Mason Marsh Madeline Molly
Ehsan Rajaie Aubrey Reeves Cooper Roalson Sonali Tyagi Melanie Vazquez Georgia Vergara
Blake Persyn
TAWWA Awards 19 Scholarships to Students
In its continued effort to support higher education, Texas Section has awarded 19 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. The TAWWA Scholarship Committee selected 17 students to receive a $2,000 TAWWA scholarship.
TAWWA, in cooperation with Plummer Associates, Inc., also named Ehsan Rajaie, of Arlington, as the recipient of the $3,000 Plummer Associates, Inc./TAWWA Environmental Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student studying to become an engineer or scientist in the water environmental field.
Melanie Vazquez, of Waxahachie, was also named the recipient of the One AWWA Operator Scholarship. This scholarship award can be used for certification/
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ENGINEERING POSSIBILITIES.
licensure, two-year water related associate degree, technical school program, professional training program, books and manuals and operator-related conferences.
You can help TAWWA fund more scholarships for students next year by purchasing the TAWWA water conservation license plate or donating online at www.tawwa.org/page/scholarships.
Aubrey Reeves was awarded a scholarship from funds raised by the Water Conservation License Plate.
Thank you to our Scholarship Committee, co-chaired by Yongki Shim, Southeast Chapter, and Kristen Van Hoosier, Capital Area Chapter, for their hard work in selecting the scholarship recipients: Christina Burleson, CONTINUED PAGE 21 | scholarships
| letter from the texas section chair
Texas Section
American Water Works Association
P.O. Box 80150
Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org
Karen Menard, Chair 817-493-5195
Marisa Vergara, Chair-Elect 210-494-8004
Mary Gugliuzza, Vice-Chair 817-392-8253
Amy Middleton, Imm. Past Chair 210-510-0888
Daniel Nix
Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer 512-238-9292 Fax: 512-238-0496 danielnix.wf@gmail.com
This publication is distributed bi-monthly to the more than 4,500 members and friends of the Texas Section – American Water Works Association.
Contributing writers can contact the editor: Elizabeth Rose GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 Fax: 512-251-8152 TXh20@tawwa.org
The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2024 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
© 2024 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND X!
FALLing in Love with Water
BY KAREN MENARD texas section chair
When I talk to fellow water geeks, I enjoy hearing their water love story—how they "fell" into the water industry. My own water story involves college laundry, my Mom, and a water quality complaint. Other folks have a long line of relatives who have worked in the industry, some for generations. Still others say that they needed a job, so they took it.
KAREN MENARD 817-493-5195 menardke@trinityra.org
But, why do water geeks stay in the water industry? I believe you will find very similar answers to that question. There is something pure and profound about being part of something bigger than ourselves, something that ties us all together, something that affects every single person in our community—and on Earth. Something that, without it, we wouldn’t have civilization, let alone survive. Some people describe it as a calling because they are drawn to serve in the water industry. My experience felt exactly like that. Once I got a taste, I was head over heels. What’s your water love story?
Chapter Chair Round-Ups
During our 2024 Section Leadership Orientation this past May, we received some great feedback on improving communications between the Section and Chapter level executive leadership. Moving forward, the groups will come together during months between our mid- and annual Board meetings. These meetings will provide additional opportunities for Section leadership to communicate Association and Section level needs down to the Chapters. And for the Chapters to bring up questions and concerns to Section leadership. Our first Round-Up took place in August, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from the attendees. It feels great to be rowing in the same direction!
Education Division Initiatives
Our Competitions Committee is planning a Student Design Competition at the Texas Water conference in Houston this coming March. They have
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When it comes to the future of water in Texas, Garver knows it’s not just about pipelines, treatment plants, and technology. The next wave of water leaders, like Beatriz Dongell, are critical to meeting and overcoming the challenges facing utilities and communities. By investing in our young professionals, Garver is helping protect this vital resource for generations to come.
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Man in Motion
BY DANIEL NIX
tawwa executive director
An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia)
In my last article for TEXASh2o, I spoke about many of the outstanding initiatives and accomplishments that had occurred in the previous months, from Texas AWWA member achievements at ACE to upcoming events. It is clear to anyone watching, that TAWWA is not at rest, but in motion.
