What's New with WELL September - December:
Over the past few months, WELL staff have been busy with various programs and activities. We are excited to share what we’ve been hard at work on:
- WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2025 Kicks Off! – Eleven elected leaders from across California began the UnTapped Fellowship program in January, completing their first three sessions.
- CAAWEF & WELL Launch Educate 2 Lead Program – WELL and the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF) debuted the Educate 2 Lead Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach with 17 participants, focusing on leadership development for women and underrepresented leaders in the water and energy sectors.
- WELL Hosts 2025 Statewide Conference – WELL held its 2025 Statewide Conference in Garden Grove, bringing together local elected Latino leaders to discuss California’s most pressing water issues.
- Applications Open for WELL UnTapped Fellowship Summer 2025 – Apply now to join the next cohort of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program!
- Welcome to the WELL Team, Laura Juarez! – We’re excited to announce Laura Juarez as WELL’s new Workforce Development Engagement Manager.
- WELLos Spotlight – Our WELLos continue to lead and create positive change in their communities, advancing WELL’s mission through impactful leadership.
- Partner Spotlight – Discover new collaborations, key achievements, and the positive impact our partners are making in California and in the water sector.
- California Water News – Stay informed with water news and updates from December through March.
- Support WELL’s Mission! – Help us advance equitable water policy solutions by supporting our work to educate and empower local elected Latino leaders.
Dear Friends of WELL,
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have left a deep impact on our communities, reminding us of the fragile connection between people and the environment. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted. This includes the heartbreaking loss of homes for two WELLos (graduates of the UnTapped Fellowship Program) Dr. Steve Gibson, Trustee at Pasadena City College and Graduate of the UnTapped Fellowship, Summer Class of 2025, and Denise Diaz, Former Councilmember, City of South Gate, and Graduate of the UnTapped Fellowship, Class of 2019.
Beyond the immediate losses, the fires have strained local resources and threatened access to clean water, highlighting how environmental challenges are also human challenges. In times like these, resilience comes not just from rebuilding infrastructure but from the strength gained from the support we give one another. WELL stands with those affected and remains committed to advocating for sustainable water solutions that protect and uplift all communities.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the strength and leadership provided by the women who have shaped our communities and who have led efforts toward water equity and environmental justice. Their resilience and dedication continue to inspire the work being done today to create a more just and sustainable future; WELL’s newest program, Educate 2 Lead, will empowe the next generation of women leaders to carry this legacy forward, ensuring that diverse voices are at the center of California’s water future.
On March 31, we honored César E. Chávez’s legacy of activism and social justice. His fight for farmworkers’ rights reminds us that access to clean, safe water is not just a policy issue—it’s a human right. As we face growing environmental challenges, Chávez’s legacy calls us to stand together in solidarity and to work toward a future in which all communities have equal access to life’s most essential resources.
At WELL, we believe that resilient leadership is key to addressing these pressing challenges. The WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program empowers local elected Latino leaders to deepen their understanding of California water policy, build strategic relationships, and develop solutions for their communities and the state. To be part of the water conversation, you need to educate yourself about the challenges and opportunities connected to California water policy. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming UnTapped cohort, which starts in July. —Join them and be part of a network of changemakers committed to securing a sustainable water future for all.
¡Sí Se Puede!
WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2025 Hosts First Three Sessions in Coachella Valley, San Diego, and Tehachapi
The UnTapped Fellowship Program launched the first session for the Winter Class 2025 in the Coachella Valley, where 12 fellows began their journey to understanding California’s water policy and addressing the distinct water challenges their communities face. This inaugural session introduced the WELL Method of Inquiry, providing fellows with the skills to collect critical information succinctly for informed decision-making in water policy and management. Participants also explored various sites in the Coachella Valley, engaging with guest speakers and residents to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s water issues and their historical context.
