Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Diversity At AWWA
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A Diverse Water Community

Supporting DEIB in the Water Community

AWWA believes DEIB create a more vibrant and resilient water community.

As we move toward 2050, all people — from water professionals to decision-makers to the community at large — will develop a shared understanding of the value of water and their part in protecting this vital resource for future generations.

Cheryl Porter
NEWSWORTHY

Cheryl Porter, AWWA’s 2024-2025 President

Cheryl Porter took over as AWWA President at the gavel-passing ceremony at ACE24. She is the first African-American and the first woman of color to serve in this prestigious role. Porter brings a wealth of experience serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Water and Field Services at Great Lakes Water Authority. She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Law School, and an MBA from Madonna University.

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INITIATIVES

Building a DEIB Future

AWWA promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in publications, training and event programming, and standards development.

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Transformative Water Leadership Academy

The Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA), a collaboration between AWWA and the WaterNow Alliance, is a 10-month program where a diverse cohort of emerging water utility leaders learn how to integrate social, environmental, and financial concerns into important water utility decisions. Working collaboratively in-person and online, cohort members learn how to balance short- and long-term utility priorities while creating value for all stakeholders.

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DEI Standard AWWA G415

On December 8, 2023, the AWWA Standards Council announced the beginning of work on a new standard, AWWA G415 — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices. This standard will address water and wastewater utility approaches to DEI strategy development, recruitment, culture, workforce, leadership, accountability, workspace design, operations, system reliability, affordability, and community relations and engagement.

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Diversity Programming at ACE

At AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition (held each June), diversity is on the agenda. One of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of the global water community, ACE features educational sessions and networking events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Diversity Scholarships

Four AWWA scholarships (funded by donations to Water Equation) support graduate and undergraduate students from demographics that are underrepresented in STEM fields.

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Historically Black Colleges & Universities: AWWA Virtual Student Chapter

AWWA offers a virtual student chapter for students at an Historically Black College & University. If you’re considering a career in water, the American Water Works Association HBCU Virtual Student Chapter can help you explore this option more fully, with special access to professional learning opportunities, networking, industry research, scholarships and events.

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AWARDS

AWWA Diversity & Inclusion Award Winners

AWWA recognizes the role of diversity and inclusion as being essential to the growth, structure, and continued success of any organization. Diversity and inclusion should be an inherent trait of any organization and is manifest in the mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, values, and beliefs as assets to a group or organization in which they interact. The Diversity and Inclusion Award is not given to an individual, group, or organization on the basis of who they are, but because of their achievements and accomplishments.

Submit a Nominee

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Calvin Farr, Jr., P.E.

Farr, general manager and CEO of SA, received the Individual Award for his leadership in championing organizational change and cultivating a workforce that reflects the community it serves.

Read the Announcement

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Prince William County Service Authority (SA)

This Virginia utility’s DEI initiative, VIBE (Voices, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity) is fostering a sense of belonging and creating a thriving workplace culture.

Read the Announcement

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Celebrate Diversity in Water

United States Special Observance Months

Use the links materials provided below as part of your organization’s own observance social campaigns.

Black History

Black History

Black History Month celebrates the rich history of the black community in the United States. AWWA celebrates the rich history of black water professionals, such as Hugh M Browne who invented a backflow prevention device in 1890.

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Women’s History

Women’s History

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the contributions women have made to the water sector, including Ellen H. Swallow, whose survey work led to water quality standards for the state of Massachusetts — the first in the nation.

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Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

AWWA celebrates and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans on the water sector throughout history during the month of May.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate and honor the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to the water sector.

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Disability Employment Awareness Month

Disability Employment Awareness Month

Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us of the progress we have made in advancing access and equity for all workers and the work left to be done.

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LGBTQIA+ History Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month celebrates the many contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made throughout history. Within the water sector, we celebrate those such as Walt Westman for his work on amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which became the 1972 Clean Water Act.

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American Indian Alaskan Native Heritage

American Indian Alaskan Native Heritage

In November, we celebrate American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month and all the water professionals from these communities continue to do to protect our most vital resource – water.

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Articles

DEIB Articles From AWWA

The following AWWA resources include information, articles, and more related to DEIB in the water sector.

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AWWA COMMITTEE

Diversity & Member Inclusion Committee

The Diversity and Member Inclusion Committee leads AWWA in advancing a more diverse and inclusive organization that values individual differences, creating a collaborative and welcoming culture throughout the AWWA community.

WOMEN IN WATER

Resources for Women

General Resouces

Journal AWWA Article

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About

Learn about AWWA's history and continued vision dedicated to a better world through better water.

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