Some of the most powerful solutions occur when different voices come together to solve problems. We asked some Board members what made them feel like their time was being well spent at our Quarterly Luncheons and SCWC. Read on to see what they said.

The Power of Building Community Around Common Goals

Dawn Taffler, SCWC Board Member and CA Water Market Growth Director at Jacobs, describes what she believes is the most important part of what we do here:

“The best part of SCWC is the community. You leave every luncheon with new ideas, stronger relationships, and a broader perspective on the water issues that matter most to California.“

While building these types of connections has long-term benefits beyond individual events, this type of collaboration helps build the foundation for the relationships needed to create real change in policies that affect the lives of millions of Southern Californian residents.

Access to Policy Makers Unmatched by Any Other Organization

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady, SCWC Board Member and V.P. of Rancho Water’s Board of Directors, recognizes the opportunity for direct policy input provided by our platform:

“Our SCWC Quarterly Luncheons provide unprecedented access and direct engagement with state officials and industry leaders, creating meaningful dialogue that directly influences water policies affecting millions of Southern Californians.”

Removing Hype and Hyperbole About Complex Issues

Brian Jordan, SCWC Vice Chair and Chief Growth Officer at GISI Consulting Group, appreciates the fact that we focus on providing insight into complex issues rather than hype:

“I value the Southern California Water Coalition because they remove the hyperbole surrounding critical policy topics, provide access to true experts and practitioners, and synthesize various viewpoints on complex issues. This is critical on a policy area as ubiquitous as AI. I’m really looking forward to the next quarterly luncheon and hearing from the panel on how we can distill the key issues from the algorithmic clutter that surrounds this topic.“

The Intersection Between Technology & Water Infrastructure

As we move toward new challenges created by the interconnection of technology and water infrastructure systems, Steve Elie, SCWC 2nd Vice Chair and President of Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Board of Directors, points out the timely nature of our discussions:

“I’m excited to hear from industry leaders from Meta and Cisco at the SCWC Quarterly Luncheon on this cutting-edge AI issue—data centers represent the critical intersection of water, energy, and technology.“

Robb Grantham, SCWC Board Member and General Manager of Santa Margarita Water District further defines this intersection:

“The AI revolution is not only creating extraordinary opportunities, but it is also changing how our nation thinks about water, energy, and infrastructure. The conversation that SCWC is hosting is not about choosing between technology and sustainability—rather, it is about developing a path that brings them together through innovation, partnerships to expand recycled water and other new water supplies, responsible energy planning, and the intelligent use of AI to strengthen public utilities.“

A Vision for Leadership Into the Next Generation

Mayor Acquanetta Warren, SCWC Board Chair and Mayor of the City of Fontana reminds us of our ultimate goal:

“Nothing is more rewarding than working alongside so many dedicated water agencies to shape policy, invest in critical water infrastructure, and help develop the next generation of water leaders. Together, we are committed to ensuring a reliable, sustainable water supply for our communities—not just for today, but for future generations. By planning ahead and working collaboratively, we’re protecting one of our most valuable resources for everyone.“

Be Part Of The Solution

Are you ready to contribute to the solution? To learn more about upcoming events and membership opportunities visit our Join Us page. 

The post Why Water Leaders Choose SCWC: Board Testimonials appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.