In August, the Texas Section partnered with the Texas Tech University Davis College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources to host the inaugural Agricultural Water Sustainability Summit (AWSS). This summit represents the first and only water conference in North America that is solely dedicated to agricultural water. But, don’t let the name fool you. This summit was about municipal water as well. One of the main goals of AWSS was to bring the largest user of water in Texas (Agriculture) and the second largest user of water (Drinking Water) together to share issues that affect us both and start talking about solutions. TAWWA was well represented with TAWWA Chair Karen Menard participating on an Associations Panel, TAWWA Conservation Committee Chair Jessica Woods presenting and the City of Lubbock’s Interim Director of Water Utilities Greg Baier presenting. The summit outperformed our expectations, with 20% more registrations than we had planned on having our first year. Feedback from post Summit surveys were very positive and attendees are excited about next year’s AWSS. To everyone that helped plan and execute, as well as all of the exhibitor and presenters that came to the Summit, I offer a huge and well deserved, "Thank You."
Planning for Texas WaterTM 2025 in Houston has started with the local host committee meeting monthly to bring together all of the numerous components that happen behind the scenes to bring you a Texas Water conference to remember. The Houston Local
Host Committee, being led by Liz Fazio Hale and Gabe Mussio, have assembled an outstanding team of volunteers and they are advancing some fabulous ideas for TW25.
DANIEL NIX 512-238-9292
danielnix.wf@gmail.com
At the end of abstract intake, we had a record number of abstracts for any Texas Water, with nearly 1,000 abstracts submitted. This is a good sign that the earlier dates for TW25 of March 18–21, are not going to be detrimental to attendance. Let’s face it, when you have a quality conference that gives value you can’t get elsewhere, people want to attend no matter what.
Speaking of objects in motion, staying in motion, when I became the Executive Director, one of the things I wanted to achieve in the first 12 months was to personally visit as many Chapters as I could. I have said many times that the success of the Section starts with the success of the Chapters. So far, I have had inperson meetings with the South Chapter, North Central Chapter and Southeast Chapter and have a meeting scheduled with the Desert Mountain Chapter. I am super impressed with the forward motion that these Chapter exhibit when I meet with them and the energy of the members. One perfect example of this energy is a recent Member Appreciation Social that I attended, hosted by the Capital Area Chapter. Everyone at this event was having a good time with games, good food/ drink and of course the ever-present camaraderie that
CONTINUED PAGE 38 | executive director report
AWWA Launches Redesigned Website
AWWA recently launched a new website, designed to provide you with an improved member experience. Among the improvements is navigation: content and resources are now easier to find. The store is also more user-friendly and allows you to see your purchase history and manage payments more easily. As part of ongoing efforts to improve cybersecurity and protect data, you will need to reset your password (if you haven't already done so). Start that by clicking "My Account" in the upper right corner of the awwa.org homepage. From there, enter your email address, then click "Reset password" and follow the prompts, including accessing your email inbox to confirm your account. Once you’ve set up a new password, your AWWA account will show
your membership details, including information about your committees, past purchases and any courses you’ve taken or digital content or subscriptions you can access.
AWWA's Scholarship Program is Now Open
Are you a student (or do you know one) pursuing a career in the water industry? If so, please spread the word that it’s time to apply for scholarships sponsored by corporations and the American Water Works Association.
AWWA has 28 academic scholarships for 2025, available or both undergraduate and graduate students. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 20, 2024.
For more information and to apply, go to www.awwa.org/water-equation/awwascholarship-program.
If your company is interested in investing in the water workforce with a corporate scholarship, contact scholarships@awwa.org
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Capital Area Chapter YPs Have a Roaring Good Time
Th Capital Area Chapter Young Professionals group recently held a Putt-Putt Pizza Party at Peter Pan Mini-Golf on September 19 in Austin. It was a fun-filled evening of putt-putt and networking with fellow TAWWA members and was free, thanks to the event sponsorships of CAS and Plummer
The CAC YP group plans several social outings throughout the year and keep them free or low-cost to attend.
