Educate 2 lead
Applications are Now Open!
Educate 2 Lead (E2L), a partnership between Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) and the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF), is a statewide initiative designed for mid-level managers in California’s water and energy sectors. The program equips professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to meet their professional career goals.
Participants engage in four in-person sessions designed to foster practical leadership skills and professional growth. The curriculum, shaped by industry leaders from the water and energy sectors, centers on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and fostering innovation. The sessions are further supported by academic leaders from Claremont Graduate University. The cohort size will be limited to 18 participants to ensure deep engagement.
Meet the faculty and pracademics!
Eligibility Requirements:
- Mid-level professionals currently working in the California water and energy sectors
- Experience in a leadership role, with a commitment to driving organizational change
- Current mid-level career leader
- Positions: finance, operations, engineering, communications, conservation, water quality, community engagement, utilities, field technician
Program Structure:
- Four in-person sessions led by a diverse faculty of water industry professionals and general managers
- Collaborative curriculum development led by university academics, leadership consultants, and experienced water sector professionals
- A capstone project focused on addressing a leadership challenge within the participant’s home agency
Dates (All in-person sessions will be hosted in Southern California):
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Session 1: Thursday, August 27 – Friday, August 28
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Session 2: Thursday, September 17 – Friday, September 18
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Session 3: Thursday, October 15 – Friday, October 16
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Session 4: Thursday, November 12 – Friday, November 13
Key Program Goals:
- Develop a diverse leadership pipeline for California’s water and energy sectors
- Prepare participants to take on leadership roles that address the industry’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, workforce shifts, and evolving needs
- Provide ongoing mentorship and support from diverse, experienced faculty members, equipping participants for long-term career growth
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the cost of the program?
The cost to participate in the program is $2,000. A limited number of scholarships are available, and early application is encouraged for those seeking financial assistance.
2. What does the fee cover?
This fee covers meals provided during official program times, a curated program curriculum, four in-person sessions, and logistics coordination. For further information, please contact Laura Juarez, Laura@latinosforwater.org.
See Where E2L Graduates Are Making an Impact—Explore the Map Below!
Educate 2 Lead Fall 2026 Cohort Summary
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Abeni AllenFinancial AnalystWest County Wastewater District With 16 years of experience as a Financial and Management Analyst in the public
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Last week, over two days, the E2L cohort continued their leadership journey through virtual training designed to build essential skills
Educate 2 Lead: Session 4
Over the weekend, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy hosted the second in-person Educate 2 Lead (E2L) program session at the
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A short introduction to the workshop instructors and why their background should inspire potential student’s confidence.