Breaking Barriers. Leading Change. Shaping the Future of Water.
Across the water industry, women are leading change, shaping policy, driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and mentoring the next generation. This powerful and thought-provoking webinar will feature a panel of women who are transforming the way we think about water and utilities. Through candid conversation, they’ll share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, the opportunities they've seized, and the bold visions they’re helping bring to life.
Whether you're deep into your career, exploring a new path, or just beginning your professional journey, this session offers valuable insights and authentic inspiration. Our panelists represent a range of roles and experiences, from engineering and operations to leadership and advocacy, proving that there’s no single path to making a difference in this critical field.
What you will take away from this event:
Lessons learned and practical advice from women leading in the industry
Insights into how gender equity is evolving in utilities and environmental sectors
Real-world strategies for navigating professional growth, leadership, and inclusion
A renewed sense of purpose, community, and possibility
This event is open to all, regardless of gender, role, or experience level, who are passionate about the future of water and the advancement of diverse leadership in utilities and beyond.
Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and connected through the stories of women who are changing the flow.
About Our Board Member, Moderator & Panelists:
Jennifer Persike will be providing Board support for this webinar. Jennifer is an innovative strategist and a visionary leader with more than 35 years experience leading and working with California water and energy organizations, statewide associations, non-profits and corporations in addition to local, state and federal entities.
In 2017, Jennifer established her own firm, Jennifer Persike & Company. She and her team help organizations and individuals to lead better and do better. JP & Co. specializes in consultation for critical business needs, including organizational optimization, leadership development and training, and external affairs.
Ms. Persike is the past Executive Director of Leadership California (LC), a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the representation and influence of diverse women leaders in all sectors across California.
As former Deputy Executive Director for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), Ms. Persike built a reputation for understanding the issues, people, and challenges in the water arena. She drove numerous high-profile, successful external and internal initiatives working with industry leaders at all levels. Efforts included leading a reorganization, establishing the regional structure and outreach program, creation and management of the state’s Save Our Water public outreach program, creating award-winning California’s Water Series on Public Television with Huell Howser and several water bond and other advocacy campaigns.
Ms. Persike is committed to giving back to the community, serving on numerous boards. These include, American Red Cross-Gold Country (Chair), ACWA Foundation (Vice Chair), Water Education Foundation, Association for Women in Water, Energy and the Environment, and Urban Water Institute.
Ms. Persike holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Chico State University and has completed certificates in Facilitation, Mediation and Arbitration (UC Davis), Stakeholder Centered Coaching (Marshall Goldsmith) and a HR / Diversity & Inclusion (Cornell University). She is a best-selling author of The Joy of Work, July 2023.
Elise Shtayyeh will be moderating this webinar. Elise joined Solano County Water Agency in 2021 as an Associate Water Resources Specialist. Her primary duties include assisting with water efficiency programs, public outreach, and education.
She has a background in education and wildlife conservation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from UC Davis, a Single Subject Credential in Social Sciences and English from California State University San Bernardino, and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from California State University Fullerton. She loves animals and pets all the dogs she meets.
Jeanette Diaz is the Director of Communications at San Gabriel Valley Water Company. She joined the company in 2016 as an Engineering Administrative Assistant and advanced through roles as Supplier Diversity Program Coordinator and Supplier Diversity & Procurement Manager before being promoted to Director in 2024. In her current role, she develops and leads the company’s strategy for delivering clear, consistent, and professional communications to customers, regulators, local officials, employees, and the community.
Jeanette is actively involved in the water industry, serving on the California Water Association’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program Committee, Chairing its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and contributing to its Public Information Committee. She is also a Board Member of the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Her leadership and commitment to community have been recognized with the Community Collaboration Queen of the Year Award from the Chingona Community in 2024 and the Women of Excellence – Trusted Voice Award from Diversity Professionals in 2025.
Jeanette earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and holds a certificate from Harvard Kennedy School in Leading Successful Programs: Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness. However, her greatest joy is being a mom to her daughter, with whom she enjoys traveling, shopping, and making memories.
Lauren James is an influential leader with a diverse range of roles and a clear dedication to making a difference. As the Director of Communications at Suburban Water Systems, she plays a vital role in engaging with customers, employees, and community stakeholders while also leading key initiatives like Supplier Diversity and Conservation. Her efforts have propelled Suburban Water Systems to the forefront of diversity in the utility sector, with notable achievements such as being recognized for the highest California utility spend with diverse small businesses for three consecutive years. She has also led fresh and frozen food distributions throughout Los Angeles County for communities in need.
Her leadership is a testament to the power of community involvement and the impact of using both professional platforms and grassroots movements to advocate for change.
Tamara Johnson is the Director of Field Operations for the Southern Region for California Water Service.
She holds an MBA from Cal State University of Monterey Bay, a State of California Distribution 5 Operators License, and a Treatment 3 Operators License. She is also a graduate of the Kenan Flagler Business School of Water and Wastewater Leadership Center.
She has 40 years of Water Utility experience, with 37 of those years in operations.Tamara has held many positions within Cal Water including District Manager in Visalia, CA, District Manager in Bakersfield and now Ops Director of the Southern Region. She leads a team of four District Managers which manage approximately 300 certified operators with responsibility for providing water to more than 230,000 customer connections.
However, her greatest accomplishment is being a mom to two adult boys.
Registration
Registration is free for AWWEE members, who are also welcome to bring up to two guests. Registration is $20 for non-members.