To find future out about future events, visit the Capital Area Chapter page at www.tawwa.org/group/ capital_area
See upcoming TAWWA events in your area at www.tawwa.org/events/event_list.asp
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Register online at www.tawwa.org/event/scholarshipdinner2024
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Upcoming Women in Water Events
The Capital Area Chapter and North Central Texas Chapter are both hosting upcoming Women in Water events to celebrate and support women in our industry.
The North Central Texas Chapter's event will be held Nov. 12 from 5-7:30 pm at the Texas Star Conference Center in Euless. Texas Water Development Board Member L'Oreal Stepney will be the featured speaker. For more information, to register to attend (virtual registration options are also available) or sponsor, visit www.tawwa.org/event/nct2024wiw
The Capital Area Chapter's event will be held on Nov. 14 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Zilker Botanical Garden Auditorium in Austin and will feature a panel discussion with women in the water industry. For more information, or to register to attend or sponsor, visit www.tawwa.org/event/cacwiwnov2024.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 | scholarships
Central Texas Chapter; Anthony Chacon, Desert Mountain Chapter; Jennifer Klidies, Coastal Bend Chapter; Cate Ball, North Central Texas Chapter; Marshall Preas, South Texas Chapter and Jennifer Elms, Southeast Chapter.
The 2024-2025 scholarship recipients are:
ESTEBAN CADENA
Southern Methodist University | Finance
Esteban Cadena is attending Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a finance major with a minor in realestate. At his first year at SMU, he was on the Honor Roll, joined the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, was part of the Real-Estate Club and joined the SMU Club Golf Team. Cadena is also a Hilltop Scholar at SMU and joined the Engage Dallas Program, which is a group centered around service in communities around Dallas-Fort Worth. His AWWA
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JACE
CASTLEBERRY
Texas A&M University | Engineering Jace Castleberry recently graduated from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin and is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in engineering. In high school, Castleberry was the catcher on the baseball team, part of the National Honor Society, the ASL Honor Society and founded a club called Math and Science in Philosophy, which discussed the connections between math and science to philosophical ideologies. Castleberry participated in the ACE Mentor Program of America and volunteered with St. David's Medical Center. He is also an Emergency Medical Technician and received his NREMT certification in August. His AWWA family member is Christianne Castleberry, principal at Castleberry Engineering & Consulting.
CONTINUED PAGE 22 | scholarships
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 | scholarships
MANDALYN CASTLEBERRY
Texas A&M University | Mechanical Engineering
Mandalyn Castleberry is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in mechanical engineering with a specialization in thermodynamics and energy systems and minoring in biomedical engineering. On campus, she is part of the Zachry Leadership Program, the Society of Women Engineers and won first place in Aggie Invent, a 48-hour design competition where her team designed a thermoregulating prosthetic sleeve that addresses sweat buildup between the residual limb and prosthetic interface to assist paracyclists in the Paralympics. Her undergraduate research project consists of developing a medical device to assist the implementation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device. Her AWWA family member is Christianne Castleberry, principal at Castleberry Engineering & Consulting.
CATHERINE CROWLEY
Texas A&M University | Kinesiology
Catherine Crowley is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in kinesiology. She is part of the Physical Therapy Society and has volunteered at the Beutel Health Center, Advance Physical Therapy and The Saddle Light Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is also an Episcopal Faith Community member and has served as a Vacation Bible School Group Leader for St. David's Episcopal Church. Crowley plans on attending graduate school and opening her own physical therapy clinic one day. Her AWWA family member is Dan Crowley, director of Governmental Relations at the San Antonio Water System.
PRESTON DAVIS
University of Texas at Austin | Mechanical Engineering
Preston Davis is attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring
in mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy, and a minor in business. He is involved with the Engineering Chamber Orchestra, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Texas Society of Unconventional Drummers (which he helped found). He is also an undergraduate research assistant in the Cockrell School of Engineering, conducting tribological research evaluating the lubricity of amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) using a tribometer, scanning electron microscope and profilometer. Davis would like to one day design more efficient and clean ways to generate electricity. His AWWA family member is Alan Davis, North Texas Area Leader at Plummer Associates.
