On Saturday, September 20, WELL partnered with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) to host a Legislative Water Workshop at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center in Compton. The event was co-hosted by WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates Juanita Doplemore, Trustee, Compton Community College (Class of 2024), Cassandra Chase, Mayor, City of Lakewood (Class of 2024), Joy Langford, Director, Water Replenishment District (Class of 2024), Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton (Class of 2020), and Renita Armstrong, Boardmember, Bellflower Unified School District (Class of 2023).
The workshop featured three panels addressing key issues shaping California’s water future. Melissa Bahmanpour, Director of Climate and Sustainability at Long Beach Community College, and Marianne Johnson, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Tomorrow’s Talent, spoke on the workforce development panel about preparing the next generation of water professionals. Clyde Arucan, Manager of Capital Delivery at Cal Water, and Jacquelyn Badejo, CEO of Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee, highlighted innovations in water technology. Tara Dales, Watershed Coordinator for the Council for Watershed Health, and Bob Guzman, Senior Community Engagement Coordinator for United Parents and Students, shared insights on community engagement and stormwater capture projects. The workshop ended with a moment of unity, with singing De Colores.
Legislative workshops like this one provide a space for collaboration between elected leaders, community advocates, and industry experts, ensuring diverse voices help shape policy solutions for a sustainable water future.