Guest interviewees included Cástulo Estrada, WELL Board Member and Vice President of Coachella Valley Water District; Stephanie Virgen, Councilmember for the City of Coachella, and UnTapped 2024 Graduate; residents from a Polanco Park (mobile home community) who live without clean and affordable water; and Zoe Rodriguez Del Rey, Water Resources Manager at Coachella Valley Water District and WELL Advisory Boardmember. These discussions provided insights into the Salton Sea, the Colorado River, hydrology, water finance, and the history of water.
The session included on-site tours of the Salton Sea as well as visits to the Coachella Branch of the American Canal and local Polanco parks. Fellows also benefited from an insightful lesson on California water history and hydrology delivered by Dr. Samuel Sandoval-Solis, a UC Davis professor and WELL’s Policy and Curriculum Advisor.
A special thank you to Cástulo Estrada and the City of Coachella for hosting a dinner for the Fellows on the first night.
The UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2025 convened in the San Diego region on Feb. 7 and 8, focusing on cross-border collaboration and environmental challenges.
The session began with a presentation on CA Proposition 218, which governs how local agencies set water rates to ensure transparency and fairness, given by Jose Martinez, General Manager of Otay Water District. Afterward, fellows toured the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore transboundary water issues and the ecological significance of the estuary. The group then interviewed Dr. Gabriela Muñoz Melendez, Department of Urban Studies and the Environment at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, who provided insights into Tijuana’s community-led efforts to address water contamination and environmental justice concerns.
On day two, the Fellows engaged in intensive training on Public Narrative, a framework developed by Marshall Ganz of Harvard Kennedy School that helps leaders inspire action through storytelling. This session, facilitated by Jake Waxman and Miya Cain, equipped fellows with essential tools for navigating the intersection of water policy, community engagement, and environmental justice, preparing them to lead meaningful change in their regions.
The WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter Class of 2025 held its third session in Tehachapi on March 21 and 22, focusing on two key topics: Water Conveyance Systems and “Whose Water Is It?”
The cohort’s discussions with Jordi Vasquez, an Environmental Scientist at the California Department of Water Resources, deepened their understanding of the state’s conveyance systems and the policies that govern them. Erick Orellana, Senior Policy Advocate at the Community Water Center, provided insight into the legal complexities of water rights and their impact on disadvantaged communities. Melissa Bergen, Community Development Specialist at Self-Help Enterprises, highlighted the challenges of ensuring equitable water access.
The cohort also participated in the WELL Groundwater Game, an interactive simulation that highlights the complexities of groundwater management. By assuming roles, such as farmers or water agency leadership, participants navigated real-world challenges, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices and collaboration under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Participants also toured the Panorama Vista Preserve, exploring the Kern River’s ecosystem in order to understand the impact of water management on local habitats and wildlife. They then visited the Cesar Chavez National Monument, reflecting on Chavez’s legacy as a champion for farmworkers’ rights. The visit highlighted how his leadership and activism transformed the labor movement and inspired ongoing social justice efforts in California.
Educate 2 Lead Celebrates Inaugural Session in Long Beach
The Educate 2 Lead (E2L) Program officially launched its inaugural cohort in March at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. This groundbreaking leadership initiative, founded by WELL and the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF), is designed to train women and underrepresented mid-level professionals in the California water and energy sectors.
E2L is designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by building a pipeline of informed and engaged leaders. Participants attend seven online and four in-person sessions carefully designed to be both accessible and highly engaging. These sessions include expert-led panels and hands-on learning experiences, via which participants will gain the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate complex water issues and drive meaningful change in their communities. Developed by a diverse team of leaders and experts in the water industry, the curriculum emphasizes self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and driving innovation.
This first weekend session opened with a presentation by Liji Thomas, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the Metropolitan Water District, who spoke about leading with a DEI lens. She co-led this session with Stephan Tucker, General Manager at the Water Replenishment District, and Dr. Jag Lathan, CEO and Founder of New Generation Equity and a Graduate of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship, Summer Class of 2024. The opening session was followed by a kickoff dinner at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). Thank you to MOLAA Board Member Marianne Gastelum for hosting us. We also appreciate Executive Director Danielle Blacet of the California Municipal Utilities Agency for sharing insights about the history of the grant that funds the Educate 2 Lead initiative.
