As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year defined by leadership, learning, and the continued growth of a statewide community committed to equitable water governance. This year, WELL graduated two UnTapped Fellowship cohorts, launched a new leadership pathway through Educate 2 Lead, and convened leaders through a statewide conference, a webinar, and a legislative workshop. We also strengthened our alumni network by hosting two WELL UnTapped Network (WUN) retreats and unveiled a landmark UC Davis–led water governance study examining representation and equity across more than 680 California water agencies. Across these programs and convenings, local elected officials and water professionals came together to deepen their knowledge, build lasting relationships, and advance informed, community-centered decision-making on California’s water challenges.
Here’s a snapshot of what we built together in 2025:
Graduated Two WELL UnTapped Fellowship Cohorts
WELL graduated two cohorts of the UnTapped Fellowship Program, our flagship leadership initiative for local elected officials. Since its launch, UnTapped has equipped Latino and other underrepresented leaders with a comprehensive understanding of water governance, infrastructure, finance, and climate impacts. In 2025, graduates joined a growing statewide network of WELLos applying this knowledge in council chambers, boardrooms, and communities across California. Since 2018, WELL has graduated 116 local elected officials, marking 10 completed cohorts.
Launched New Program – Educate 2 Lead
2025 marked a major milestone with the launch of Educate 2 Lead (E2L), a new leadership development initiative co-founded by WELL and the California African American Water Education Foundation. Designed for mid-level managers in the water and energy sectors, E2L was created to address long-standing gaps in leadership pipelines and representation within the industry. In its inaugural year, WELL completed two E2L cohorts, providing participants with immersive training in leadership, coaching-based management, and team effectiveness. The program lays the foundation for a more inclusive, prepared, and resilient future generation of utility leaders.
Hosted Two WELL UnTapped Network (WUN) Retreat
WELL convened two UnTapped Network retreats in 2025 to deepen alumni engagement and continue peer learning beyond the UnTapped Fellowship. One retreat, hosted in partnership with Southern California Edison, brought WELLos to Big Creek for an immersive experience focused on the intersection of water and energy. A second retreat in Burbank, California, provided space for reflection, relationship-building, and continued dialogue among UnTapped graduates, strengthening the statewide WELLo network – graduates of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program.
Co-hosted a Legislative Water Workshop with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson)
In partnership with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), WELL hosted a Legislative Water Workshop on September 20 at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center in Compton. WELL co-hosted the workshop with graduates Juanita Doplemore, Trustee, Compton Community College; Cassandra Chase, Mayor, City of Lakewood; Joy Langford, Director, Water Replenishment District; Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton; and Renita Armstrong, Boardmember, Bellflower Unified School District. The event featured panels on workforce development, water technology innovation, and community engagement, bringing together elected officials, community advocates, and industry leaders.
Convened a Live Webinar on Recycled Water
On June 18, WELL hosted a free live webinar examining how recycled water is being used safely across California. Moderated by Oscar Ortiz, Councilmember for the City of Indio and a WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduate, the discussion explored funding models, partnerships, regulatory considerations, and the role of recycled water in advancing equity and environmental justice.
Held the WELL Annual Conference in Southern California
In March, WELL hosted the 2025 Annual Statewide Conference in Garden Grove, convening local elected officials, water leaders, and community partners from across California. The conference included a tour of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System, a keynote address from California Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon. The event also featured a pinning ceremony welcoming the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Classes of Summer 2024 and Winter 2025 into the WELL UnTapped Network, bringing the total number of graduates to 106. The conference concluded with WELL’s tradition of unity through the singing of De Colores..
Groundbreaking UC Davis–WELL Water Governance Study Release
On August 20, WELL hosted a legislative briefing at the State Capitol to unveil the UC Davis–WELL Water Governance Study, the first comprehensive statewide analysis of representation in California’s water governance. The study examined more than 680 water districts and found persistent underrepresentation of women and communities of color on water boards and in executive leadership. At the current pace of change, the research estimates it could take decades for women to reach parity in water governance leadership.
The briefing was led by Assemblymembers Anamarie Ávila Farías and Celeste Rodriguez, graduates of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship program, and drew more than 50 attendees, including legislators, staff, and water leaders. The event elevated the urgency of the study’s findings and received media coverage from KRCA-NBC and the Associated Press, amplifying the call for more representative water leadership across California.
Closing the Year with Community
WELL closed out 2025 by hosting its first Holiday Celebration on December 17 in Southern California, bringing together WELLos, Educate 2 Lead participants, and the friends and family who support our work year-round. The evening opened with reflections from Victor Griego, President and Founder, WELL, and included the presentation of WELL UnTapped medallions to program graduates, recognizing their continued leadership and commitment to water education. Guests also enjoyed a festive performance by carolers from Baldwin Park Unified School District and a raffle, marking a joyful and meaningful close to a year rooted in community, learning, and shared purpose.
Every milestone this year was made possible by the leadership of WELLos, Educate 2 Lead participants, board members, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of education and representation. As we close out the year, we invite you to consider making an end-of-year gift to support WELL’s ongoing work to educate, connect, and empower water leaders across California.
As we look ahead to 2026, WELL remains committed to expanding access to water education, strengthening leadership pipelines, and advancing equitable water solutions for all Californians. Thank you for being part of this work—and for helping shape the future of water leadership in our state.