Sweetwater Authority (Authority) welcomed water professionals and elected officials from across the region to its Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant yesterday for a meeting of the San Diego Women in Water. The event, co-sponsored by the Authority, Otay Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and Olivenhain Municipal Water District, brought over 150 attendees together to share ideas and connect with industry professionals.
The morning meeting kicked off with special guest speaker Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., who shared about her career journey that lead her to be appointed by President Biden to the post of Commissioner of the United States International Boundary and Water Commission in 2021. Giner is the second woman and first Latina to hold the prestigious position. Attendees were then provided an in-depth tour of the Authority’s treatment facility and given an 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. “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.