Carolina Avendaño, Capital Projects Coordinator, Long Beach Utilities
Carolina Avendaño was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of nine. She grew up in East Los Angeles, an experience that greatly shaped who she is today. During her college years at California State University, Long Beach, she relocated to Inglewood, where she now resides with her family in Whittier.
With over sixteen years of experience in design, construction, and project management, Carolina currently serves as a Capital Projects Coordinator at the Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD). She manages two key programs—the Large Valve Program and Water Main Bridge Crossings—while also supporting the Pipeline Infrastructure team with design standards for pipeline projects. In addition, she contributes to emergency repair efforts by providing recommendations, standard procedures, and technical insight. Beyond her program responsibilities, she is an active member of the specifications committee, oversees individual projects, and is committed to mentoring colleagues and fostering professional development within her team.
Outside of her professional life, Carolina is a proud mom of three. Together with her husband, she juggles a busy family schedule filled with soccer practices and games, kickboxing classes, school performances, and volunteer activities. On Sundays, they make time to attend church as a family. Carolina also enjoys trying new foods and exploring new places to travel.
Joy Contreras
Public Information Officer, Long Beach Utilities
Joy Contreras serves as Public Information Officer for the City of Long Beach Utilities department, where she leads community engagement efforts alongside water, gas, and sewer employees on all public-facing utilities projects, educational programs, and community events.
Prior to joining Long Beach Utilities, Joy had over a decade of private and public sector professional experience in the Long Beach community. She served as a Senior Communications Associate at The Molina Foundation and as a Project Manager at S. Groner Associates. In 2019, Joy joined the City of Long Beach as a Management Assistant in the Office of the City Manager, transitioning to work on customer-oriented projects and communications in the Public Works Department in 2020. Joy brings a wealth of outreach work, community engagement experience, and a love and dedication to uplifting the Long Beach community.
Joy has a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Reed College. Ms. Contreras is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy, Planning, and Development at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.
Karla Duran
Associate Engineer, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Karla Duran is a first-generation Latina whose parents immigrated to the United States from Sinaloa and Michoacán, Mexico. As the oldest of three children, she has embraced leadership roles from an early age. In high school, she excelled academically and athletically, earning the “Best in Math” award her senior year and serving as co-captain of the volleyball team.
For the past four years, Karla has worked in wastewater engineering and construction management at Inland Empire Utilities Agency, where she manages capital improvement projects that enhance and rehabilitate critical infrastructure for the region. She is deeply passionate about making a difference for herself, her family, and her community—something her career allows her to do every day.
Karla holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Environmental Engineering. As an undergraduate, she led her senior design project and co-authored a published article. During graduate school, she conducted research and is currently preparing an article for publication in a scientific journal to contribute to the field of wastewater treatment literature.
Outside of her professional life, Karla enjoys reading, gardening, and coffee. She treasures her downtime with her dog, Cooper, as well as with her close friends and family.
Jessica Forte
Principal Engineer, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Jessica Forte is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading infrastructure, water management, and community development projects across California. She currently serves as Principal Engineer at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, where she oversees major initiatives that advance water reliability, environmental stewardship, and resilient public infrastructure—including the landmark PURE Water Program.
Previously, Jessica served as Director of Public Works for the City of Agoura Hills and held engineering leadership roles with the City of Westlake Village and the State of California, where she chaired the inaugural California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board. A past President of the City and County Engineers Association of Los Angeles, she is also an active member of the American Water Works Association and a dedicated supporter of local environmental and community events.
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management from Stevens Institute of Technology and holds multiple California certifications, including Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 and Water Treatment Operator Grade 2. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership and passion for mentoring the next generation of water professionals.
Brian Funo
Accountant, Water Replenishment District
Brian Funo is a Senior Accountant at the Water Replenishment District. He began his public sector career with the Lawndale School District in various accounting roles before transitioning into the water industry. Brian is passionate about continuous improvement and supporting initiatives that directly benefit the community. He also serves on his organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where he helps advance initiatives that foster an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing pickleball, and spending time with his family. He values building authentic connections and looks forward to strengthening his leadership skills, gaining new perspectives, and continuing to make a meaningful impact in his community.
Christopher Garcia
Environmental Resources Planner II, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Chris Garcia is a Southern California native and currently serves as a Senior Water Resources Analyst for the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, where he oversees the agency’s Water Use Efficiency Programs. He has worked in the water industry for seven years and recently earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Chris enjoys paddleboarding, collecting vinyl records, experiencing live music, and spending time with his two cats—who, unlike him, do not share a love for water.
Orval Hernandez-Marcial
Acting Senior Environmental Engineer, LA Sanitation and Environment
Orval Hernandez-Marcial is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. He began his career in 2013 as a student volunteer at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant with the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment, and later interned as a Student Engineer with the City of Long Beach. In 2016, he returned to Los Angeles Sanitation as an Environmental Engineering Associate in the Permit Compliance group, conducting audits on City facilities to ensure compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit.
Promoted in 2019 to Environmental Engineer III for the Low Impact Development Counter, Orval now serves as Section Lead and Civil Engineer, managing operations, overseeing a team of 16 staff and consultants, and reviewing plans for on-site stormwater mitigation. His work has included major projects such as the Automated People Mover Train System at Los Angeles International Airport and leading the bureau’s implementation of Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for affordable housing projects.
Orval also contributes to the engineering community as a licensed Professional Engineer, serving on the board of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Los Angeles Chapter and volunteering with Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement at California State University, Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys running and traveling.
