We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Olivia Trujillo, Mayor of the City of Arvin, and a Graduate of WELL’s UnTapped Fellowship Program. Mayor Trujillo passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday surrounded by her three loving daughters after a long battle with cancer.

On November 3, 2020, she became the first woman, Latina, and immigrant to be elected mayor of the City of Arvin. Mayor Trujillo served her community in appointed and elected office since 2013 as Vice-President of the Arvin City Chamber of Commerce, and the Arvin City Council.

Olivia brought joy and her spirit of compassion for others was felt by everyone wherever she went. She will be dearly missed.

WELL is now recruiting for our next cohort of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program. UnTapped is a selective, six-month program for local elected leaders that helps participants make an impact on California water policy while addressing individual community water challenges. UnTapped sessions are hosted in person, at various watersheds throughout California.

Meet the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program Class of 2024!

The WELL UnTapped Fellowship is a selective, six-month program for local elected leaders aimed at helping participants make an impact on California water policy while addressing individual community water challenges. The UnTapped program creates an opportunity for local leaders to engage with water issues by exploring California’s water history and governance, infrastructure, finance, and the impact of climate change on water supply and quality.

After a competitive application process, we have selected 18 locally elected Latino leaders in California to embark on the UnTapped Fellowship program. This class comes from all areas of the state, yet they are united by their passion for water knowledge and supporting their communities.

Thank you to our Associate Members, AARP of California, Association of California Water Agencies, California American Water, California Water Service, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Pepsico, Valley Water, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, and The Water Replenishment District of Southern California! To learn more about the WELL Associate Membership and how to join, please review our Associate Membership page.