What's New with WELL:
Over the past few months, WELL has been engaged in a variety of programs and activities. We are excited to share what we’ve been hard at work at:
- UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2026 Kicks Off:
Six locally elected leaders from across California began their six-month water education journey with an immersive first session in the Coachella Valley. - Educate 2 Lead (E2L) Fall Class of 2025 Continues:
The second E2L cohort advanced their leadership development through in-person sessions and virtual learning focused on equity-centered leadership and public narrative. - Applications Open for UnTapped Fellowship Winter 2026:
WELL is now accepting applications for the Winter 2026 UnTapped Fellowship, a six-month program equipping local elected officials to lead on water policy and governance. - WELL 2026 Annual Conference – Registration Now Open:
Join WELL and the NALEO Education Fund on March 27–28, 2026, for two days of learning, dialogue, and action focused on California’s water future. - WELLos Spotlight:
WELL alumni continue to lead and be recognized statewide for their service, appointments, and impact in their communities. - WELL Hosts First Holiday Celebration in Southern California:
WELLos, E2L participants, and supporters gathered in Whittier to celebrate community, leadership, and shared purpose. - Partner Spotlight:
Highlighting collaborations and partnerships advancing equitable water governance across California. - California Water News:
Key water policy updates and developments from December through February. - Support WELL’s Mission:
Your support helps educate, engage, and empower local elected officials to advance equitable and sustainable water leadership statewide.
Dear Friends of WELL,
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and supported. In recent weeks, many of our communities have been shaken by increased immigration enforcement and raids that have sown fear, uncertainty, and disruption, particularly across Latino and immigrant neighborhoods. We want to acknowledge the very real pain and anxiety these actions are causing and affirm that WELL stands in solidarity with our immigrant families, neighbors, and leaders.
These moments remind us that the challenges facing our communities are deeply interconnected. Access to safety, dignity, and opportunity cannot be separated from access to essential resources like clean, affordable water. When communities live under threat, their ability to advocate, participate, and thrive is undermined. This is why WELL’s mission—to educate, empower, and equip local leaders—matters now more than ever.
Across California, WELL UnTapped Fellowship alumni and network leaders are on the frontlines: serving as trusted voices, defending public resources, and working to ensure that all residents can access basic human needs. Their leadership reflects the core of WELL’s work: building informed, courageous, and values-driven leadership rooted in equity and justice.
At this critical moment, we invite you to join us at the 2026 WELL Annual Conference (March 27–28). The conference is a space for learning, solidarity, and action, where local elected officials and community leaders can strengthen their knowledge, share strategies, and recommit to building resilient and inclusive communities. Now is the time to connect, learn, and lead. We encourage you to register and help shape a more just and sustainable future.
Together, we remain grounded in hope, collective action, and the belief that informed leadership can move us forward.
¡Sí Se Puede!
WELL 2026 Annual Conference on March 27 - 28, 2026 - Register Today!
Join WELL for the 2026 WELL Annual Conference, taking place March 27–28, 2026, at Table Mountain Casino & Resort near Fresno. This two-day convening will bring together local elected officials, policymakers, and water leaders from across California to engage in timely, practical discussions on the future of water governance.
Conference panels will explore critical issues impacting our communities, including Building Resilient Water Systems Through Diverse Leadership, SGMA’s Impact on Local Governance and Communities, Funding the Future: Rebuilding California’s Water Infrastructure, and a special lunch session on Indigenous Knowledge and Water Stewardship. The conference will also feature a keynote address by California State Senator Anna M. Caballero (CA Senate District 14). This year’s conference is in partnership with NALEO Education Fund and other supporting organizations.
Registration is now open—secure your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping California’s water future. Discounted rooms are available.
Meet the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program Winter Class of 2026!
Meet the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program Winter Class of 2026!
After a competitive application process, we were proud to announce the class of six locally elected Latino leaders selected for the Winter 2026 WELL UnTapped Fellowship. These California leaders represent diverse regions across the state, yet are united by a shared commitment to water equity and a passion for strengthening their communities through knowledge and advocacy.
- Luana España — Director, East Bay Regional Park District
- Jaime López — Boardmember, Whittier Union High School District
- Dolores Melendez — Councilmember, City of Sanger
- Martha Cardena Sighn — Supervisor, County of Imperial
- Michael Silva — Councilmember, City of Vacaville
- Larry Spicer — Councilmember, City of Monrovia
Beginning in January, these Fellows embarked on a six-month water education journey, gaining the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and influence California water policy while addressing the unique challenges facing their communities. The UnTapped Fellowship provided in-depth training on California’s water history and governance, infrastructure, finance, and the growing impacts of climate change on water supply and quality. Grounded in the human right to water and centered on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the program equipped leaders to drive meaningful and informed change in the water sector. Click here to learn more.
UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2026 Kicks off in Coachella Valley
The UnTapped Fellowship Program launched its first session in the Coachella Valley, grounding Fellows in California’s water policy landscape and the region’s unique water challenges. The session introduced the WELL Method of Inquiry and featured site visits, conversations with local leaders, and dialogue with residents to deepen understanding of local water issues and history.
The session opened with a welcome dinner hosted by the City of Coachella, where a ceremonial pozo was presented to Eduardo Garcia, former Member of the California State Assembly, in recognition of his leadership in water equity and public service. A medallion was also awarded to Oscar Ortiz, Councilmember for the City of Indio and UnTapped Class of 2022 graduate. Welcome remarks were offered by City of Coachella Councilmembers Frank Figueroa and Denise Degaldo, both graduates of the UnTapped Winter Class of 2024.
Guest speakers included Cástulo Estrada, WELL Board Member and Vice President of the Coachella Valley Water District; Patrick O’Dowd, General Manager of the Salton Sea Authority; Monica Telles, Executive Manager at CalMex Rural Development LLC; Peter Nelson, Director at the Coachella Valley Water District; and Dr. Samuel Sandoval-Solis, WELL Curriculum Advisor. Fellows also participated in an on-site tour of the Salton Sea led by Patrick O’Dowd and visited Polanco Park, where residents shared firsthand perspectives on long-standing water access challenges.
The session concluded with Fellows singing “De Colores,” marking a meaningful and community-centered start to the UnTapped Fellowship journey. Thank you to Cástulo Estrada and the City of Coachella for hosting and setting the tone for the cohort.
Applications Open for WELL UnTapped Fellowship Summer Class of 2026! Apply Now!
WELL is now accepting applications for the Summer 2026 UnTapped Fellowship, a flagship leadership program designed for local elected officials serving Latino communities across California. At WELL, we believe that any elected official who represents a Latino constituency is a Latino leader, regardless of background or identity—and this Fellowship is open to those leaders.
Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) equips elected officials with the knowledge, relationships, and confidence needed to make informed and equitable decisions about water—one of the most critical public policy issues facing our state. Through the UnTapped Fellowship, participants engage directly with water agency leaders, technical experts, policymakers, community advocates, and academic partners, gaining a practical understanding of how water decisions are made and how they impact communities.
Over this six-month, immersive program, Fellows participate in expert-led sessions, site visits across key watersheds, and peer learning with fellow elected officials. The curriculum covers water governance and infrastructure, financing and affordability, climate impacts, groundwater management, and the human right to water—equipping leaders to ask better questions, advocate effectively, and lead with confidence.
UnTapped is more than a fellowship—it is a statewide leadership network. Graduates join a community of elected officials committed to advancing equity, protecting public resources, and ensuring access to safe, affordable water for all residents.
If you are a local elected official—or know one—who represents a Latino constituency, we encourage you to apply.
Applications for the Summer 2026 UnTapped Fellowship are now open.
Program Dates:
- July 24–26, 2026 (Fri–Sun)
- August 14–15, 2026 (Fri–Sat)
- September 11–12, 2026 (Fri–Sat)
- October 2–3, 2026 (Fri–Sat)
- November 6–7, 2026 (Fri–Sat)
Educate 2 Lead Program Update
The second cohort of Educate 2 Lead (E2L) officially launched their leadership journey earlier this fall with a three-day immersive retreat at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. The opening session grounded participants in self-awareness, leadership values, inclusive practices, and equity-centered approaches to leading through change—setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.
Building on that foundation, the cohort reconvened for a two-day in-person session at Whittier College on October 23–24, 2025. Participants were welcomed by Whittier College leadership and engaged in leadership coaching, growth conversations, and practical skill-building focused on collaboration, accountability, and navigating organizational challenges. Highlights included a Thriving Together coaching session led by regional water leaders, the presentation of a symbolic pozo (well) honoring Shivaji Deshmukh on his new role as General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and a deep dive into the E2L Capstone Project, where participants apply leadership tools to real challenges within their home agencies.
The session concluded with Public Narrative training, equipping participants to craft and share their leadership stories to inspire action, alongside meaningful engagement with E2L faculty from major Southern California water agencies.
The cohort has since continued their development through virtual sessions in November and December focused on self-awareness and inner leadership capacity. Led by Dr. Jeremy Hunter, these sessions emphasized mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-management—essential skills for leading with clarity, resilience, and compassion in today’s water and energy sectors.
Founded by WELL and the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF), Educate 2 Lead continues to empower mid-level professionals to drive change and shape the future of California’s water and energy systems.
