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Protecting Public Health and the Environment

Leading the way in water quality management

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

NYWEA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), and our DE&I committee is at the forefront with an initiative to educate and inspire traditionally underrepresented groups to choose careers in water. 

The program, called Introducing Future Leaders to Opportunities in Water (InFLOW), has made a significant impact already, but there is more to do. See below for details on this transformative program, how to join, and how your organization can support this important work.

Introducing Future Leaders to Opportunities in Water (InFLOW)

InFLOW is designed to enhance diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the water workforce. Modeled after the Water Environment Federation (WEF) InFLOW program, the main goals are:

  • To strengthen participants’ commitment to pursuing careers in the water and environmental sector; and
  • Improve their chances for employment, advancement, and sustained career success in the water industry.

To maximize effectiveness, and have a wider appeal, InFlow has two program tracks, STEMpath and CareerTech.

STEMPath Track

Intended Participants: Talented college and university students from historically underrepresented groups with a focus in science, technology, engineering, or math.

Sponsored Experience: NYWEA’s Annual Meeting, New York’s largest water quality conference, held in NYC each year in early February; 1 year of complimentary student membership; an assigned water professional mentor; career exploration and networking opportunities before, during, and after the conference, and a stipend.

 

CareerTech Track

Intended Participants: Professionals in job readiness or workforce development programs who are interested in exploring careers in the water sector.

Sponsored Experience: NYWEA Spring Meeting, held each year in early June; pre-conference orientation; invitation to tour a water resource recovery facility; an assigned water professional mentor; career exploration and networking opportunities before, during, and after the conference, and a stipend.

 

The InFLOW Impact

“Participating in the NYWEA InFLOW program has been an incredible experience that opened multiple doors and provided invaluable networking opportunities. It helped me align my passion for environmental engineering with giving back. Through InFLOW, I met mentors and friends who share similar ideas and have already made significant impacts. Being part of the NYWEA InFLOW program also led me to become a WEF (national) InFLOW scholar, allowing me to attend the annual WEFTEC conference in Chicago, which further enriched my professional network and experiences. NYWEA has opened many doors, not only for jobs, scholarships, and professional mentorship but also for my peers at Manhattan College, as I have invited many of the professionals I have met along the way to speak about the water industry.”

Daniel Galarza Lojano, 2023 NYWEA InFLOW STEMPath Scholar

Space

Interested in Becoming an InFLOW Scholar?

Fill out our InFLOW Interest Form!

STEMPath applications will be accepted through December 9, 2024. Interested scholars are encouraged to apply early, as spots are limited (Annual Meeting, February 3-5, 2025, NYC)

CareerTech applications will be accepted through April 18, 2025 and scholars will be notified by May 9 (Spring Meeting June 2-4, 2025, Saratoga Springs)

 

 

Want to help InFLOW grow? Join us as a sponsor or mentor!