ANTHONY GEHRIG
University of Notre Dame | Strategic Management
Anthony Gehrig recently graduated from Subiaco Academy and is currently attending the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Strategic Management in the Mendoza School of Business, with a minor in Theology.
During high school, he served as Student Council President, co-President of the Cultural Awareness at Subiaco Academy (CASA) Club, a student ambassador through Blue Arrow, president of the Well-Being Initiative Club, National Honor Society and vicepresident of the Future Business Leaders Association. He was also on the football, basketball, cross country, track, baseball and soccer teams, as well as Jazz Ensemble and Men's Chorus, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His AWWA family member is Jason Gehrig, Infrastructure Engineering Director at Tarrant Regional Water District.
CONTINUED PAGE 24 | scholarships
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Medical Center in their Rehabilitation Hospital. His AWWA family member is Xiaohong He, Senior Project Manager at AECOM.
BENJAMIN HE
University of Texas at Austin |
Biomedical Engineering and Plan II
Benjamin He is attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Plan II. He works as a research assistant in the Senning Lab in the UT Neuroscience Department, contributing to the department's ion channel mapping studies. He is also part of the UT Chapter of Global Medical Training and has traveled to Peru to aide in local healthcare efforts, and the UT Longhorn Swim Club. He is involved with the UT Plan II Pre-Medical Society, serving as treasurer, and the Walker Fellowship, which teaches members how to build community service projects. He also works as a patient care technician at St. David's
RAMITHA IRRINKI
University of Texas at Austin |
Sports Management
Ramitha Irrinki is currently majoring in sports management with a minor in analytics and business of sports at the University of Texas at Austin. She previously attended San Angelo University on a Tennis, Academic and Honors scholarship. In 2023 she was recognized with the Lone Star Conference Tennis All-Academic Honors. She's been on the Dean's List and worked on the
Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Irrinki also serves as the social media and outreach manager for the UT Calisthenics Club. Her AWWA family member is Sam Irrinki, principal at Weston Solutions.
ASHLEY KIRBY
Texas Tech University | Pre-Medical Laboratory Science
Ashley Kirby recently graduated from Ridge Point High School and is currently attending Texas Tech University, majoring in Pre-Medical Laboratory Science. In high school, she was a Mu Alpha Theta Tutorial Coordinator, ASL Club Historian and on the Athlon yearbook team. She has also performed with a Ballet Company called BalletForte, volunteered with Sugar Land Animal Services and Harvest Methodist Neighbors in Action and Vacation Bible School. Her AWWA family member is Christine Kirby, Senior Technical Leader at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam.
ABBY LOVELACE
Texas A&M University | Engineering
Abby Lovelace graduated from Hyde Park High School and is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in general engineering with the goal of specializing in mechanical engineering. In high school, she was part of the National Honor Society, volleyball, Tech Theatre and American Sign Language Club. She also did a research internship in a laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin, working on a project to quantify Escherichia coli (a fecal bacterium) in a local waterway and extracted DNA for microbial source tracking analysis (to determine the source of the E. coli). Her AWWA family member is Mary Jo Kirisits, professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
CONTINUED PAGE 26 | scholarships
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MASON MARSH
Texas A&M University | Ecology and Conservation Biology
Mason Marsh recently graduated from Colleyville Heritage High School and is currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology. He restarted his high school's Environmental Club, recently landscaping the front courtyard of the school with native Texas plants. He was also part of the Red Jackets Student Ambassador Program, National Honor Society, Varsity Chorale, the cross country team, soccer team, the Ultimate Frisbee Club and STEM Program. Marsh has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His AWWA family member is Betsy Marsh, conservation supervisor at Tarrant Regional Water District.
MADELINE MOLLY
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi | Kinesiology
Madeline Molly graduated from Incarnate Word Academy and is currently attending Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, majoring in kinesiology.
