Water Education for Latino Leaders

08/25/2026

Last Thursday, August 20, 2026, we hosted a live webinar, “Water at the Crossroads: Policy Shifts, Local Impacts, and Community Resilience.

The webinar brought together water leaders from across California to explore recent policy shifts, how they are being felt at the local level, and what they mean for communities and California’s water future.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our webinar sponsors for their generous support of this webinar and for helping WELL continue to provide educational opportunities that connect leaders and communities across California’s water sector.

We also thank our panelists, Tina Shields, Harvey De La Torre, Dr. Bhabesh Chakrabarti, P.E., and our moderator, Malika Jones, for sharing their expertise and perspectives.

For those who would like to revisit the discussion or missed the conversation, visit our website to view the webinar recording.

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

We are excited to welcome the incoming Educate 2 Lead (E2L) Fall Class of 2026! 🎉

E2L is a statewide leadership initiative designed for mid-level managers in California’s water and energy sectors, equipping emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance their careers and drive meaningful change.

Over the next four months, our newest cohort will come together to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful connections, learn from experienced practitioners, and develop strategies to create lasting impact within their organizations and communities.

We’re proud to welcome this talented group of professionals to the E2L community and look forward to supporting them throughout their leadership journey.

Join us in celebrating the Educate 2 Lead Fall Class of 2026!

Interested in learning more about E2L or being considered for a future cohort? Click the link in our bio and visit our website to learn more about the program and upcoming opportunities to participate.

Educate 2 Lead was created by Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) and the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF).

08/20/2026

Don’t miss WELL’s live webinar, “Water at the Crossroads: Policy Shifts, Local Impacts, and Community Resilience,” happening TODAY, August 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM PT.

Join us for a conversation with water leaders as we explore how evolving policy decisions are shaping local communities, what these changes mean for California’s water future, and how communities can build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Whether you work in water, energy, local government, or simply want to better understand the issues shaping California’s water landscape, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Scan the QR code or use the link below to register today!

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u0FnUO3xQ1OtLWqSXQI_og #/registration

08/18/2026

Do you know how the dwindling Colorado River impacts California’s water supply? Want to become more involved in water decisions?

Public policy changes at the state and regional levels are reshaping the future of water management across California, with significant implications for affordability, reliability, and long-term planning.

As communities navigate a changing regulatory landscape, understanding these shifts is critical to addressing both immediate and long-term water challenges.

Join us this Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM PT for “Water at the Crossroads — Policy Shifts, Local Impacts, and Community Resilience,” a live conversation exploring how changes in water policy and supply affect local reliability, service delivery, ratepayers, economic development, and community resilience.

Hear directly from: Tina Shields, Imperial Irrigation District; Dr. Bhabesh (Bobby) Chakrabarti, P.E., Vice President of Municipal Services, Veolia North America; and Harvey De La Torre, General Manager, Municipal Water District of Orange County.

The conversation will be moderated by Malika Jones, Supervising Engineer at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and an Educate 2 Lead graduate.

Together, our panelists will explore how decisions in one region can create ripple effects across the state—and what these shifts mean for cities, counties, schools, water districts, and the residents you serve.

Reserve your spot today—scan the QR code or register through the link below!

For questions, contact Laura Juarez at [email protected] or (909) 670-2928.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u0FnUO3xQ1OtLWqSXQI_og #/registration

08/11/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: Thank You, AARP California!

WELL is proud to recognize AARP California as a Silver Sponsor of our 2026 Webinar Series.

Support from organizations like AARP California makes it possible to offer no-cost educational webinars that bring together leading experts to discuss the policies and challenges shaping California's water future. AARP California’s partnership helps expand access to timely information and meaningful conversations that strengthen our communities. This is civic engagement at its best!

Join us for our upcoming webinar: Water at the Crossroads: Policy Shifts • Local Impacts • Community Resilience on Thursday, August 20 from 12:00–1:00 PM (PT).

This discussion will explore how changing federal policies, Colorado River shortages, affordability concerns, and climate pressures are affecting California's water agencies, businesses, agriculture, and communities—and what leaders can do to prepare.

We sincerely thank AARP California for their commitment to supporting educational opportunities that empower communities through knowledge and collaboration.

Click the link below to register today!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u0FnUO3xQ1OtLWqSXQI_og #/registration

08/07/2026

California’s water landscape is evolving and the decisions made today will shape how communities plan for tomorrow.

Join WELL on August 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE live webinar, “Water at the Crossroads — Policy Shifts, Local Impacts, and Community Resilience.”

Gain a deeper understanding of the factors shaping California’s water decisions and how leaders are preparing for the challenges ahead. Discover perspectives on building more informed, adaptable, and resilient communities.

Reserve your spot today—scan the QR code or register through the link in our bio.

For questions, contact Laura Juarez at [email protected] or (909) 670-2928.

08/05/2026

Are you an elected leader looking to deepen your understanding of California’s water challenges and strengthen your community’s future?

Applications are open for WELL’s UnTapped Winter 2027 Fellowship, a leadership experience designed for local elected officials who want to deepen their understanding of California water challenges and strengthen their ability to lead their communities.

Over the past 15 years, UnTapped has brought together local leaders from across California to build connections, explore water issues, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our state’s most vital resource.

The next generation of water leadership starts with informed, engaged leaders. Apply today and join a statewide network of leaders shaping California’s future.

Applications are now open. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the 15th Anniversary UnTapped Fellowship.

For more information, contact Paola Schenkelberg at [email protected]

08/03/2026

California's water challenges require informed leadership and collaborative solutions.

Join WELL on August 20 for a live webinar featuring experts from across the water sector as they discuss the policy decisions, supply challenges, and innovative strategies shaping communities throughout California.

Hear insights on:

• How evolving policies influence local decision-making.
• The future of water reliability and supply.
• Emerging technologies and water reuse.
• Strategies for building resilient communities.

Whether you serve a city, county, school district, water agency, or community organization, this webinar will provide valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing California's water systems.

The discussion will be moderated by Malika Jones and feature panelists Tina Shields, Dr. Bhabesh (Bobby) Chakrabarti, P.E., and Harvey De La Torre, who will share their expertise and perspectives on the issues shaping water management across the state.

Reserve your spot today! https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u0FnUO3xQ1OtLWqSXQI_og #/registration

For questions, contact Laura Juarez at [email protected] or (909) 670-2928.

07/28/2026

Do you know how the dwindling Colorado River and changing water conditions are impacting California’s water supply?

California’s water future is being shaped by shifting supplies, evolving policies, and the need for innovative solutions.

Join WELL for a conversation exploring what these changes mean for water reliability, affordability, and resilience across the state.

We're excited to welcome Malika Jones, Supervising Engineer at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and graduate of WELL's Educate 2 Lead (E2L) program, as the moderator for WELL's upcoming webinar on August 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (PT).

Malika brings a strong background in engineering, water infrastructure, and environmental solutions. In her role with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Malika supports efforts to advance sustainable wastewater management and protect public health through innovative infrastructure solutions. As an E2L graduate, she also represents the next generation of water leaders committed to strengthening California's water future through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continued leadership development.

Join us on August 20 as Malika moderates a conversation with water leaders exploring how changing policies, water supplies, and emerging technologies are shaping reliability, affordability, and resilience for communities across California.

Register today! For questions, contact Laura Juarez at [email protected] or (909) 670-2928.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u0FnUO3xQ1OtLWqSXQI_og #/registration