Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) maintains diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core principles of our organization’s mission. Our members, Board of Trustees (BOT), volunteer leaders, and staff together and individually share responsibility to uphold these principles.
WEF Commits to Valuing Unique Identities
We are committed to creating an organization that acknowledges and celebrates our unique differences including education, career background, age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability status, accent, socioeconomic status, cultural heritage and religion, parental status, marital status, veteran, personality type, political perspective, and all other characteristics of DE&I.
DEI Resources DEI Leaders How We Began DEI News
WEF InFlow
This program aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in the water workforce.
More about WEF InFlow Program
More DEI Resources
WEF has created a series of downloads to help frame the DEI conversation and provide additional context and insights into different aspects of DEI.
Download the Entire Compendium
WEF's DEI Leaders
Board of Trustees DEI Committee
- Chair: Jackie Jarrell, Raftellis
- Vice Chair: Andrea Hall, Brown and Caldwell
- Melissa Baker, South Coast Water District
- Ralph Exton, Grundfos
- Anthony Giovannone, Google
- Melody Gonzalez, Black & Veatch
- Amber Lefers, AE2S
- ValaRae Partee, Brown and Caldwell
- Maria Claudia Reed, Multnomah County Drainage District
- Elaine Samuel, Toronto Water
- Hugh Sinclair, Arcadis
- Walt Walker, Greeley and Hansen
- Stephen Sanders, WEF Board of Trustees
- Corey Williams, WEF Board of Trustees
- Steve Hamai, WEF staff
- Laura Herman, WEF staff
House of Delegates DEI Committee
- ValaRae Partee, Chair/Delegate-at-Large
- Bill Davis, Speaker-Elect/WEA of South Carolina
- Ellen Frketic, Chesapeake WEA
- Peter Garvey, Delegate-at-Large
- Amy Baker, AZ Water Association
- Virgil Lloyd, New England WEA
- Rosaleen Nogle, New York WEA
- Kelsey Hurst, WEF staff
DEI Definitions
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not mutually exclusive and the success of one is dependent on the other two. Therefore, these three are intentionally connected. We believe that starting with shared and clear definitions for these topics will enable us to better understand each other and make progress toward our goals.
Diversity
Diversity encompasses the varying experiences, strengths, skills, perspectives, personal characteristics, cultures, and backgrounds represented by and within the WEF community.
Equity
A commitment to equity means an environment where everyone has the opportunity and access to realize their full potential, and no-one is disadvantaged because of their group identity or other socially determined circumstance.
How We Began
In August 2019, WEF initiated its DEI work through the formation of the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. This task force provided over 50 recommendations for improving diversity in the water sector and stressed the importance of internal reflection.
In 2020, WEF took further steps by establishing a DEI Board of Trustees Subcommittee, a House of Delegates DE&I Work Group, and a Staff Working Group on Racial Equity. In 2021, these groups were made permanent committees, solidifying the organization's long-term commitment to DEI.
In 2020, WEF also reviewed and reaffirmed its Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy to ensure an inclusive environment.
Megan Yoo-Schneider and Donnell Duncan on Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Megan and Donnell discuss the efforts by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the organization, among ...
Continue ReadingWOW: Conversations on Equity With Jackie Jarrell, Nikita Lingenfelter, and Stephen Sanders
In this episode, these guests discuss how WEF has responded to the calls for equity for Black Americans and the work of WEF’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Task ...
Continue ReadingConversations on Equity With Cathy Bailey, Randy Hayman, and Tony Parrott
In this episode, these leaders talk candidly about their experiences as Black Americans working in the water sector and reaching the level of utility executive, ...
Continue ReadingWEF Members Share Thoughts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dear WEF member: Earlier this summer, we surveyed WEF members as part of our critical work to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion both at WEF and across the ...
Continue ReadingInFLOW CareerTech Program Helps People Enter Water Jobs
I decided to participate in the InFLOW CareerTech program because I thought it would be a great learning opportunity.
Continue ReadingTaking a Step Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Within WEF
Workforce development remains one of WEF’s top priorities, and as we continue to deliver on our commitment to water professionals, we are also working to make sure ...
Continue ReadingDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Not a Quick Fix at WEF and in Water
Having diversity, equity, and inclusion in all levels of the workforce is vital to innovation and growth in the water sector. We are excited to update you on the ...
Continue ReadingRigos Discusses Disruption, Diversity, and the Water Sector
During WEFTEC 2018, Angeliki Rigos, executive director of the Tata Center for Technology and Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, shared her ...
Continue ReadingWEF First Examining How To Build Equity Within
Earlier this summer our nation exploded with outrage at the senseless killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans, calling tremendous attention to the ...
Continue ReadingJoin or Renew Your WEF Membership Today
Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.
