Es el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, y la Coalición del Agua del Sur de California lo celebra reconociendo a todos los profesionales del agua hispanos y latinos cuyo liderazgo, dedicación y dinamismo influyen en la resiliencia del agua del Sur de California.

Durante este tiempo de honrar una herencia que tiene tanto impacto en la cultura y la acción del sur de California, nos hemos sentido inspirados para magnificar las voces de nuestros propios líderes hispanos y latinos. Sus experiencias en la administración de servicios públicos y recursos, su pasión y sus consejos a otras personas que buscan el campo brindan una perspectiva inspiradora para el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

Reflexionando sobre raíces fuertes

La alcaldesa de la ciudad de Covina, miembro de la junta de SCWC y vicepresidenta del grupo de trabajo legislativo de SCWC, Patty Cortez, se inspira en su ascendencia y está aprovechando este mes, en particular, para reflexionar sobre sus raíces.

“Lo que más me inspira es reflexionar sobre la historia de inmigración de mi familia a este país. Reflexiono sobre el arduo trabajo y el coraje que mi abuelo materno y mi papá tuvieron como inmigrantes: el deseo de crear una nueva vida para ellos y su familia es un nivel de coraje que solo espero honrar”, dice Cortez. “Los sacrificios que hicieron como individuos para brindarnos una buena educación y una sólida ética de trabajo nunca se pierden y siempre se aprecian”.

Cortez debe su éxito a las palabras de aliento de su familia para superar obstáculos y puertas cerradas. “Mis padres se enorgullecían de nuestra herencia latina y nos enseñaron a abrazar nuestra cultura y respetar las diferencias culturales más allá de las nuestras”, dice Cortez. “Si bien pueden decir que el éxito de [sus] hijos y nietos es su mayor sentido de logro, ambos son mis mayores héroes e inspiración”.

Sí Se Puede

El miembro de la junta de SCWC, miembro de la Comisión de Agua de California, ex asambleísta estatal y concejal de la ciudad de Santa Ana, José Solorio, comenzó a trabajar en el agua a los trece años.

Su padre, José Federico Solorio, un capataz de trabajadores agrícolas, se despertaba a horas extrañas y llevaba a Solorio a abrir y cerrar las válvulas de agua, parte de las prácticas de riego en el Valle Central en ese entonces. Tiene palabras convincentes para quienes celebran el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y están interesados en unirse a la comunidad del agua. “El agua juega un papel muy importante en la economía y el estilo de vida de California. Animo a las personas de todos los ámbitos de la vida, especialmente a las de ascendencia hispana, a involucrarse con el agua”, dice Solorio. “Es un área esencial de nuestra fuerza laboral con muchos desafíos, y es imperativo que tengamos a los mejores y más brillantes en esta área de estudio e industria”.

Además de su familia, Solorio admira a los hispanoamericanos que abogaron y crearon nuevos caminos para las generaciones futuras. “El exsenador Art Torres y el líder laboral César Chávez son grandes modelos a seguir que me inspiraron”, dice Solorio. Resume sus palabras para los profesionales del agua actuales y futuros con bastante claridad: “Sí se puede”.

Consejos para los que empiezan

Ron Gastelum, miembro de SCWC desde hace mucho tiempo y exgerente general del Distrito Metropolitano de Agua, ha tenido una carrera distinguida. Reflexionando sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, se inspira en los trabajadores inmigrantes de América Latina que continúan haciendo de Estados Unidos un lugar mejor, incluidos sus padres y abuelos. Alienta a más personas de diversos orígenes a aportar sus talentos a la industria del agua como lo hizo hace muchos años.

“En ese momento, había muy pocos latinos en posiciones profesionales y rangos de liderazgo, pero estaba preparado para trabajar duro y aprender todo lo que pudiera de cualquiera que quisiera ayudarme”, dice Gastelum. “Me uní a varias organizaciones de empleados y aproveché todas las oportunidades de capacitación. No tenía expectativas de avance ni siquiera el deseo de convertirme en líder, pero me presentaron el gran valor de los mentores”.

