Transformative Water Leadership Academy celebrates second cohort graduation

The Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) is pleased to announce the graduation of its second cohort, composed of 42 water utility professionals from across the United States and Canada. Graduates completed a 10-month leadership development program – from January to October 2024 – designed to equip the next generation of water leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the water sector.

TWLA is a collaborative initiative by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and WaterNow Alliance (WaterNow) and is supported, in part, by grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program focuses on fostering sustainable leadership skills in emerging water utility leaders, such as community engagement, public health protection, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and global thinking.

“We are so incredibly proud of our graduates and their commitment to leadership in the water sector,” said Barb Martin, director of engineering and technical services, AWWA. “They have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion throughout the program, and we look forward to the contributions that they will make to shape water’s future and help their communities thrive.”

“The graduation marks the next exciting phase for this cohort of water leaders,” said Cynthia Koehler, executive director of WaterNow. “We are delighted that the 2024 graduates will join TWLA’s growing network of passionate water sector professionals empowered to accelerate equitable, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable water management strategies for their communities and across the water industry.”

During the program, participants engaged in a variety of learning experiences, including in-person gatherings, virtual sessions, small-group discussions, mentoring, and a capstone project. Completion of the program earned participants certified contact hours through Water Professionals International. These activities provided them with a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and their application in the water sector.

The TWLA 2024 cohort graduation took place Oct. 17 at the Westin Downtown Denver, and AWWA President Cheryl Porter provided remarks on the necessity of building up emerging leaders in water as well as her personal journey in the sector as an African American woman.

“This experience has been truly transformational for me,” said Meghan Post, an education coordinator with Beaver Water District in Arkansas and 2024 TWLA cohort graduate. “I feel as if I have been given a greater sense of direction for our education and outreach efforts, as well as more empathy and patience to exist happily amongst coworkers. I have enjoyed it immensely and so grateful!” 

The next TWLA cohort of 50 participants will convene from January through October 2025. For more information about TWLA, visit awwa.org/twla. 

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 About AWWA
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. 

About WaterNow Alliance
WaterNow Alliance works to advance transformation in the water sector to accelerate the widespread adoption of equitable, climate resilient, and environmentally sustainable water management strategies. As a national network for local water leaders and decision makers, WaterNow empowers its members with the technical assistance, resources, and tools they need to implement innovative One Water drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater solutions in their communities.