In 2007, few women in the fields of water, energy and environment were working in technical fields and even fewer were progressing into leadership roles within their organizations. This imbalance motivated a group of women to form an organization to support the professional growth of women in these industries.
What is AWWEE?
The Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment (AWWEE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission is to foster a community dedicated to the advancement of all women in the fields of water, energy and environment.
AWWEE’s educational events expand knowledge, build leadership skills and showcase the success of women in our fields. Most importantly, they serve as touch points for members to make valuable new connections, creating a sense of community within the organization.
A 15-member Board of Directors, comprised of distinguished leaders in our fields provide strategic oversight for the organization. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and a team of two staff.
Member volunteers serve as our “boots on the ground” to organize events throughout the year. There are five regional teams that organize in-person events and four virtual event planning teams.
What service does AWWEE provide?
AWWEE provides industry-related educational events and professional development workshops, as well as an annual mentoring program.
AWWEE is so much more than our events. We are proud to have cultivated a dynamic and diverse community for women working in traditionally male-dominated fields who share knowledge and offer each other support.
Who are AWWEE members?
AWWEE members are students, entry-level professionals, managers, directors, executives, and retired professionals with backgrounds in the water, energy and environment fields. AWWEE members represent small businesses, state agencies, and many of California’s largest water, energy and environmental organizations.
Since AWWEE has not yet expanded to offer in-person events outside of the state, the majority of AWWEE members are from within California. However, out-of-state membership is growing with our recent increase in virtual event programming.
What kind of events does AWWEE offer?
AWWEE events include presentations and panel discussions on industry topics, onsite tours and naturalist-led hikes, volunteer activities, professional development workshops and occasional networking events.
We also host popular conference events where attendees appreciate the diverse topics and the perspectives of expert speakers. Most of all, conference attendees praise the thoughtful attention our planning team pays to creating a unique experience focused on cultivating community.
Our goal is always to ensure that none of our guests feel like a stranger at an AWWEE event.
How often are events scheduled?
AWWEE typically hosts between 40-50 events each year, including virtual and in-person events. Members can expect to see 4-5 events each month on the AWWEE event calendar. As an added benefit, active AWWEE members have access to our growing catalog of recorded virtual events to view on-demand.
Events are not scheduled during the months of July and December. These breaks generally align with reduced member availability and provide our team members with opportunities to recharge and plan for future events and programs.
What Members Are Saying
“AWWEE is an amazing group of women who are so supportive and understanding. We are all really here to boost each other up - it's something I haven't experienced in any other organization. I"m always welcome and accepted.”
— Allison Bially, AESC
“My favorite events thus far have been the 1-day Catalina Island trip where we toured the Southern California Edison water treatment and distribution plant and the 2018 annual conference at the Estancia in La Jolla. Sunrise yoga and smoothies at a professional conference? Yes, please!”
— Mallory Gandara, Western Municipal Water District
“I like how open and honest the members are with each other. AWWEE members talk equally about their triumphs and their challenges.”
— Chris White, Frontier Energy
“I love being part of the broader AWWEE network. I am beyond impressed by the leadership roles held by AWWEE members in their respective companies and organizations. These members serve as a role models for me. Their professionalism, knowledge, confidence, and ability to juggle work life and family life helps me to picture myself in their shoes one day.”