Cuando Gastelum se unió por primera vez al Distrito Metropolitano de Agua, no buscó mentores con ningún plan o intención. En cambio, rápidamente se dio cuenta de que los líderes lo buscaban porque reconocían sus cualidades y una ética de trabajo que los apoyaba en su trabajo. “Esta industria está cambiando rápidamente, con mucha rotación en la fuerza laboral. Hay muchas oportunidades”, dice Gastelum, quien alienta a quienes recién ingresan a la industria del agua a esforzarse para lograr el éxito. “No tome atajos ni trate de ser ‘político’ en la búsqueda de oportunidades. Solo trata conscientemente de agregar valor en todo lo que haces”.

Además, no tengas miedo de hablar. Puede que encuentres más aliados de los que crees. Gastelum recuerda una reunión con personas ajenas a la organización en la que un participante comenzó a regañar a los ‘mexicanos’. “Sin pedir permiso al presidente de la reunión para hablar, interrumpí al hombre y le dije que sus declaraciones eran inaceptables y racistas. El presidente de la reunión cambió rápidamente de tema”. Gastelum recuerda haber informado del incidente a su mentor, Bob Will, preocupado de que su mentor sintiera que sus declaraciones eran más personales que el negocio de Metropolitan. Pero Will dijo que también pensaba que los comentarios eran racistas. “Quedé realmente impresionado con esta respuesta y creo que fue el comienzo de mi lealtad de por vida a Metropolitan”, dice Gastelum.

The post Se Celebra a Líderes Regionales del Agua en el Mes de la Herencia Hispana appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Southern California Water Coalition is celebrating by recognizing all Hispanic and Latinx water professionals whose leadership, dedication, and dynamism influence Southern California’s water resiliency. 

Reflecting on Strong Roots

Covina City Mayor, SCWC board member, and vice chair of the SCWC Legislative Task Force Patty Cortez draws inspiration from her ancestry and is taking this month, in particular, to reflect on her roots.

“What inspires me most is reflecting on my family’s history of immigrating to this country. I reflect on the hard work and courage that my maternal grandfather and Dad had as immigrants—the desire to create a new life for themselves and family is a level of courage that I can only hope to honor,” says Cortez. “The sacrifices they made as individuals to provide us with a good education and a strong work ethic are never lost and always appreciated.”

Cortez owes her success to her family’s encouraging words to overcome obstacles and closed doors. “My parents took pride in our Latino heritage and taught us to embrace our culture and respect cultural differences beyond our own,” says Cortez. “While they may say the success of [their] children and grandchildren is their greatest sense of accomplishment, they both are my greatest heroes and inspiration.”

Sí Se Puede

SCWC board member, California Water Commission member, former State Assemblyman and Santa Ana City Councilman Jose Solorio was introduced to work in water at age thirteen.

His father, Jose Federico Solorio, a farmworker foreman, would wake up at odd hours and take Solorio along to turn water valves on and off, part of irrigation practices in the Central Valley back then. He has compelling words for those celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month who are interested in joining the water community. “Water plays a huge role in California’s economy and way of life. I’d encourage people of all walks of life, especially those of Hispanic heritage, to get involved with water,” says Solorio. “It is an essential area of our workforce with many challenges, and it’s imperative that we have our best and brightest go into this area of study and industry.”

In addition to his family, Solorio admires Hispanic Americans who advocated and created new paths for future generations. “Former Senator Art Torres and labor leader Cesar Chavez are great role models who inspired me,” says Solorio. He summarizes his words for current and future water professionals quite neatly: “Sí se puede—yes, we can.”

Advice for Those Starting Out

Longtime SCWC member and former Metropolitan Water District General Manager Ron Gastelum has had a distinguished career. Reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month, he is inspired by hardworking immigrants from Latin America who continue to make America a better place, including his parents and grandparents. He encourages more people of diverse backgrounds to bring their talents to the water industry as he did many years ago.

“At the time, there were very few Latinos in professional positions and leadership ranks, but I was prepared to work hard and to learn as much as I could from anyone willing to help me,” says Gastelum. “I joined various employee organizations and took advantage of every training opportunity. I had no expectations of advancement or even a desire to become a leader, but I was introduced to the great value of mentors.”

When Gastelum first joined the Metropolitan Water District, he didn’t seek mentors with any plan or intention. Instead, he quickly realized that leaders sought him out because they recognized his qualities and a work ethic that supported them in their work. “This industry is rapidly changing, with much turnover in the workforce. There are many opportunities,” says Gastelum, who encourages those just entering the water industry to apply themselves to achieve success. “Don’t take shortcuts or try to be ‘political’ in seeking opportunities. Just consciously try to add value in everything you do.”