In the Saturday session, Heather Dyer, General Manager at San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and Jeremy Hunter, President and Founder of Executive Leadership Mind, led discussions focused on self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The third day featured a presentation co-taught by Martha Trembley, Assistant Chief Engineer and Assistant General Manager at Los Angeles County Sanitation District, and Carol Geffner, President of the Geffner Group, which explored the difference between leadership and management.
Participants also toured the Port of Long Beach, gaining insights into the region’s infrastructure and its role in water management. The weekend also included sessions on leadership qualities and relational meetings led by Victor Griego, President and Founder of WELL. Russell Lowery, Executive Director of the California African American Water Education Foundation, also joined the cohort to guide their capstone project.
The Educate 2 Lead Program sets a strong foundation for a new generation of water and energy professionals committed to addressing California’s water challenges with expertise, vision, and purpose. The next Educate 2 Lead session will take place at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens on April 25–26.
WELL Hosts 2025 Annual Statewide Conference in Garden Grove
WELL held its 2025 Annual Statewide Conference on March 7–8 in Garden Grove. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to a successful and engaging event!
The conference kicked off March 7 with a tour of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), hosted by General Manager John Kennedy. The tour was followed by an evening reception at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, featuring inspiring remarks from WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates Gustavo Camacho, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pico Rivera, and Councilmember Igor Tregub, City of Berkeley. Dr. Samuel Solis, a UC professor and WELL’s Policy and Curriculum Advisor, also presented findings from the upcoming WELL and UC Davis-Water Lab study on the California water sector.
The Saturday sessions were led by Councilwoman Teresa Acosta, City of Carlsbad and Fellow of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship, Winter Class of 2025, who served as the day’s MC. The conference opened with a keynote speech from Anthony Rendon, California State Assembly Speaker Emeritus, who shared his history related to water policy and emphasized to the elected officials present the importance of understanding California’s water landscape in order to better serve their constituents.
Attendees then participated in three panels focused on water infrastructure and the impacts of recent firestorms in Los Angeles County. Jennifer Santana, Director at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and a WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduate, led a memorable pinning ceremony for the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Classes of Summer 2024 and Winter 2025. The ceremony officially welcomed the new Fellows into the WELL UnTapped Network (WUN), bringing the total number of graduates to 106.
Dr. Samuel Solis also shared key insights from the WELL and UC Davis-Water Lab study on the California water sector, highlighting the underrepresentation of diverse voices on water district governing boards.
Applications Now Open for WELL UnTapped Fellowship Summer Class of 2025
How has California’s water history shaped your community? Who holds the responsibility for ensuring clean and affordable water in your region? How are rising water rates affecting your local water infrastructure?
WELL is currently accepting applications for the next cohort of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program. UnTapped is a competitive, six-month program designed to strengthen the ability of local elected leaders to influence California water policy while addressing their community’s unique water challenges.
The program includes five in-person sessions held at key watersheds across California. Fellows will engage with water experts and participate in skill-building exercises aimed at improving the ability to question public policy, public speaking, and relationship-building.
Upon completing the program, UnTapped fellows become part of the WELL UnTapped Network (WUN), gaining access to ongoing learning and training opportunities focused on California water policy. This growing network of leaders helps build more resilient communities in the face of evolving water challenges.
The cost to participate is $3,500 for city council members, county supervisors, and school board members, and $4,500 for water district directors.
