Water Education for Latino Leaders

Water Education for Latino Leaders WELL educates local Latino elected officials on CA water policies to promote a healthy and resilient environment for all Californians.

In California, water policy issues often exist in traditional silos of urban interests, agricultural interests, and environmental interests. This Water Conference will move beyond a silo approach to develop a more fluid and connected circle of understanding that accounts for water supply, water delivery, flood control, urban runoff, protection of water quality, and balancing the interests of agriculture, industry and individual consumers.

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It...
06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It serves as a reminder of our progress and the work that still lies ahead.

Let us stand together, united to ensure equitable water resources for every Californian. May this Juneteenth be a time of reflection, education, and action.

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It...
06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It serves as a reminder of our progress and the work that still lies ahead.

Let us stand together, united to ensure equitable water resources for every Californian. May this Juneteenth be a time of reflection, education, and action.

In celebration of 15 years, WELL is offering a FREE UnTapped Fellowship program for local elected officials in January 2...
06/16/2026

In celebration of 15 years, WELL is offering a FREE UnTapped Fellowship program for local elected officials in January 2027.

Interested in learning more? Join us on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 PM at Pico Rivera City Hall for an informational session about Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) and our flagship UnTapped Fellowship Program.

Connect with leaders from across California, learn how local elected officials are shaping the future of water policy, and explore opportunities to strengthen your leadership and impact in your community.

The UnTapped Fellowship is a six-month leadership program designed to help emerging and local elected officials deepen their understanding of California's most pressing water challenges and make informed decisions for the communities they serve.

Use the link in our bio to RSVP.

That's a wrap on WELL's 2026 SoCal Water Summit! We were honored to welcome local Latino elected leaders to Pico Rivera ...
06/15/2026

That's a wrap on WELL's 2026 SoCal Water Summit! We were honored to welcome local Latino elected leaders to Pico Rivera on June 13 for "Policy, Scarcity, and Resilience: The Future of Local Water Systems."

The day commenced with a welcome and land acknowledgment from MC Monica Sanchez (Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pico Rivera, and Graduate, WELL's UnTapped Fellowship Class of 2022), followed by remarks from John Allen, Director at the Water Replenishment District, who welcomed attendees to the agency's Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning.

Together, we explored critical issues shaping California's water future through three engaging panel discussions:
🔹 The Rise of Data Centers & Water Infrastructure, moderated by J. Pablo Ortiz-Partida (Union of Concerned Scientists), featuring Charles F. Zukoski (USC Viterbi School of Engineering) and Martha Cardenas-Singh (Supervisor, County of Imperial and Graduate, WELL's UnTapped Fellowship Class of 2026).
🔹 Workforce Development & the Future of Water Infrastructure, moderated by Jose Reynoso (Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District), featuring Brenda Martinez (Metropolitan Water District of Southern California).
🔹 Water Rates, Finance & Local Investment, moderated by B. Anatole Falagan (Long Beach Utilities), featuring Lee Alexanderson (LA County Public Works) and Denny Zane (Move LA).

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, as well as our speakers, moderators, sponsors, and attendees for contributing their expertise and perspectives.

Thank you for being part of the conversation. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient water future for California.

Missed the Summit? Join us on June 30 at Pico Rivera City Hall to learn how Latino leaders are helping shape California's water future and discover WELL's UnTapped Fellowship program. Register today! https://form.jotform.com/260997456719072

Panel Announcement: Workforce Development & the Future of Water InfrastructureHow can local leaders support, prepare, an...
06/11/2026

Panel Announcement: Workforce Development & the Future of Water Infrastructure

How can local leaders support, prepare, and incentivize more equitable pathways for the next generation of water professionals and leaders?

Learn how local leaders are addressing workforce shortages, preparing for industry retirements, and cultivating the next generation of water leaders through innovative workforce development and leadership programs. Featuring insights from experts committed to building a resilient and inclusive water workforce.

Join us on Saturday, June 13, in Pico Rivera for WELL's 2026 SoCal Water Summit and engage in a timely conversation about the future of California's water workforce. Explore how local leaders can expand access to water careers, develop emerging talent, leverage new technologies, and build a diverse workforce prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Click the link in our bio to register today! For questions, please contact Laura Juarez at [email protected]

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Panel Announcement: Water Rates, Finance & Local InvestmentsHow are local governments funding the future of water infras...
06/10/2026

Panel Announcement: Water Rates, Finance & Local Investments

How are local governments funding the future of water infrastructure and climate resilience?

Learn how local leaders are leveraging revenue measures, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to secure long-term investments and build public trust—featuring insights from Los Angeles County's Measure W as a model for sustainable water funding.

Join us on Saturday, June 13, in Pico Rivera for WELL's 2026 SoCal Water Summit and engage in a timely conversation about the future of California's water infrastructure and policy. Discover how local leaders can navigate emerging challenges, balance competing priorities, and help create lasting impact for the communities they serve.