In high school, she was involved with the Houston Academy of Dance Performing Company, was Yearbook Editor, part of Younglife, captain of the Incarnate Word Golf Team, part of the Medical Society and the Environmental Club and on Student Council. She also volunteered at Driscoll Children's Hospital, was part of 4H Club and a Junior Member of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Her AWWA family member is Andrew Molly, Chief Operating Officer at the City of Corpus Christi.
BLAKE PERSYN
University of Texas at Austin | Theatre Education
Blake Persyn is attending the University of Texas at Austin in the UTeach Theatre program, majoring in Theatre Education with a minor in Secondary Teacher Certification. He previously attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was a member of the Rowdy Thespian Association. In high school, he was in the Varsity Theatre productions and Technical Theatre classes and competed in the Texas UIL OAP competition. Persyn would like to teach theater one day, where he can foster an environment where students feel safe, encouraged to create and make lasting memories. His AWWA family member is Michael Perysn, Vice President at K Friese + Associates.
EHSAN RAJAIE
University of Texas at Arlington | Civil Engineering
Ehsan Rajaie is the recipient of the Plummer Associates, Inc./TAWWA Environmental Scholarship for 2024. He is working toward a Ph.D. in civil engineering at the at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a minor in Construction Engineering and Management (focused on pipe rehabilitation and asset management). He is a graduate teaching and research assistant and is also working as an infrastructure engineering assistant at Tarrant Regional Water District. Rajaie is also part of a research project with UTA and the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education to develop a structural design methodology for sprayed applied pipe linings, which aims to result in some sort of water pipe rehabilitation standards. He is a student member of AWWA.
CONTINUED PAGE 28 | scholarships
DOWNSTREAM MAT TERS
AUBREY REEVES
Texas A&M University | Animal Science
Aubrey Reeves recently graduated from Nine Mile Bridge Academy and is currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring in animal science. She has volunteered as a member of the Dallas Zoo Crew, at the Saginaw Animal Services and Adoption Center, the Tarrant Area Food Bank and spent over 240 hours shadowing the head veterinarian at CityVet South Hulen. Reeves serves on her church's media team and has been part of their mission team in Uganda. She is also a recipient of the Congressional Award Gold Medal, Congress's highest honor awarded to youth. Her AWWA family member is Justin Reeves, Vice President at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam.
COOPER ROALSON
University of Texas at Austin | Computer Science
Cooper Roalson is attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in computer science. He is a member of the Directed Reading Program, the Texas Association for Computing Machinery and a junior officer for the Texas Tabletop Club. He spends his free time working on various coding projects, including a graphing calculator, a ray-tracing program and small games. Roalson was also invited to attend a hackathon hosted by Stanford, where he worked with a team to build the basis of a movie recommendation app. His AWWA family member is Shay Roalson, director at Austin Water.
SONALI TYAGI
Purdue University | Cyber Forensics
Sonali Tyagi is attending Purdue University as a Ph.D. student in cyber forensics. Her research aims to develop innovative methodologies to combat cyber threats effectively. Tyagi also teaches Cyber Criminology and is a Board Member of the Purdue Chapter of WiCys (Women in Cybersecurity) and CGSA - Computer Information Technology Student Graduate Association. She would ultimately like to become a cybersecurity consultant, which will enable her to delve deeper into the complexities of cyber threats and develop robust security frameworks for public water utilities. Her AWWA family member is Varenya Mehta, senior project engineer at Civitas Engineering Group.
CONTINUED PAGE 30 | scholarships
APEI_TEXAS_2024_0105_QuarterPage_FINAL.pdf 1 1/5/24 1:42 PM
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 | scholarships
MELANIE VAZQUEZ
Tarleton State University | Environmental Science
Melanie Vazquez works for the City of Waxahachie as a Water Quality Specialist II and is the recipient of the One AWWA Operator Scholarship. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Environmental Science, with a focus on water quality regulation, at Tarleton State University. Her career aspiration is to contribute to the enhancement of public health through rigorous research and policy development aimed at strengthening drinking water regulations. Vazquez would like to become a Water A license operator and after completing her current Master's program, to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Administration to help achieve her overall goal of Utilities Director.
