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2026 Leadership Conference for Women in Water and Wastewater

September 22 - 23, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“Women coming together to support each other and lift each other up is so very important!”

SAC Technician, Metropolitan Council

“Time well spent networking and collaborating with like-minded WOW - Women of Water.”

Vice President, CSWR

“The Leadership Conference for Women in Water and Wastewater was beyond inspiring. It was empowering to meet with and learn from established women in the field.”

Associate Engineer, Metropolitan Council
Read more testimonials

“It was great to hear leadership experiences from women of different ages, different sized teams, and various backgrounds.”

Director of Wastewater Utility, City of South Bend

The water and wastewater industry is experiencing rapid technological change, evolving workforce expectations, and increasing operational and public accountability. During this period of transformation, women leaders often encounter additional challenges related to visibility, advancement, and influence within their organizations and the broader industry.

Water and wastewater utilities are also confronting significant industry-specific pressures, including aging infrastructure, limited or competitive funding for system upgrades, increasing water demand from population growth and high-consumption sectors such as data centers, emerging contaminants like PFAS, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. These factors require strategic, forward-thinking leadership to maintain safe, resilient, and sustainable water systems.

The 2026 Leadership Conference for Women in Water and Wastewater is designed to support women at all career stages by strengthening leadership capacity, strategic thinking, and professional networks. The conference focuses on practical, forward-looking approaches to leading through change, embracing innovation, building resilient organizations, and contributing to the future of the industry.

Through expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and interactive conversations, participants will explore:

  • Adaptive, human-centered leadership and professional development
  • Emerging industry trends, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making
  • Building inclusive, innovative, and resilient workplace cultures

Whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this conference offers space to learn, reflect, and connect with women who are shaping the future of water and wastewater leadership.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply adaptive leadership strategies to lead effectively through industry change, disruption, and uncertainty in the water and wastewater sector.
  • Foster inclusive, high-trust workplace cultures that strengthen employee engagement, mentorship, and workforce retention.
  • Evaluate opportunities for digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies within utility organizations.
  • Practice human-centered leadership approaches that enhance communication, collaboration, and team resilience.
  • Strengthen negotiation, influence, and interviewing skills to advance leadership effectiveness and career growth.
  • Integrate ethical leadership, sustainability, and community stewardship into day-to-day decision-making.
  • Build meaningful peer connections to exchange insights, expand professional networks, and elevate women’s leadership across the industry.

Register

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 1195.00 each(early bird rate)
(price after September 11, 2026 is $ 1,395.00)
Volume pricing also available

Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility

Pack of 5 attendees$ 5,075.00 (15% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after September 11, 2026 is $ 5,930.00)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 9,560.00 (20% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after September 11, 2026 is $ 11,160.00)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 17,925.00 (25% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after September 11, 2026 is $ 20,925.00)

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before August 14, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

EUCI retains the right to refuse registration by any individual or company.

Day one

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Day two

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Agenda

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In & Welcome

8:45 AM

Lunch Break

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:00 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In & Welcome

9:00 - 9:45 AM

Opening Keynote: Leading with Confidence in a Changing Water Industry

Practical lessons for building confidence, embracing career growth and leading through industry change.

  • Navigating self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and career transitions
  • Lessons learned on the path from finance professional to utility CEO
  • Mentorship and creating opportunities for advancement
  • The current state of the water and wastewater industry
  • Why women leaders are critical to the future of the industry

Amy Kahler GM & CEO Des Moines Water Works

9:45 - 10:45 AM

Panel Discussion: Adaptive Leadership & Influence in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

Discover ways to build influence, make difficult decisions, and maintain credibility during periods of uncertainty.

  • Leading through regulatory and political pressure
  • Influencing boards, regulators, and stakeholders
  • Decision-making under uncertainty
  • Executive presence and strategic voice

Deanna Ray Chief Legal Officer Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority

Yolanda Broome Deputy Commissioner City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

10:45 - 11:00 AM

Morning Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Developing AI-Literate Leaders & Responsible AI Adoption in Utilities

Leave with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate, govern, and responsibly apply emerging AI technology.

