Our Strategic Plan
At the Water Environment Federation, our vision for the future is life free of water challenges. As water professionals, this is our ultimate goal – a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives.
To get there, our mission is to inspire the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being.
We need to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce, cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all, and lead the transformation to the circular water economy.
Download the Strategic PlanAs we undertake this work, let’s also shine a light on our sector. Let’s amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen and diversify the water community.
We all have a part to play in forging a sustainable water future. So, bring your talents, your ingenuity, your dedication, and your water stories, and join us.
Share Your Water StoryThe WEF Strategic Plan
Statement of Purpose
Our Mission
Inspiring the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being
Our Vision
Life free of water challenges
Outcome Statement
Amplify stories of water to grow, strengthen, and diversify the water community
Imagine life free of water challenges. What does that look like to you? Check out WEF’s new Strategic Plan to see how we’ll get there and then share your water story.
Details About the Strategic PlanOur Strategic Goals
These are the strategic goals WEF is pursuing, and the strategies we will use to fulfill those goals.
Strategic Goal #1
- Raise public awareness about the importance of water and the water workforce
- Reduce barriers to workforce entry and retention
- Provide extraordinary opportunities for connection, growth, and education
- Cultivate strategic partnerships
Strategic Goal #2
- Drive connection and collaboration for the development of innovative solutions
- Deliver best-in-class member experience
- Creatively develop and deliver content and programming
Strategic Goal #3
- Convene stakeholders to craft WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework and best practices
- Proliferate WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework and best practices
- Champion adoption of Circular Water Economy
- Eliminate barriers to Circular Water Economy adoption
Our Core Values
Aimeé Killeen discusses WEF's core values that will help guide us toward a better, more sustainable #water future. Join us as we set our sights on new horizons!
Water Story Video Gallery
A proverb says, “Those who share their stories rule the world.” As part of our new strategic plan, WEF is working to amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen, and diversify the water community.
By sharing your stories with the water community and the public, we build community, strengthen partnerships, increase awareness and appreciation of our work, and create more stories of success.
To share your water stories with us, contact communications@wef.org and/or tag us and #WEFwaterstories on social media!
Angela Charles
Charlotte Water
Angela discusses how beer made from recycled water can teach the public about the circular economy.
Stephen Sanders
Director and Head Trainer, Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State College
Stephen explains why we need to better express the value of having a diverse water workforce and inclusive work environments.
Viraj deSilva
Freese and Nichols
Viraj talks about the many opportunities for young professionals to work in water and help solve today's water challenges.
Shannon Harty
The commissioner of water environment protection for Onondaga County, N.Y., explains how she got her start in water and fell in love with wastewater!
Kari Steele
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Kari talks about the importance of introducing young people to the water sector and all the available career opportunities.
Daehyun Bae
Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water)
Daehyun shares his thoughts about attracting diverse young professionals to the water sector and explains how K-Water is getting involved.
Eira Corral Sepúlveda
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Water is life: Eira talks about what water means for her community and why we need to protect water for our collective future.
Crysele Evans
What makes YOU passionate about #water? Hear why Crysele is passionate and motivated to #workinwater.
Leanne Scott
Nashville Metro Water Services
Leanne talks about the need to increase diversity in the water workforce to gain new perspectives.
Julian Sandino
Wastewater Global Solutions Director, Jacobs
Julian talks about how the WEF community helped him advance his career and gain leadership opportunities.
Sanjiv Joshi
IntelliFlux Controls
Sanjiv is passionate about solving the issues facing the water community and will continue to work to protect this valuable resource.
Regina Berry
During #WEFTEC 2022, volunteers at WEF's Community Service Project helped transform the front lawn of St. Augustine High School into a #bioswale and welcoming green space to help manage #stormwater run-off. Listen to Regina Berry of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago talk about why projects like this are crucial for ensuring everyone is included and protected.
Valerie Jenkinson
Operators Without Borders
Valerie explains why we all need to work together on water and wastewater issues to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Nicole Cohen
Carollo Engineers
Nicole discusses the importance of attracting and developing a diverse and passionate water workforce.
James Clarke
DC Water
Growing up, James received "boil-water alerts," which was a water quality concern for him. He talks about his journey into the water workforce and the progress made to address water issues in his community.
Melanie Vines
Melanie Vines of the Alabama Water Environment Association says the Flint, MI water crisis motivated her to pursue a career in water. Watch her journey and learn more about the University of Alabama's WEF Student Chapter— which won WEF's 2023 Student Chapter of the Year Award!