GEORGIA VERGARA
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi | Biomedical Science
Georgia Vergara recently graduated from Sonia Sotomayor High School and is currently attending Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, majoring in Biomedical Science, with the goal of becoming a dentist. In high school, she was part of the National Honor Society, Student Council and on the softball team. Vergara also earned the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award, with her project focusing on promoting dental hygiene and oral health. She partnered with the Texas Mission of Mercy and the Smiles Foundation, distributing 500 dental kits to people in need and volunteering at community events that provided free dental care to hundreds of people. Her AWWA family member is Marisa Vergara, Senior Vice President at STV Infrastructure.
| letter from the texas section chair |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair
selected Sugarland as utility partner for the competition and are developing a draft prompt to review with the City for approval before distributing to universities. The Committee could use your assistance with university outreach for schools located in Southeast Texas (Lamar, Prairie View A&M, Rice, TAMU, UofH, others?). Please send any engineering-specific professor contacts to Competitions Chair Gabe Trejo at gabe.trejo@arcadis.com.
Water Geeks Wanted! Volunteers are needed for CAST (Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching) in San Antonio, November 14-16. We will have a SETH booth and a Water Geek Welcome Center. In addition, the ISEA (Informal Science Education Association of Texas) accepted our CAST proposal, "You Belong Here: Creating Career Paths in Water," so we will also have a presentation this year! Sign up to volunteer at: https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/ id/bmMKqX3b
Our very own Jennifer Nations has created a couple of promotional videos with KAMU Public Broadcasting called Waterful Wednesdays. These fun and educational short clips are easy to share with friends, family, and neighbors! View Episode 1: Dinosaur Pee (https:// shorturl.at/gyD22) and Episode 2: Water Meters (https://shorturl.at/j55An). Be on the lookout for two more highlighting conservation tips for Irrigation and Household!
The Member Education Committee offers Advanced Treatment courses developed by the best subject matter experts across the nation who volunteered their time and expertise in writing the curriculum for what has become a unique and now award-winning series. All of the Advanced Treatment courses are written to provide students with information on how the technology is utilized for the treatment of not only drinking water, but also wastewater and potable reuse. These unique courses are designed to stand on their own, but when combined, provide the water and wastewater operator a skillset that prepares them for any treatment challenge both now and in the future.
You can see the list of courses available and register online at www.tawwa.org/page/advancedtreatment.
Texas AWWA memes, created by our Consumer Outreach Committee volunteers, are a fun and easy way for members to post and share holidays and celebrations along with other water-related memes on personal and/or company social media platforms. Memes are saved on the TAWWA Facebook page under "Photos" for easy self-service https://www.facebook. com/txawwatx/photos.
Here are some meme ideas for September/October holidays and celebrations: Back to School! Career Fairs! Water Education!
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October)
Imagine a Day Without Water (Oct 17) – 10th Anniversary!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Texas AWWA sponsored a booth at the AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society)
national conference in San Antonio on October 4th and 5th in support of the SETH program. AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. The AISES National Conference has become the premier event for Indigenous STEM professionals and students, attracting over 3,500 members and attendees from the United States and Canada, and as far away as Alaska and Hawai’i. The annual AISES National Conference focuses on educational, professional and workforce development. To learn more, visit: https://conference.aises.org. This year’s theme is Rivers of Resilience: Sustaining Indigenous Innovation.
CONTINUED PAGE 34 | letter from the texas section chair
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letter from the texas section chair
The D&I Committee is looking for ways to add HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Student Chapters around the state. HBCUs date back to the 19th century, when many offered Black students an opportunity for higher education. In the wake of emancipation, many Black Americans founded HBCUs to educate Black students. During the segregation era, HBCUs offered one of the only paths to a college degree for Black students. Historically, HBCUs enrolled primarily Black students; however, today non-Black students make up nearly a quarter of HBCU enrollment. After the Civil Rights movement, HBCUs continued to offer Black students a supportive, inclusive environment. Historically, HBCUs served a vital function and today, they continue to benefit Black students thanks to lower tuition rates, a thriving community, and a higher number of STEM graduates. Texas is home to 9 HBCUs, listed below. If you have a contact at one of these HBCUs and would be able to help us connect with them, please reach out to Dedra Ecklund at DAEcklund@lan-inc.com.
Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View)
Texas Southern University (Houston)
Huston-Tillotson University (Austin)
Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins)
Wiley College (Marshall)
Southwestern Christian College (Terrell)
Texas College (Tyler)
Paul Quinn College (Dallas) St. Phillip’s College (San Antonio)
Training & Events
The Texas Section hosted the AWWA Regional Meeting of Section Officers September 29-October 1 in Fort Worth. We discussed challenges, opportunities, new ideas, and best practices in small groups with leaders from different Sections.
The TAWWA Mid-Year Board Meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 1. This is when we adopt next year’s budget and receive updates from our Executive Director, AWWA Directors, Trustees/Chapters, Councils, Divisions, and Committees. We have a lot going on and we’re always looking for volunteers! If you’re interested in learning more the TAWWA leadership, visit our website at www.tawwa.org/page/leadership.
For more information about upcoming events, please visit our website at www.tawwa.org/events/ event_list.asp.
Final Remarks
Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather starts to cool off, leaves change colors, and spider lilies bloom. This time of year floods my mind with happy memories of my grade school days. There was a palpable excitement of new beginnings, new classmates and teachers, and new subjects in school. Speaking of new beginnings, our SETH program has officially rolled out and will help us bridge the water industry generation and knowledge gap for Texas high school students. I encourage all of you to think of ways that you and your water geek friends can support the SETH program in your own community. Some ideas include volunteering to provide water plant tours and internship opportunities. Who knows? Maybe you can share your water love story and help to inspire the next generation of water geeks! I’d love to hear all about it. Until then, I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable Fall!
If you have ideas or suggestions on how to make our Texas Section even better, please email me directly at menardke@trinityra.org. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ karenemenard/.
WORK FOR WATER VETERANS
The Water Sector Needs You!
Learn more and connect with employers!
We provide connections to volunteer Veterans in your area who can provide insight on educational and training requirements, knowledge of the industry, and volunteering and career opportunities.
Connecting you to water sector jobs in the United States: AWWA Career Center: careercenter.awwa.org WEF Career Center: jobbank.wef.org
Military Second Career guide for Veterans: awwa.org Work for Water: workforwater.org
Educational funding opportunity for Veterans transitioning to the Water Workforce: OAOS: One AWWA Operator Scholarship OS: WEF Operator Scholarship
If you would like to connect with a local volunteer, please email veterans@awwa.org
TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining July 1–Sept. 30, 2024
Sheikh Sharif Ahmed San Antonio, TX
Lisa Albrecht Montgomery, TX
Corey Anderson Rockwall, TX
Atkore Dallas, TX
Het Baboo Plano, TX
Broosk Barazi Houston, TX
Jose Barela San Antonio, TX
Patricia Biever Clint, TX
Christopher Bradberry New Caney, TX
Scott Bradley Mansfield, TX
Anna Brown Houston, TX
Colton Brown Houston, TX
Padric Brown Houston, TX
Javi Cantu San Marcos, TX
Elisa Cardona Hurst, TX
Mario Carrillo Lubbock, TX
Jonathan Chinea Pflugerville, TX
Jeleeza Clark Flower Mound, TX
Justaun Clemons Houston, TX
Tyler Cook Corinth, TX
Wade Cosgrove Weatherford, TX
Christopher Costlow Sugar Land, TX
Luis Cruzado Austin, TX
Tony Curtis Lewisville, TX
Byron Davis Houston, TX
Jeremy Davis Missouri City, TX
