The Water Leadership Institute program educates, trains, and provides opportunities that enable developing and emerging leaders to build strong lasting relationships within the water industry.
This intensive program allows participants the opportunity to engage in management training and leadership development through a blended learning approach that includes the examination of complex challenges facing the water and wastewater industries and networking with public and private sector practitioners. Participants will build skills and knowledge needed to affect change within their organizations. Participation in this program is determined by a competitive application process.
The application deadline for the 2026 program has passed. Applications for 2027 will open in November 2026.
“I hope every aspiring leader in the water industry has the chance to participate in this awesome program!”
Casey Johnson, WLI 2025 Alum
This program opened up new doors for me that I can take with me in my journey as a professional. I not only learned how to become a more effective leader, but I learned how to become a better listener. I feel that I have built relationships with some of the best professionals in this industry and a new network of professionals that share the same common goals as myself.”
Brigit Buff, WLI 2025 Alum
“The WEF WLI program was an amazing experience for both leadership development and establishing life-long connections with other industry professionals. The exercises and projects were challenging, enlightening, and did a wonderful job of leveraging individual skillsets. I look forward to being a more impactful and resilient leader from my experience…”
Jenna Beairsto, WLI 2024 Alum
“The Water Leadership Institute created the ideal environment for me to create lasting connections with other water professionals. It was so useful to discuss meaningful leadership challenges that impact our sector specifically and have a cohort of professionals to bounce ideas off of. I’ve created lasting relationships from many different parts of the industry including public, private, non-profit, and academia. WLI not only creates a meaningful leadership training program, but it also builds a foundation to stay engaged with classmates and other WLI alumni in to the future. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone looking to build connections in the water industry while working on your leadership skills.”
Marena Lertch, WLI 2024 Alum
“One of the best learning points from this program occurred during the months of preparation and work on our projects. We all had busy schedules, personal life diversions, professional expectations, and deadlines to meet, which is exactly what a day in the life looks like for leaders. These diversions caused our team to have to swerve, bend, reassign and venture into areas outside of our normal comfort zone, but we did it! It was an excellent reminder of what leadership is—willingness to set goals, deadlines, and expectations, but even more importantly, have the willingness to be flexible and care about the humans who surround us and trust that it will all work out. Thank you to team 6 pool 2 for your honor and grace over the span of this project and well in to the future.”
Miguel Miranda, WLI 2024 Alum
“Attending the Water Leadership Institute Program by WEF was a transformative experience. The two in-person sessions were particularly impactful, offering invaluable lessons on checking biases, effective presentation skills, and leading by leveraging team strengths. We delved into the art of leading by following, navigating difficult conversations, and enhancing emotional intelligence to improve leadership. The program also emphasized the importance of setting and adhering to S.M.A.R.T. goals. This comprehensive training has equipped me with the skills to lead effectively, even without a formal leadership title, fostering both personal and professional growth.”
Bianca Pinto, WLI 2023 Alum
“The Water Leadership Institute was not only an opportunity for me to grow within my leadership skills but also meet like-minded peers from the cohort and steering committee that acted as a source of inspiration and fuel! The topics covered were absolutely relevant to my day-to-day activities. After graduating from the WL 2023 cohort, I not only feel better equipped to lead, but I also found a community that I can reach out to for feedback and suggestions. Thank you, WII Steering Committee and WEF Staff for putting such a great program together. I feel honored to have been part of the WLI 2023 cohort, the GOAT!”
George Kansas, WLI 2023 Alum
“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the 2023 cohort! Not only did | learn a lot from the leaders that spoke to us, I learned so much from my fellow classmates and I know that the relationships we all formed will continue to grow over the years. I strongly encourage all water professionals to apply for the program – it will help to make them better leaders and will help grow their professional network. I love knowing that I can call or reach out to any of the other participants and know that they will be there for me, like I would be there for any of them.”
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Around WEFTEC: Water Leadership Institute
Thank You to Our WLI 2026 Sponsors
Your support helps make the Water Leadership Institute – and our commitment to developing future water leaders – possible.
