Charting Their Own Path: The Emerging Water Leaders of Color Leadership Circle
On a chilly January evening in 2025, a group of fourteen determined individuals came together to forge connections over a shared meal. This gathering was part of the Emerging Water Leaders of Color Leadership Circle, a transformative initiative designed to assist individuals in expanding their knowledge, skills, and professional network.
Launched in 2023, this innovative program resulted from collaboration among key partners, including New Jersey Future, Jersey Water Works, Spring Point Partners, and AGN Global LLC. Its primary objective is to align with aspiring water professionals to increase the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to thrive and innovate in a field that has long struggled with diversity. In 2024, the program welcomed sixteen enthusiastic participants, each eager to engage in the learning circles. These small gatherings encouraged individuals to share their unique ideas, practices, and experiences. By expanding their knowledge and professional networks, participants are better equipped to create innovative solutions and explore career growth opportunities within the water industry.
The Role of Powerful Mentorship
This program was generously supported by Spring Point Partners and benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals. Aisha Niang and Nicole E. Brown, distinguished engineers from AGN Global LLC, led the charge, offering invaluable mentorship and guidance alongside a dedicated team from Jersey Water Works, including Jyoti Venketraman, Paula Figueroa-Vega, and Andrea Jovie Sapal. Their deep dive dialogue ensured that every participant received support tips on navigating their challenges and, most importantly, how to chart a path forward to flourish in their careers.
Leadership Themes that Drive Change
The Leadership Circle explored several key themes that are vital for personal and professional growth:
- Defining Your Path to Leadership: Participants learn to articulate their past experiences, backgrounds, and future aspirations, harnessing their voices for effective communication.
- Intentionality & Goal Setting: This theme emphasizes the importance of identifying skills for improvement and remaining open to opportunities previously overlooked.
- Effective Networking: Building a robust professional network is crucial, and participants are encouraged to cultivate relationships while inviting others along their journey.
- Cultivating Your Entrepreneurial Self: The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching participants to maximize opportunities and acquire the resources required for success—whether they have mentors or not.
- Perseverance & Commitment: Overcoming barriers requires determination. Discussions focus on the qualities of perseverance and commitment necessary to navigate challenges effectively.
Testimonials from Emerging Leaders
The impact of the Leadership Circle is evident through the experiences of its participants. Charles Walker, a Customer Care Analyst at American Water, reflected, “Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this cohort. The information shared deepened my knowledge of what’s possible for my career, and I am grateful.”
Charles joined American Water in January 2023 and quickly transitioned to the Quality Assurance department. His passion for customer service and dedication to improving organizational performance drove this change. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Business at the University of Delaware, Charles exemplifies the inspired leadership the program aims to cultivate.
Lamekia “Meka” Berry is a Lab Analyst at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Stockton University. She began her career as an Analytical Chemist at Johnson Matthey, focusing on characterizing and quantifying metals. After joining ACUA, Meka embraced the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community outreach while working in the water testing lab, where she monitors wastewater and conducts testing for clients. Through her involvement with the New Jersey Water Environment Association and the Emerging Water Leaders of Color Leadership Circle, she gained invaluable experience and confidence in the water industry. As she enters her second year, Meka remains passionate about exploring her career path in this vital field.
As Principal Engineer at the City of Newark’s Water & Sewer Department, Marina Shenoda leads critical infrastructure projects, including water quality compliance, soil remediation, and green infrastructure initiatives. She oversees the engineering and regulatory aspects of residential and commercial development projects while conducting hydraulic analyses for urban infrastructure. Marina is completing a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering at NJIT, where she hopes to combine her technical expertise with a passion for sustainable water management solutions and business development. Through the Emerging Water Leaders of Color Leadership Circle, Marina says she has “strengthened my commitment to advancing innovative approaches to water infrastructure challenges while promoting diversity in the field. I enjoy connecting with professionals across the industry and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Participants valued connecting with peers facing similar challenges and gaining diverse perspectives. One participant highlighted the skills acquired during the program, including enhanced strategic communication, goal-setting, and networking abilities. They also learned tools for navigating career advancement and advocating for opportunities in the water sector.
Guest Speaker Testimonials
“Connecting with such a curious and engaged cohort was so special. Sharing my entrepreneurial ‘lessons learned’ was such a great opportunity to help these young people, rising into leadership, realize they can be entrepreneurs anywhere — even at their current jobs. I hope it motivated the cohort to explore finding their purposes and defining their markers of success.”~ Melody Wright of SAY/DO Strategies – Guest speaker for Session 4, when speaking on entrepreneurship
“I signed up for Emerging Leaders without hesitation. I am always looking for ways to be a better leader, but skill development focused on marginalized communities is rare. Even rarer is when that focus is carried to the water sector. The program helped me grow confidence in my skills while growing my network of people I could lean on during challenging times. The topics we covered are things that I have been able to use almost daily in my job and helped me gain more confidence in myself. Speaking to the second cohort about my journey in the water sector felt natural after being in cohort one. We are all tied together by a common thread, so I wanted to give them any insight into the field. It is something that I would readily do again for future cohorts.”~ Jennifer Harris, P.E., CME of Environmental Resolutions, Inc. – Guest speaker for Session 5, providing insight on her experience participating in Cohort 1
Looking Ahead
While New Jersey Future and Jersey Water Works piloted the program, the Black Water Professionals Alliance will forge ahead and make this program available in the future to a wider audience, not just New Jersey. By investing in the next generation of leaders, we are helping to build a diverse and resilient community capable of addressing the myriad challenges our water systems face today and in the future. Together, we forge pathways for success and leadership in the water industry.
Top photo includes: Back row: Jennifer Falconi; Left to right- back: Deresha Ship, Lamekia Berry, Alex Giraldo, Kimberly Dunn, Isabella Sta Rosa, Jennifer Harris; Middle: Andrea Jovie Sapal, Kelly Coca, Jyoti Venketraman, Noemi de la Puente; Front: Nicole Brown, Donna White