Michael Deneen Dallas, TX
Jacori Earl Houston, TX
Noah Easom Richardson, TX
Perry Evans Shreveport, LA
Jacob Everett The Woodlands, TX
David Firgens Austin, TX
Jacob Garza McAllen, TX
Yesenia Giron Houston, TX
Eliberto Gonzalez Weslaco, TX
Nallely Gonzalez El Paso, TX
Manuel Guerra Corpus Christi, TX
Javier Guerrero San Antonio, TX
Joey Guerrero Houston, TX
Gage Guffy Lewisville, TX
Charles Hill Leander, TX
Mallory Hoff McKinney, TX
Sara Holmes Austin, TX
Casey Jacobs Pflugerville, TX
Trey Johnston Houston, TX
Venkata Kancharla Austin, TX
Azura Kerr Denton, TX
Phillip Kim Webster, TX
TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining July 1–Sept. 30, 2024
Stuart Kinzel Katy, TX
Nicholas Kley Allen, TX
Panduranga Kuruva Houston, TX
Michelle Labrie Austin, TX
Jewel Lanning Denton, TX
Craig Lewis Houston, TX
Jennifer Marquart Boerne, TX
Citlali Martinez San Antonio, TX
Garrett McMichael Richardson, TX
James McMillen Arlington, TX
Alexandra Miller Wylie, TX
Jodi Miller Pearland, TX
Saeid Mohsen
Sarah O'Neill Austin, TX
Jorge Ordaz Crandall, TX
Mandy Pyle Conroe, TX
Agustin Quijano El Paso, TX
Eloy Ramirez Live Oak, TX
Lee Riemenschneider Kingsland, TX
Ana Rios Houston, TX
James Rodriguez Prosper, TX
Nicia Rotermund Cypress, TX
Leticia Rubio El Paso, TX
John Rudd Cedar Park, TX
Michael Rusk Houston, TX
Mitch Ryan Grapevine, TX
Trisha Salazar Pharr, TX
Ashok Sankaran Houston, TX
Prashant Shahi San Antonio, TX
Shaun Speck Austin, TX
Scott Spidle Houston, TX
Katie Stein Spring, TX
Jarrod Stevens Lantana, TX
Mallary Stroh Houston, TX
Daniel Swirsky Kingwood, TX
Diana Tamara Livingston, TX
Taylor Tamblyn Houston, TX
Patty Thompson Sulphur Springs, TX
Finlay Thomson Carmichael, CA
Alice Tran Arlington, TX
Venu Upadhyay Houston, TX
German Uzcategui Pflugerville, TX
Liam Van Houtte Richardson, TX
Joseph Vasquez San Antonio, TX
Juan Vega Dallas, TX
Rebecca Villalba Austin, TX
Alva Walker Abilene, TX
Scott Walker Fort Worth, TX
Qinhan Wen San Antonio, TX
James White Lewisville, TX
Michael White Abilene, TX
Jeffery Williams Richmond, TX
Jessicia Williams Denton, TX
Jo Wilson Houston, TX
Steven Winchester Houston, TX
Qiwen Zhang Dallas, TX
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director
we have with our fellow members. The money raised ($2,000) is going toward our SETH program. To all of you in the CAC that put this together, "Kudos" and keep up the good work.
As I write this, TAWWA is about to host the Regional Meeting of Section Officers (RMSO) in Fort Worth. The RMSO is a gathering of Section Officers from Region IV (Alaska, Arizona, Cal/Nev, Hawaii, Intermountain, Mexico, Montana, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain and of course TEXAS). Getting the other Sections together at RMSOs is always a learning experience, as they share their Sections stories and initiatives. It gives us all a glimpse into the fact that we all share the same issues, but approach them in different ways. This type of collaboration and sharing is a rare opportunity that benefits all who are involved and I am looking forward to hearing from all of the other Sections officers.
So, as you can see, TAWWA Chapter and members are in motion and stay in motion. When approached by an unbalanced force, TAWWA Chapters and members adapt and overcome and remain in motion. I would like to think that if Sir Isaac Newton were alive, he would be impressed with TAWWA members anthropogenic application of his first Law of motion towards our endeavors.
TAWWA Executive Director Daniel Nix, TAWWA Chair Karen Menard and TAWWA Capital Area Chapter YP Co-Chair Alison Kwong at September's Capital Area Chapter Member Appreciation Social.
What’s Happening Across Texas
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