Click the link in our bio to register today! For questions, please contact Laura Juarez at [email protected]

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Panel Announcement: The Rise of Data Centers & Water InfrastructureAs data centers continue to expand across California,...
06/05/2026

Panel Announcement: The Rise of Data Centers & Water Infrastructure

As data centers continue to expand across California, what are the implications for water resources, energy demand, infrastructure planning, and local communities?

Join us on Saturday, June 13, in Pico Rivera for WELL's 2026 SoCal Water Summit and engage in a timely conversation about the future of California's water infrastructure and policy. Discover how local leaders can navigate emerging challenges, balance competing priorities, and help create lasting impact for the communities they serve.

This panel will explore how increasing resource demands, infrastructure investments, and community considerations are shaping planning and decision-making at both the local and regional levels.

Register today using the link in our bio. For questions, please contact Laura Juarez at [email protected]

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Only three weeks to go!How can local elected leaders help shape smarter water decisions for the communities they serve? ...
05/23/2026

Only three weeks to go!

How can local elected leaders help shape smarter water decisions for the communities they serve? Join us to explore one of California’s most urgent public policy issues.

Don’t miss the SoCal Water Summit on June 13, 2026.

We’re excited to welcome our keynote speaker, E. Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board. Chairman Esquivel was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in March 2017 and later designated Chair by Governor Gavin Newsom in February 2019. He also brings more than eight years of experience working for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, where he served as Legislative Assistant covering agriculture, Native American affairs, water, oceans, and nutrition policy, as well as Director of Information and Technology.

Register today using the link in our bio! Questions? Contact Laura Juarez at [email protected]

On Wednesday, WELL was honored to visit the State Capitol to receive the Nonprofit of the Year Award, sponsored by CalNo...
05/22/2026

On Wednesday, WELL was honored to visit the State Capitol to receive the Nonprofit of the Year Award, sponsored by CalNonprofits in collaboration with the California State Senate and Assembly. We are deeply grateful to Senator María Elena Durazo for this recognition and nomination. This honor reflects the collective work of our partners and communities across California who are advancing equitable water education, leadership development, and access to opportunity in the water sector.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our WELLos (WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates) for joining us in receiving this recognition: Eddie Valero (Supervisor, County of Tulare); Leticia Gonzalez (Supervisor, Madera County, and Board Member, WELL); Alma Hernandez (Mayor, City of Suisun); Frank Figueroa (Mayor, City of Coachella); Cástulo Estrada (Board Vice President, Coachella Valley Water District, and Board Member, WELL); Denise Delgado (Councilmember, City of Coachella); Monica Sanchez (Councilmember, City of Pico Rivera); Mary Solorio (Councilmember, City of San Fernando); Debra Lucero (Former Supervisor, County of Butte, and Member of the WELL team); Sally Flowers (Former Councilmember, City of Artesia; Board Member, WELL); Cheryl Sudduth (President, West County Wastewater District), Celeste Rodriguez (Assemblymember, D- San Fernando Valley), Vianey Lopez (Supervisor, Ventura County), Stephanie Virgen (Councilmember, City of Coachella), and our including our partners, Russell Lowery (Executive Director, California African American Water Education Foundation)

We are proud to share this recognition with all who continue to be part of WELL’s story and advance this work across California. We invite you to continue that journey with us at the SoCal Water Summit on June 13, 2026. Click the link in our bio to register today!

What an incredible final weekend for the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2026.On Friday, Fellows gathered in Pa...
05/13/2026

What an incredible final weekend for the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2026.

On Friday, Fellows gathered in Pasadena for the start of their final session, engaging in a conversation on water rates and affordability with Stacie Takeguchi, Chief Assistant General Manager at Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) and WELL Educate 2 Lead Faculty Member. The cohort also explored local watershed systems through an immersive tour of the Arroyo Seco led by Brad Boman, Water Operations Manager; Jessica Hernandez, Senior Customer Program Analyst; and Isabel Ellis, Associate Engineer, all from PWP. The day created space for reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of how local water systems connect to the communities they serve.

On Saturday, the cohort continued their learning with a tour of the Valley County Water District (VCWD) facility, focusing on water contaminants and urban water infrastructure. The day was followed by a discussion on Tribal water relationships and governance with Samuel Lopez, Development Director for the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Fellows also participated in a legislative workshop overview led by Juanita Doplemore, Trustee at Compton Community College and UnTapped Graduate, Class of 2024. Juanita shared insights from her experience organizing and leading a successful water workshop, offering valuable lessons in advocacy and community engagement.

The weekend concluded with a graduation ceremony, joined by Sally Flowers (Former Councilmember, City of Artesia; UnTapped Graduate, Inaugural Class; and WELL Boardmember), who shared uplifting words with the graduating class. We celebrated the accomplishments of the Winter Class of 2026 and welcomed them into the WELL UnTapped Network. The Fellows were pinned during the graduation ceremony by WELLos (a graduate of the UnTapped Fellowship), who recruited them into the cohort.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our recent graduates.

Thank you to PWP and VCWD for hosting such a memorable experience.

Interested in joining the next UnTapped Cohort? Click the link in our bio for more information. The next cohort will run from January 2027 to May 2027.

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