WELL UnTapped Fellowship Summer 2025 Session Dates:
- Session 1: Los Angeles, Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025
- Session 2: San Diego, Friday, August 8 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Session 3: Tehachapi, Friday, September 12– Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Session 4: Richmond, Friday, October 10 – Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Session 5: Sacramento, Friday, November 7 – Saturday, November 8, 2025
WELL UnTapped Fellowship Summer Class of 2024 Hosts Fourth Session in Richmond
The WELL UnTapped Summer 2024 Fellows gathered in Richmond for a session focused on water management strategies and storage. Highlights included presentations on green infrastructure and insights on water workshops from Cheryl Sudduth, Director at West County Wastewater District and WELL UnTapped Class of 2020 Graduate, and an interview on climate adaptation with Dr. Laura Elisa Garza, Area Water Quality, Quantity, and Climate Change Advisor at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, an extension of the UC system that “connects the power of UC research in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition and youth development with local communities.”
Fellows toured the North Richmond Shoreline Adaptation Project, the North Richmond Farm, and the Bay Model Visitor Center, deepening their understanding of local climate resilience and hydrology. The session concluded with an interview on water storage by Jennifer Clary and the WELL tradition of singing “De Colores.”
WELL Welcomes New Staff Member, Laura Juarez
Welcome to Laura Juarez, WELL’s new Workforce Development Engagement Manager! Laura is a passionate advocate and dedicated leader committed to empowering her community and driving meaningful change. With deep roots in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, Laura has built a career focused on connecting people, advocating for legislative action, and improving the quality of life for local residents.
As a Field Representative for former U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas, Laura has tackled critical issues, such as juvenile justice, energy and environmental policy, military and veteran affairs, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has played a key role in organizing events and shaping policies that directly benefit the community, ensuring that local voices are heard at the federal level.
Laura’s impact extends to her work as a Program Director for Pueblo y Salud, Inc., where she led outreach and community initiatives focused on education and prevention efforts related to COVID-19. Her ability to bring people together and collaborate with local partners has strengthened community resilience and fostered positive change.
Laura’s work is guided by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles, and continues to serve her community with purpose and heart.
WELLos Spotlight:
Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, California Assembly District 15, and Graduate, WELL UnTapped Fellowship, Winter Class of 2024: Assemblymember Ávila Farías was sworn into office on December 2, 2024. In her first 100 days, she introduced Assembly Bill 903, the Education Technology Empowerment Act. This legislation aims to expand access to technology, opening doors for the next generation, empowering them to compete in the modern economy, and strengthening public education for all.
Cassandra Chase, Vice Mayor, City of Lakewood and Graduate, WELL UnTapped Fellowship, Summer Class of 2024: Vice Mayor Chase is being honored with the 2025 Trailblazer Award at the Long Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Signma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Visions of H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Progress Everyday) Service Awards. This event celebrates excellence in service, leadership, and education.
Cassandra Chase, Vice Mayor, City of Lakewood and Graduate, WELL UnTapped Fellowship, Summer Class of 2024: Vice Mayor Chase is being honored with the 2025 Trailblazer Award at the Long Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Signma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Visions of H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Progress Everyday) Service Awards. This event celebrates excellence in service, leadership, and education.
Partners Spotlight:
Inland Empire Utilities Agency: On March 15, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) was recognized by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) at their Annual Awards Banquet. The Agency was celebrated as a winner in multiple categories, highlighting the importance of public awareness in wastewater treatment, public health, and the environment and for its staff’s innovative solutions to support regional operations. Click here to read more: https://www.ieua.org/ieua-recognized-for-community-engagement-and-staff-excellence-by-cwea-sarbs/
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District: San Bernardino Valley, in partnership with Western Water, City of Riverside Public Utilities, and the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, proudly marked the completion of the Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Phase 1-B Project with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony. The $55 million infrastructure investment made by local water agencies will significantly enhance regional water supply resilience, more than doubling local groundwater recharge capacity. Click here to read more: https://www.sbvmwd.com/Home/Components/News/News/1327/14
Water Replenishment District: The Water Replenishment District (WRD) has been awarded a $25 million WaterSMART grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation for the construction of a groundwater desalination project. Click here to read more: https://www.wrd.org/press-releases