Join us for an honest and insightful conversation with a diverse panel of professionals as they share their experiences navigating motherhood alongside their careers, in recognition of Mother’s Day.
This discussion will explore the realities that often go unspoken, offering the perspectives, lessons, and advice many wish they had earlier in their journeys.
From advancing in your career to managing workloads, family responsibilities, and everything in between, our panelists will speak candidly about the challenges they have faced, the strategies that have supported them, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Whether you are a current parent, considering parenthood, or looking to better support colleagues, this conversation offers valuable insight for all.
About Our Panel
Karina Camacho is a Program Manager at the Western Riverside Council of Governments supporting the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN). In her role, Karina is the public sector lead supporting local government agencies on energy efficiency projects as well as promoting equitable workforce development efforts for hard-to-reach and disadvantaged communities. Karina is a seasoned policy expert with experience advocating for programs at the federal, state and local levels.
Before joining I-REN, she was a lobbyist in Washington DC analyzing the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, Karina has worked at the California Energy Commission, the UC Office of the President Sustainability Office, and the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Having grown up in the Inland Empire, she is passionate about environmental justice and developing economic opportunities throughout the region.
She is a proud alumna of the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership institute connecting with women across the state to help uplift communities. Karina holds Bachelors of Arts in Criminology/Law & Society and International Studies from UC Irvine and a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley.
Karina is a mother to a daughter who is 16 months old.
Meaghan Laverty is a strategic leader dedicated to building stronger, more equitable communities. As Director of Marketing, Education, and Outreach at The Energy Coalition, she oversees four teams—community engagement and outreach, education and training, workforce development, and communications and marketing—leading efforts that expand access to opportunity and drive meaningful impact. Her work includes programs like Energy is Everything, the California Climate Action Corps, and other initiatives preparing communities for a sustainable future.
With nearly two decades of experience in project management, communications, and public engagement, Meaghan has led major efforts across California’s clean energy landscape, including the launch of Clean Power Alliance and key outreach initiatives for the Southern California Regional Energy Network and TEC’s Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community project.
Grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience, Meaghan brings a thoughtful, real-world perspective to conversations about balancing leadership and caregiving.
Meaghan is a single mother of two teenage boys, Linus (15) and Arthur (13).
Gina Herrera partners with California government entities to deliver clear, results-driven legal strategies across infrastructure, land use, and complex regulatory matters.
Gina is an experienced attorney serving California government entities with a broad background spanning municipal law, land use, contracts, and litigation. She advises clients across California’s layered legal and regulatory framework, helping agencies move projects forward while managing risk and maintaining public trust. She has a strong track record of helping clients navigate complex legal challenges while advancing government priorities.
Her practice spans public works and infrastructure, land use and environmental compliance, maritime and coastal law, public finance, elections, and government operations. She is known for her ability to guide government clients through legally intricate, politically sensitive, and operationally critical challenges with a practical and solutions-oriented approach.
As Assistant City Attorney for the City of Carlsbad, she advised both the Public Works Branch and the Municipal Water District on the full spectrum of issues that arise in delivering complex public infrastructure. In that role, she led the resolution of construction disputes including subcontractor claims, bond calls, and related negotiations, helping the City safeguard public funds while keeping critical capital projects on track.
Prior to law, Gina Herrera served as a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard, where she served as a Contingency Planner and Command Duty Officer at Sector Los Angeles–Long Beach responsible for maritime safety across 320 miles of coastline, and as an Assistant Engineer Officer aboard a high-endurance cutter homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii. This operational background informs her approach to legal counsel: structured, decisive, and grounded in real-world execution.
Gina is a mother of two, Isaac (9) and Genevieve (6).
Registration
Registration is free for AWWEE members, who are also welcome to add up to two guests (new to AWWEE please).
Registration is $20 for non-members.