Also, don’t be afraid to speak up. You may find more allies than you think. Gastelum recalls a meeting with people outside the organization where one participant started berating the ‘Mexicans.’ “Without asking the meeting chair for permission to talk, I cut the man off and told him his statements were unacceptable and racist. The meeting chair quickly changed the topic.” Gastelum remembers reporting the incident to his mentor, Bob Will, concerned that his mentor would feel his statements were more personal than the business of Metropolitan. But Will said he thought the comments were racist too. “I was really impressed with this response and I think it was the beginning of my lifelong loyalty to Metropolitan,” says Gastelum.

The post Regional Water Leaders Celebrated for Hispanic Heritage Month appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting just a few of the regional female leaders whose service to public health and water supply reliability has proved instrumental in achieving strides towards sustainability. Their reflections on their careers, their support for one another, and their advice for other women pursuing a future in water are nothing short of inspiring. Each woman serves as a member of the Southern California Water Coalition Board of Trustees and several also chair or co-chair its task forces.

Patty Cortez

Patty Cortez, Mayor Pro Tem for City of Covina, SCWC board member, and co-chair of the SCWC Legislative Task Force, encourages new professionals to learn as much as they can and not be afraid to ask questions. She reflected on moments at the beginning of her career when she was intimidated by others’ titles and expertise. “Over time, I found that the water industry is a very supportive community across all levels,” said Cortez. “I wish I had taken those early moments to ask questions and increase my knowledge in the field.” 

Cortez herself brings tremendous expertise and experience that benefits the water field, including a background in public relations, work as a district staffer for a member of Congress, and public affairs and legislative project management for an energy utility.

“I truly believe every position I had prepared me to be where I am today,” said Cortez. “My background helped me realize that my passion was working in government and communicating to the public. Thankfully I have been fortunate enough to combine the two into my position today.”

Heather Dyer

Looking back on the beginning of her career, Heather Dyer, the CEO and general manager of the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, never imagined that the top job at a water district was in her professional future. “I am an endangered species biologist by training,” said Dyer. “If I could give myself advice when I was new to the water industry, it would be to take off your blinders and let yourself imagine what is possible and what path you might take.”

Dyer discovered that her skill set was applicable across many aspects of her work throughout her career. “At the beginning, I never fully understood my ‘why.’ My why is complex problem solving to make the world a better place. I wish I had figured that out earlier.” She encourages young women just entering their field to figure out their “why,” too. “That will drive your future to do work that you love.” 

Allison Febbo

For Allison Febbo, the general manager of the Mojave Water Agency, inspiration to pursue a career in water started with the female role models throughout her life. “I had a science teacher in high school who went out of her way to acknowledge and support my interest and abilities in the subject,” said Febbo, who also chairs SCWC’s Delta Issues Task Force. “And later, a college professor and scientist guided my development and was a great role model.” More recently, Febbo was encouraged by a colleague at the Mojave Water Agency. “Laura King Moon, the assistant general manager of State Water Contractors, made regular efforts to advise and support me through my career development,” added Febbo.

She considers herself fortunate to have been motivated by several influential women throughout her education and career and hopes to do the same for young women looking to enter the water industry today. “I would advise young women to expose themselves to as many networking, training, and leadership experiences as possible throughout their career, including finding a trusted mentor to help with guidance and advice,” said Febbo. “Find a comfortable work/life balance. We must develop and honor ourselves as whole individuals to make sustained contributions to water.”

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady, the Board President of the Rancho California Water District and co-chair of SCWC’s Legislative Task Force, was inspired by prominent water rights attorney and Laguna Beach County Water District Commissioner Susan Trager to pursue and persist in her work in the water industry. “I had the honor and pleasure of counting her as a dear friend for years,” said Gonzales-Brady.

When one is just starting out in their career, it can be easy to get caught up with worries about what other people think. But the best advice that she’d give those starting out is to not to try too hard to please everyone. “There will always be those who may not like you or may even work against you for a variety of reasons,” said Gonzales-Brady. “But respect is more important than popularity, so make sure you focus on producing high-quality work.”

Sandra Kerl

Sandy Kerl, general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority and chair of SCWC’s Colorado River Task Force, found inspiration from a female water veteran of her district who pioneered innovation. “Maureen Stapleton, SDCWA’s retired general manager, helped to create water reliability through innovation and creativity in the San Diego region that had never been done before and is standing the test of time during this historic drought in California.” It’s these dynamic approaches that Kerl hopes to see more women bringing to the future of water. 