  • AI governance & risk
  • Operational and customer-facing AI applications
  • Executive oversight & responsible implementation
  • Building internal AI competency
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making for Executive Leadership

Kalpana Yendluri Director, Emerging Technology Great Lakes Water Authority

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch Break

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Digital Transformation, Smart Infrastructure & Cybersecurity

How to balance innovation and cybersecurity while still preparing for future operational demands.

  • Modernization strategies
  • Cyber risk in water systems
  • Smart infrastructure planning

Julie Mechling Director of Customer Service Pittsburgh Water

2:00 - 2:45 PM

Negotiation, Influence & Strategic Communication for Water and Wastewater Leaders

This session explores practical strategies for negotiation, influence, and strategic communication in public sector environments. Through real-world examples and case study discussion, participants will learn how to navigate high-stakes conversations, advocate for funding and strategic initiatives, and effectively position themselves and their ideas for success.

Patrice McElroy Deputy Administrative Officer, Human Resources Valley Water

2:45 - 3:00 PM

Afternoon Break

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Purpose-Driven, Trust-Based & Human-Centered Leadership

Discover ways to foster trust, strengthen organizational culture and lead with authenticity.

  • Building credibility and public trust
  • Leading with transparency and accountability
  • Aligning organizational culture with mission
  • Ethical leadership in high-scrutiny environments

Kate Nutting General Manager, Southwest District Golden State Water District

Agenda

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In

8:45 AM

Adjourn for the day

12:30 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In

9:00 - 9:30 AM

Continuous Leadership Development: Building Influence, Visibility & Executive Readiness

Actions to expand professional presence and positioning for future leadership opportunities.

  • Representation in executive & board roles
  • Expanding influence across sectors
  • Mentorship & sponsorship

Katrina Franklin Chief of Employee Experience Fairfax Water

9:30 - 10:30 AM

Workforce Engagement, Retention & Generational Shifts

Practical approaches for strengthening employee culture and preparing for a changing workforce.

  • Talent shortages
  • Culture transformation
  • Developing next-gen leaders

Ann Grothe Workforce Development Program Supervisor King County Wastewater Treatment Division

10:30 - 10:45 AM

Morning Break

10:45 - 11:30 AM

Financial Challenges & Equitable Access to Infrastructure Funding

Discuss the financial pressures that many utilities are facing and identify strategies being used to prioritize investments.

  • Federal funding strategy
  • Rate equity
  • Capital investment in climate adaptation
  • Enterprise risk management
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Social Responsibility, Sustainability & Community Stewardship

Building trust, addressing emerging challenges and strengthening relationships within communities.

  • Public trust & external messaging
  • Lead pipe removal & PFAS response
  • Climate resilience & public health
  • Legislative & community engagement

Cheryl Sudduth Board of Directors West County Wastewater District

Lisa Haney Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources Orange County Water District

Speakers

Yolanda Broome

Deputy Commissioner
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Katrina Franklin

Chief of Employee Experience
Fairfax Water

Ann Grothe

Workforce Development Program Supervisor
King County Wastewater Treatment Division

Lisa Haney

Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources
Orange County Water District

Amy Kahler

GM & CEO
Des Moines Water Works

Patrice McElroy

Deputy Administrative Officer, Human Resources
Valley Water

Julie Mechling

Director of Customer Service
Pittsburgh Water

Kate Nutting

General Manager, Southwest District
Golden State Water District

Deanna Ray

Chief Legal Officer
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority

Cheryl Sudduth

Board of Directors
West County Wastewater District

Kalpana Yendluri

Director, Emerging Technology
Great Lakes Water Authority

Continuing Education Credits

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen leadership, strategic, and communication skills within the water and wastewater industries, including:

 

  • Public Water Systems
  • Municipalities and Sanitation Districts
  • Investor-Owned Utilities
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants
  • Engineering Firms
  • Conservation Funds/Districts
  • State Environmental Boards and EPA Representatives
  • Private Water Utilities

IACET

AP_Logo

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.9 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

 

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

 

 

CPEs

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Conference CPE Credits: 10.0
There is no prerequisite for this conference.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event. Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.