WELL Hosts First Holiday Party in Southern California
On December 17, WELL hosted its first-ever Holiday Celebration at Mission Square Restaurant in Whittier, bringing together WELLos, Educate 2 Lead participants, and the friends and family who support our work year-round. The evening was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate community, and honor the relationships that strengthen WELL across California.
Founder and President Victor Griego opened the celebration with reflections on shared purpose and collective leadership, followed by a special recognition of several WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates, who received UnTapped medallions presented by Board Member Diana Mahmud. The evening also featured festive carolers from Baldwin Park Unified School District, a raffle, and moments of joy and connection.
This milestone gathering reinforced that WELL’s impact extends beyond education and leadership development—it is rooted in the strong, values-driven community we continue to build together.
WELL Method of Inquiry Training in Visalia
WELL Founder and President Victor Griego led a leadership development workshop in Visalia, California, where local elected officials participated in a three-hour session on the WELL Method of Inquiry (MOI). This framework encourages leaders to ask thoughtful, equity-centered questions that uncover root causes, foster collaboration, and support informed decision-making on complex water and community challenges. The MOI draws from established teaching models that strengthen analytical skills for addressing multifaceted issues.
Special thanks to the Community Water Center for coordinating and hosting the session for their Community Water Leaders Network. The workshop was designed by WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates, known as “WELLos,” including Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero, Class of 2022, and State Center Community College District Trustee Destiny Rodriguez, Class of Summer 2024. Their collaboration brought Central Valley leaders together to continue strengthening their water leadership journey.
WELLos Spotlight:
Karin Eugenio, Director, Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Graduate, UnTapped, Class of Winter 2024, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the 45th District Agricultural Association – Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta Board and was appointed as IID Board Chairman in January 2026, reflecting her extensive experience in regional governance, education, and public service in Imperial County.
Dr. Jag Lathan, Boardmember, Antioch Unified School District and Graduate, UnTapped, Class of Summer 2024, received a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Tim Grayson during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Speaking from her perspective as a school board member and candidate for CCC Superintendent of Schools, she emphasized our shared responsibility to protect youth and young adults from exploitation.
Kelvin Moore, Director, West Valley Water District and Graduate, UnTapped, Class of Winter 2024, was recognized during Black History Month 2026 by Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. as one of six outstanding community leaders whose dedication, service, and leadership have made a lasting impact across the Fifth District of San Bernardino County.
Oscar Ortiz, Councilmember, City of Indio and Graduate, UnTapped, Class of 2022, was featured as a 40 Under 40: 2025 Honoree by Palm Springs Life, highlighting his community-rooted leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship and public service in the Coachella Valley.
Dr. Steve Gibson, Trustee, Pasadena City College and Graduate, UnTapped, Class of Winter 2024, was recently appointed to the Board of the Black Elected Officials of California, recognizing his continued leadership and commitment to advancing equity, representation, and public service across the state.
Partners Spotlight
Water Replenishment District: The Water Replenishment District invites college students and interested parties to its 3rd annual Careers in the Water Industry Workshop on Saturday, March 14, 2026, where students will learn directly from industry professionals about their respective fields and career paths. The full-day workshop includes a career panel, resume review, mock interviews, facility tour, and more.
To read more: https://www.wrd.org/careers-workshop
California Water Service (Cal Water): Students living in California Water Service Group’s (Group) California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington service areas can now apply for the company’s 13th annual Scholarship Program. Up to $80,000 in scholarship funds are available to help offset the cost of post-secondary education. The application period will close on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Winners will be announced in late May. To read more: https://www.calwater.com/latest-news/2026-0210-group-opens-13th-annual-scholarship-program/
Inland Empire Utilities District (IEUA): In recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) has received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF).To read more: https://www.ieua.org/transparency-in-action-inland-empire-utilities-agency-recognized-for-outstanding-governance/
California Water News
California Water News— Winter
Worried you may have missed some important recent water news? WELL has you covered! Here is a sample of noteworthy water news:
- LA Times: ‘Water bankruptcy’: U.N. scientists say much of the world is irreversibly depleting water
- Cal Matters: Trump’s office called 7 governors to D.C. for Colorado River talks. Here’s what California said
- California Department of Water Resources: Dry January Cuts into Early-Season Snowpack Gains
WELL Associate Members
The WELL Associate Member program, established in 2020, helps organizations gain access to Latino leaders who share similar interests, allowing members to strategize about the best ways to solve California’s water problems. The participation of our Associate Members is a key component of our mutual continuing success. We thank our Associate Members, listed below, for their support. If you would like to learn more about the Associate Member Program, please visit latinosforwater.org/associatemembers.
