Executive Director's Message: Environmental Careers-Blending Altruism and Science

Patricia Cerro-Reehil, Executive Director, <cfoutput>New York Water Environment Association, Inc.</cfoutput>

Patricia Cerro-Reehil, Executive Director, New York Water Environment Association, Inc.

When I consider the theme of this particular issue of Clear Waters, I'm intrigued and honored to be part of an organization that has a growing number of women involved. I think about the reasons why more and more women are getting involved in a once male-dominated field, and it requires some analysis. NYWEA's vice president, Janice Jijina, has provided some statistics in her article on page 15 that give us a better understanding of the numbers of women in this organization and in fields related to math and science in general, and it seems that the wind has shifted direction.

Periodically, we focus on a particular theme as well as outreach audience for Clear Waters. This issue is geared to be a tool for high school teachers and guidance counselors to encourage women to undertake environmental careers.

Many women I know revel in the details of life. So I pose this question: "Is there a connection between women and planning?" Many of us like to plan; for some, planning is natural. In part, perhaps we are "driven" to the details because we are ultimately looking for a positive outcome for whatever it is we're working on. Maybe it's something more. There is no question that women are driven by timelines, both biological and cultural. Many of us are results-oriented and feel the need to plan our paths. I am sure that many men also have the same compunctions.

It seems to me that environmental careers blend altruism with science balanced with strong communication skills. Environmental careers make contributions to the public good and benefit society as a whole. Most women in these types of careers speak passionately about what they do, and as you will read in the articles and profiles within this magazine, they testify to the rewards as a result. Many of these women have followed their passion and have no regrets, and it seems to me that this also applies to men. Gender has little to do with enjoying your career and being passionate about it.

A special thanks goes out to Janice Jijina, Toby Siegman, and Gabriella Circosta for their assistance in coordinating this issue.

—Patricia Cerro-Reehil