Welcome to Women in Water 2025. This year's women highlight those working in landmark capacities who have truly dug into the profession and its community. From a part-time meter reader who became the first woman general manager of her utility (and who has been on the front lines of PFAS since 2016) to water law and solving disparity and accessibility across the world of water, these women have embodied the can-do attitude required by a vital industry that faces many challenges.
Shilpa Alva
Founder and executive director of Surge for Water
Shilpa is a visionary leader who transitioned from a successful corporate career to founding Surge for Water, a women-led, women-centered nonprofit addressing the global water and sanitation crisis. Since 2008, she has spearheaded community-driven, sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs, impacting hundreds of thousands of people across 12 countries.
Her journey was sparked by early experiences in India, where she witnessed children missing school or spending their days fetching water. Recognizing that water access is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty, she built Surge’s holistic approach, ensuring solutions are not just implemented but embraced and sustained by the communities they serve.
Did you find the water industry or did water find you?
From a young age, I was drawn to global service, but water became the undeniable thread connecting my passion to purpose.
My first awareness of water issues came as a child visiting family in India. I saw children my age spending their days collecting water instead of playing or learning. Even at seven years old, I recognized the injustice—access to water determined their entire future.
At 21, while teaching in a remote Indian village on a volunteer assignment, I saw how deeply water shaped opportunity. My students missed school because they were sick from waterborne illnesses or had to help their families collect water. It was clear—without safe water, education, health, and dignity were out of reach.
Water had found me. The more I learned, the more I couldn’t look away. In 2008, this realization led me to start Surge, dedicated to bringing sustainable, community-led water solutions to those who need them most.
Today, I see water’s influence everywhere. It is the foundation for health, education, gender equity, and economic growth. The water crisis is vast, but so is the opportunity to solve it. Looking back, I didn’t just choose water—water chose me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What does it mean to you to be a woman who works in the water industry?
For me, it’s both deeply personal and a responsibility. Water has shaped my journey—from witnessing young girls and women collecting water instead of playing, studying and working. I realized early on that water is a women’s issue—because when water is scarce, it’s women and girls who bear the heaviest burden.
Yet, despite being the ones most impacted, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles shaping water solutions. That needs to change!
At Surge, we believe in flipping the dynamic—uplifting women to lead in their own communities because when women are at the table, decisions are more sustainable, solutions last longer, and entire communities thrive. As a woman in this industry, my role goes beyond delivering water solutions—it’s about creating space for more women’s voices. Because when women lead in water, they don’t just change statistics. They change lives.
What are some accomplishments you are most proud of in your career? What about your current position excites you?
At Surge, we’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of lives by delivering holistic community-led water solutions. Along the way, we’ve uplifted women leaders, strengthened their capacity, and helped them to advocate for their own solutions—creating lasting change. I’m incredibly proud to have led Surge through this journey, driving meaningful impact and expanding our reach.
Right now, Surge is at an inflection point—our work is gaining greater recognition, and we’ve almost doubled in size in just two years. What excites me most is that this growth isn’t just about numbers—it means more women are uplifted, more voices are heard, and entire communities are transformed. I’m thrilled to be on this journey and can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
What is the most important issue facing the industry to you, and what is your moonshot idea for addressing that issue?
The most pressing challenge in the global safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) space (my niche in the water industry) is that too many solutions are top-down, short-term, and disconnected from the communities they aim to serve. Too often, well-intentioned projects fail because decisions are made externally, without deep local engagement.
My moonshot idea is to completely flip this model—putting women and local leaders at the forefront of solving the water crisis. At Surge, we’ve seen firsthand that when women lead, solutions last. But globally, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles despite being the most impacted by water scarcity.
Imagine a world where the majority of water projects are not only locally led but also designed, implemented, and maintained by women. This would transform the sector—creating sustainable change while addressing the systemic gender inequities tied to water.
To make this happen, we need to rethink funding models—shifting from short-term charity to long-term investments in local leadership and enterprise-driven solutions. If we get this right, we won’t just be solving the water crisis—we’ll be unlocking opportunity, dignity, and resilience for entire communities.
What do you wake up excited to do on days off?
On my days off, I wake up excited to recenter and recharge—whether it’s through yoga, meditation, a peaceful tea ceremony, getting lost in a good book, or spending time in nature. Being outdoors, taking a walk in a beautiful place, helps me reset and reflect.
I also love connecting with friends—whether it’s over deep conversations, laughing until it hurts, or dancing to great music. These moments of stillness, joy, and connection keep me grounded and inspired for the work ahead.
Stephanie Hastings and Amy Steinfeld
Water and natural resources lawyers, shareholders, in the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Stephanie Hastings and Amy Steinfeld are water and natural resources lawyers, shareholders in the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and the founders of the H2O Women Conference, a biennial conference and retreat that showcases leading women professionals from industries throughout the water space.
Did you find the water industry or did water find you?
Stephanie: I moved to California at the end of the 1987-92 drought—one of California’s most significant (longest duration and driest hydrology) statewide droughts of the 1900s. The impact that the drought had had on businesses, residents and the environment made a big impression on me.