Alejandro Mendez
Water Superintendent, City of San Fernando
Alejandro Mendez is the Water Superintendent for the City of San Fernando, bringing over 20 years of experience in water operations, treatment, and distribution. His career began in the field, repairing leaks, maintaining wells, and testing backflow devices—experiences that instilled a deep respect for the technical work that keeps a community’s water system running.
To strengthen his technical foundation, he completed coursework in water treatment processes, water distribution operations, and waterworks mathematics at College of the Canyons, as well as cross-connection courses through the University of Southern California and American Water Works Association. This training, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has equipped him to manage both the operational and regulatory demands of a modern water system.
Today, he oversees citywide water operations, from groundwater supply and treatment to infrastructure upgrades and emergency response. He is recognized for being a reliable leader during late-night system failures, regulatory inspections, and long-term planning for the city’s water supply.
Driven by service, Alejandro ensures his staff have the tools, training, and support they need while maintaining safe, reliable water service for the community for generations to come.
Ignacio Murillo
Civil and Mechanical Engineering Design Manager. Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Ignacio Murillo is a civil engineering professional with a passion for building infrastructure. He has spent the majority of his career at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, where he has led everything from hands-on design projects to large-scale construction management.
He currently manages the Civil and Mechanical Design section, focusing on streamlining workflows, keeping projects on budget, and ensuring designs meet expectations. Known for bringing people together—engineers, stakeholders, and contractors alike—he is committed to fostering effective collaboration across teams.
Previously, he led the Construction Management section, where he guided projects through tight timelines and shifting priorities. Whether mentoring junior staff, improving processes, or navigating organizational change, Ignacio prioritizes making systems work better for both his team and the communities served.
Murillo is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, holding a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine. Beyond credentials, Ignacio is driven by solving problems, building strong relationships, and delivering results.
Warisa Niizawa
Division Engineer, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Warisa Niizawa is the Manager of the Air Quality Engineering Section for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. With extensive experience in air quality regulations, she and her team provide robust regulatory services to stakeholders in her agency. Their work is the backbone of her organization’s operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and thereby protecting public health and the environment.
Ms. Niizawa actively collaborates with other organizations in the regulatory and legislative processes. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an MS in Environmental Engineering from CSU Fullerton.
Eduardo Perez Assistant Plant Manager, Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment
Eduardo Perez is an Assistant Plant Manager for the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment’s (LASAN) Wastewater Reclamation Division, overseeing both the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant and the Los Angeles Glendale Water Reclamation Plant.
In his role, Eduardo leads the engineering section, ensuring effective plant operations through strategic project initiation and implementation. He is instrumental in advancing the implementation of the advanced water purification facility, a project designed to bring water sustainability to the Los Angeles region. His responsibilities also include supporting the development of new infrastructure and the renewal of existing facilities.
A registered Civil Engineer in California, Eduardo brings twenty years of experience with LASAN, spanning wastewater conveyance, process engineering, and project management.
Eduardo holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Leela Stevens
Civil Engineer, Long Beach Public Utilities Department
Leela Stevens has been with the Long Beach Public Utilities Department since 2021 and currently serves as a Civil Engineer in the Department’s Pipeline Division.
In her role, she oversees the engineering design, construction management, and inspection of a wide range of capital improvement projects, including pipeline improvement and rehabilitation, cathodic protection, well rehabilitation, and sewer lift station upgrades.
Leela is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a University of Southern California Foundation-certified Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist. She is credentialed through the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) to perform condition assessments of pipelines, manholes, and laterals.
Tanya Williams
Human Resources Manager, West County Wastewater
Tanya Williams is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience driving HR strategy, organizational development, and employee engagement. She currently serves as the Human Resources Manager at West County Wastewater, where she oversees all facets of HR operations, including recruitment and retention, labor and employee relations, performance management, policy development, compliance, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and training and development.
Tanya joined West County Wastewater in 2019 as a Human Resources (HR) Analyst, quickly proving herself as a strategic partner and leader. Her collaborative approach and deep expertise led to her promotion to HR Manager, where she now plays a pivotal role in aligning HR initiatives with the agency’s mission and long-term goals.
Prior to her work at West County Wastewater, Tanya spent over 14 years at Contra Costa County, holding various roles within the Human Resources Department. During her tenure, she supported a wide range of county departments, including those led by elected officials such as the Office of the Sheriff, Public Defender, District Attorney, Public Works, and the Clerk-Recorder. This experience gave her in-depth insight into the unique HR challenges of public sector environments and helped her develop strong skills within complex and politically nuanced settings.
Tanya is known for her strong interpersonal skills, deep knowledge of public sector HR practices, and ability to build trust and drive positive change. She is passionate about creating inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures and is committed to supporting organizational effectiveness and employee success.
Juan Zamorano
Maintenance Supervisor, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Juan C. Zamorano serves as Maintenance Supervisor at Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Regional Wastewater Recycling Plant No. 1, where for the past six years he has directed scheduling and oversight of electrical and instrumentation work while partnering with engineering staff on major capital projects.
With more than 14 years of experience in wastewater maintenance and electrical construction, his expertise spans Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, equipment installation, and facility upgrades. Licensed as a general electrician in California, he also holds advanced certifications in wastewater electrical and instrumentation and in control systems.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Juan served nine years—three and a half on active duty—and earned two Purple Hearts during his 2006 deployment to Iraq. His leadership philosophy, shaped by both military and professional service, centers on empowering and supporting his team of technicians to deliver reliable results.
An immigrant and first-generation professional, he lives in Redlands with his wife and daughter, driven by the mission of protecting community health and safety through clean, efficient water treatment.