The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Our Water, Our Future

When:  Tuesday, September 13
Keynote:  9 - 11 AM
Location:  VBCC 1BCD

Panel Discussion: 1:30 - 5 PM
Location: VBCC 1A

Generating dialogue around our role as utility and industry leaders, advocates change agents and influencers in shaping our water resources and, most importantly, our future as a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce - where everyone feels they belong!

This WaterJAM, the VWEA and the VA AWWA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committees are working to bring notable leadership in the DEI space to kick the conference off with a thought-provoking keynote address, Inspiring and Impactful Keynote Session on DEI Imperatives in the Utility Sector, followed with a focus session to dive into some of these provocations. As part of the focus session, a panel discussion and an interactive workshop is also being planned with utility leaders, DEI officers and advocates in the water sector for WaterJAM participants to engage in a dialogue around best practices, triumphs and lessons learned in creating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities where we live, work and volunteer. Don’t miss the groundbreaking insights you are sure to obtain as part of these sessions on diversity in hiring and career progression, inclusive leadership, LGBTQIA+ in the workplace, navigating race and gender parity, mentoring, allyship and organizational commitments to DEI, among other topics.

Keynote Speaker: 
Dr. Janice Underwood, US Office of Personnel Management, Government-wide DEIA

Panelists: 
Lisa Stone, EVP Chief People & Inclusion Officer at DC Water
Maria Burgos, Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion, Prince William County

Moderator:
Donnell Duncan, Diversity and Member Inclusion Committee of AWWA

Don’t miss the groundbreaking insights, takeaways, and toolkits you are sure to obtain as part of these sessions for embedding DEI in the workplace and making it part of the lived culture, and on diversity in hiring and career progression, inclusive leadership, LGBTQIA+ in the workplace, navigating race and gender parity, mentoring, allyship and organizational commitments to DEI.