Water availability and reliability is foundational to the California economy. Every industry in California, from the lettuce fields of the Salinas Valley to the data centers of Silicon Valley, relies on one fundamental resource: water. And it was apparent to me that water scarcity in California and arid communities throughout the West was a political issue as well.
So when it came time to select a focus area in law school and an industry specialization in my legal career, I was drawn to the water sector. In my more than 25-year career in water law, I have been fortunate to play a leading role in California’s most complex and precedent-setting water law and policy matters. It has been my privilege to help my clients—water suppliers and users of every kind—navigate the complex legal landscape of one of our most critical, precious and contested assets.
Amy: When I was in the fourth grade, the Drought Water Duck visited my Orange County classroom to teach us about California’s precious water supplies.
That spurred my lifelong fascination with California water. From there, I obtained a degree in environmental studies at UCLA, followed by a law degree at CU Boulder, with an emphasis on water law. During law school, I assisted Professor David Getches in updating his Water Law in a Nutshell primer, which focused on the law of the Colorado River, groundwater-surface water conflicts, instream flow protection and the public trust doctrine. I was hooked! Professor Getches advised that I return to California to tackle California’s complex water issues.
My passion paid off because upon joining the Santa Barbara-based Hatch & Parent law firm (now Brownstein), I was tasked with defending the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreements (QSA) on behalf of San Diego, which implemented the largest-ever agricultural-to-urban water transfers.
What does it mean to you to be a woman who works in the water industry?
Stephanie and Amy: In the early years of our careers, the water sector, with its emphasis on business, infrastructure and engineering, was predominantly a male-dominated profession. So it behooved us to build connections with other women professionals and to mentor the new attorneys in our firm who expressed interest in water and natural resources law.
One of the biggest motivations for us was to build a team of talented female lawyers who are passionate about the industry. Our Water Group is one of the nation’s top water law practices and includes 25 attorneys, 15 of whom are women.
What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of in your career?
Stephanie and Amy: Together, in 2017, we founded the H2O Women Conference. What once had been a male-dominated industry, had begun an important transformation with increasing numbers of women in leadership positions throughout the sector—in both government and business.
In recognition of the incredible talent and professionalism of women in the space, we sought to create an opportunity to support and promote this small, but burgeoning group of leaders.
The H2O Women Conference is both a professional conference and retreat—showcasing leading women professionals from industries throughout the water space, presenting and facilitating thought-provoking discussions about the most important water issues and topics of the day, and providing plentiful opportunities for networking, collaboration and recharge with other “H2O Women.” We host the H2O Women Conference biennially in Santa Barbara, California.
How do you feel your unique perspective from the role you hold contributes to the biggest issues facing the water industry?
Stephanie and Amy: Our H2O Women Conference is designed specifically to educate, support and promote women in leadership in the water sector. Our hope is that the H2O Women Conference will empower and inspire women to improve the way we manage the world’s most valuable and vital natural resource.
We work tirelessly in developing the conference and selecting the speakers to identify, advance and validate the unique and necessary skills that women bring to the business, management and regulation of water.
The number of women professionals making an impact in the water space is impressive. Women have quickly established themselves as thought-leaders, rainmakers and the architects of next-generation solutions to intractable water policy issues. We believe that what is special about our conference is that we are steadily building a sorority of women professionals who love what they do as much as we do.
What do you wake up excited to do on days off?
Stephanie: Whenever possible—when the hydrology permits—you’ll find me skiing and enjoying the mountains, snow and the incredible natural beauty of California.
I’m also dedicated to advancing global health through universal access to safe water through my work for the Aquaya Institute, a nonprofit research and consulting organization. I’m incredibly proud of the important and highly effective work that Aquaya does to advance evidence-based solutions to the global water and sanitation crisis.
Amy: On the weekends, my family and I can often be found camping in the Central Coast mountains where we love to recharge and reset after a week on screens. When I’m not exploring our local natural resources, I enjoy painting, crafting and gardening.
Recently, I joined the board of trustees of Lotusland, a distinctive botanical garden with a focus on sustainable horticultural practices (including irrigation) and plant conservation.
Jeanice Slater
General Manager at West Morgan East Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority
Jeaniece Slater is the general manager at West Morgan East Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority. She has been working in the water industry since 2002 and has been a GM since 2020. Slater holds a B.A. in psychology, coaches kids’ sports and was inducted into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Did you find the water industry or did water find you?
In truth, I found my way into the water industry. My journey began in a family deeply rooted in coaching. My first job was at a community college, where I served as an assistant women's basketball coach and head softball coach. The long hours spent recruiting, coaching, and fulfilling a full-time teaching position eventually led me to a crossroads. I made the difficult decision to leave and join the family business by purchasing a convenience store.
However, I soon realized that being confined to the store wasn't for me. Seeking a change, I took on a part-time meter reading position. Over the next 20 years, I embraced every job and opportunity that came my way, steadily climbing the ranks. In 2020, I achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second General Manager of the utility and the first woman to hold this position.
What does it mean to you to be a woman who works in the water industry?