As one who spent her entire career in public service, starting as an intern and working her way up, Kerl knows a thing or two about professional growth and development. “Avail yourself to all opportunities to learn and engage,” Kerl advised all newcomers to the water industry. “Seize opportunities to attend webinars, training, conferences, mentorships, and new assignments for which you will have to stretch to achieve the desired outcome.” 

Joone Kim-Lopez

As a former police officer, Joone Kim-Lopez is unafraid to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. “I can’t sit by and see injustice,” said Kim-Lopez, who is now the general manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District. “I hope that women will be more impactful in establishing justice because when you talk about diversity and inclusion, what it comes down to is justice.” She hopes that her leadership will continue to inspire regional inclusion efforts and keep moving water in the direction of equity. 

There were many women in water that Kim-Lopez looked up to when she entered the public leadership. “Environmentalist Frances Spivy-Weber, Orange County-based water leaders Cathy Green and Pam Tobin, and San Bernardino County-based water leader Kathy Tiegs all spoke up and stuck up for others,” said Kim-Lopez. “I admired that.” She went on to articulate her hope for the water industry’s future to include more perspectives from different backgrounds. “We have the ability to make things better for the people of California,” said Kim-Lopez. “Find your calling. Get involved in your community.”

Kris Murray

Kris Murray, Chair of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and president of KLM Strategies, a women-owned consulting firm advancing sustainable projects, encourages women’s involvement in the water industry. “Women are still underrepresented despite many rewarding career paths within the water industry,” said Murray. She recommends that women entering the sector identify mentors to guide them and to join associations and industry groups that will help them develop their skills, broaden their contacts, and open opportunities for leadership.

“The future of water must include a comprehensive focus on the nexus between climate change, sustainability of our natural resources, water quality and supply,” said Murray, who also chairs SCWC’s Water Energy Efficiency Task Force. “I look forward to watching women in water innovate new ways to resolve these issues and secure the long-term resiliency of our industry.”

Janice Rutherford

Janice Rutherford, SCWC Board Chair and the Second District Supervisor of the County of San Bernardino, is continually inspired by women’s hard work, expertise, and contributions to the water sector. Her shoutout is to Debby Cherney, who served as the Eastern Municipal Water District’s Deputy General Manager.

“Debby impresses me with her work ethic as well as her desire to expand her knowledge of policy and government issues,” said Rutherford. “She is dedicated to helping other women succeed in their career paths, and I admire her commitment to excellence in public service.” 

Kathy J. Tiegs

Kathy J. Tiegs, former SCWC Board Chair and longtime director of Cucamonga Valley Water District, was motivated by another strong leader in water. “Pat Mulroy, the retired general manager of Southern Nevada Water Authority, inspired me throughout my career,” said Tiegs. “In a male-dominated industry, she encouraged women to get involved in water issues and pursue leadership and elected positions. I am forever grateful to Ms. Mulroy for the example she set in blazing the path for women in the water industry.”

Tiegs also had a welcoming statement for young women entering the water industry. “You are the next generation of women water leaders to protect our most vital resource: water,” said Tiegs. “The water industry provides you with the opportunity to achieve your long-term goals, take on leadership roles, work with a diverse multidisciplinary group of professionals, meet interesting people, influence collaboration and outcomes, and most importantly, have your voice heard as more and more women get involved in water issues.”

Eunice Ulloa

Mayor Eunice Ulloa of the City of Chino grew up in the hub of the citrus and dairy industry, making her keenly aware of the importance of water from a young age. When she served as the executive director of the Chino Basin Water Conservation District, she was excited to see many young women entering the water industry.

Ulloa, who has served on the Chino City Council since 1984, recounted a time that she felt re-inspired by one of her hires: “I hired a young woman with a doctorate in Water Science and Management to lead our education programs. Her passion for her work, her knowledge and understanding of the science of water, and the art of educating others about water were infectious. Her energy and creativity in teaching students about water by getting them out in the field, experiencing the complexity firsthand, and passing along those skills to educators were exciting and inspiring. When she spoke, you could see lightbulbs turning on in the room. I think that for those of us who have been in the water industry a long time, it is important to look at the issues from new perspectives.”

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