Being a woman in the water industry is a journey of resilience and determination. When I first entered this field, it was a world dominated by men, and the challenges were numerous. However, each obstacle became a steppingstone, shaping me into a stronger and more capable leader.
My journey began in a family of coaches, where I learned the values of hard work and perseverance. Transitioning from coaching to the water industry was not a straightforward path. After leaving my coaching career and running a convenience store, I found myself yearning for something more fulfilling. A part-time meter reading position opened the door to a new world, one where I could make a tangible difference in my community.
Over the next two decades, I embraced every role and opportunity that came my way. From meter reading to management, I learned the intricacies of the industry and proved my capabilities. In 2020, I reached a significant milestone by becoming the second General Manager of the utility and the first woman to hold this position.
Being in this industry means constantly proving that gender does not define one's ability to lead and excel. It means paving the way for future generations, showing them that they too can achieve great things in fields traditionally dominated by men. It is about fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity, where everyone's contributions are valued.
Ultimately, it's about making a lasting impact, not just through the work we do, but by inspiring others to follow their passions and break through their own barriers.
What about your current position excites you?
What excites me most about my current position is the profound impact we have on the community and the lives we touch every day. As the General Manager of our utility, I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team committed to ensuring that every drop of water we provide is safe, clean, and reliable. This role allows me to blend my passion for community service with my dedication to protecting human health.
One of the most rewarding aspects is knowing that our work directly contributes to the well-being of our neighbors. From ensuring safe drinking water to maintaining the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, we play a crucial role in the community's health and safety. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible results of our efforts, whether it's through improved water quality or enhanced service reliability.
Moreover, this position offers the opportunity to engage with the community on a deeper level. We collaborate with local organizations, participate in educational initiatives, and listen to the needs and concerns of our residents. This connection with the community not only helps us serve them better but also fosters a sense of trust and partnership.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate and improve. Whether it's implementing innovative technologies, developing sustainable practices, or finding ways to better serve our customers, the dynamic nature of this role keeps me motivated and excited. It's about making a lasting difference, not just for today, but for future generations.
In essence, what excites me most is the blend of community service, innovation, and the unwavering commitment to making people's lives better while safeguarding their health. It's a role that allows me to make a meaningful impact, and that is truly inspiring.
What is part of your role you think most people don't realize?
What part of my role do I think most people don't think about? This is a question I absolutely love because it highlights an often overlooked yet vital aspect of our industry. The water industry doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. Most people don't stop to consider where their water comes from or where it goes after use. Yet, we are the backbone of daily life, providing an essential service that people simply cannot live without.
In my role, I see firsthand the intricate processes and tireless efforts that go into ensuring a seamless water supply. We are the guardians of public health, ensuring that every drop of water is safe for consumption. This involves rigorous testing, constant monitoring, and swift action to address any issues that arise. It's a responsibility we take very seriously because the health of our community depends on it.
But our impact goes beyond just health. We enhance the quality of life in countless ways. From the water that hydrates us, to the water used in cooking and cleaning, to the water that keeps our lawns green, and our pools filled, we are integral to everyday enjoyment and comfort. Our work supports not only residential needs but also industrial and commercial operations, making us a cornerstone of economic stability and growth.
People often don't realize the complexity and dedication involved in maintaining this vital resource. It's not just about turning on a tap; it's about a network of professionals working around the clock to manage water treatment plants, repair infrastructure, and innovate for sustainability. We are constantly seeking new ways to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ensuring that future generations will also have access to this precious resource.
In essence, our industry is about making life better in every conceivable way. We are the unseen heroes who ensure that water is always there when you need it, supporting health, happiness, and prosperity. It's a role that requires passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving the community, and it's one that I am incredibly proud to be a part of.
What piece of media has had the greatest impact on you in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, one piece of media that has profoundly impacted me is the book "Surprised by Joy" by C.S. Lewis. As an avid reader with a high-energy lifestyle, I find solace and inspiration in the pages of a good book. My reading interests span from history to self-improvement, and I have a particular fascination with Winston Churchill and World War II. However, "Surprised by Joy" stands out for its deep introspection and eloquent narrative.
C.S. Lewis's journey from atheism to faith is a compelling story of personal transformation. His reflections on joy, pain, and the search for meaning resonate deeply with me. The way he articulates his inner struggles and eventual epiphany is both thought-provoking and inspiring. It reminds me that even amid life's chaos, there is a profound joy to be found in the pursuit of truth and understanding.
In addition to "Surprised by Joy," my reading list over the past year has included titles like "Inner Excellence," "The Leader's Mind," "Chop Wood Carry Water," "Identity Unknown," and "The Broken Kingdom." Each of these books has contributed to my personal and professional growth, offering insights into leadership, resilience, and self-discovery.
As a fan of both C.S. Lewis and Patricia Cornwell, I appreciate the diverse perspectives they bring to their writing. Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta novels have been a staple in my reading repertoire since the early 1990s, providing thrilling narratives that keep me engaged for hours.
Reading is more than just a pastime for me; it's a way to recharge, reflect, and continuously learn. Whether delving into historical accounts or exploring the depths of human psychology, each book adds a new layer to my understanding of the world and myself.