Texas Water Leaders Program

“The TWF Texas Water Leaders Program gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to learn more about Texas water laws, policy, finance, and management in a really fun and engaging way.  I got to sit at a collective table with attorneys, consultants, geoscientists, engineers, groundwater folks, surface water folks, drinking water folks, wastewater folks, and river authority reps.  We all found common-ground and developed camaraderie with each other as a part of this one-of-a-kind, phenomenal program.  We received trainings that inspired and encouraged us both as professionals and as people.  For me, the conflict styles and resolution training helped me be more intentional and courageous in my communication, and all of the lessons on public speaking forced me out of my comfort zone in a safe way.  The Texas Water Leaders Program stretched me and grew me in ways that I was immediately able to apply at work and in life.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate and for all of the new friends and comrades that I gained.  Many thanks to everyone who make this program possible, and I am excited to see how it grows in the years to come!”

— Erika Crespo, Assistant Deputy Director, Water Quality Division, TCEQ

“The Texas Water Leaders Program (TWL) equipped me to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities that we face in the Texas water sector on a broader scale.  The class was dynamic, interactive, and perfectly paced. The skills taught in the program are universal, but with targeted intention and focus on Texas water. TWL has created an invaluable network of empowered and well-equipped leaders who are supporting the water needs of citizens and aquatic ecosystems throughout Texas. It is a true honor to be a graduate of this program.”

— Lisa Latson Benton, Supervisor, Water Quality Protection

“I applied for the Texas Water Leaders program looking for business education and industry knowledge and left with not only that but also new friendships, inspiration, and a sense of purpose. I’ve found spiritual meaning in the work I do everyday thanks to the comradery of my first-class peers and the rich history imparted to me by some of Texas’s wisest storytellers. To the Texas Water Foundation: thank you for empowering this aspiring leader to think even bigger as I work with Texans to address new, varied challenges in the water sector.”

— Dacy Cameron, PE, Interim General Manager, Aqua Water Supply Corporation 

“The Texas Water Leaders Program heightened my awareness of the key factors influencing dynamics in the Texas water sector. I recommend the program to anyone interested in truly understanding the factors affecting a leader’s success (in any sector). I also recommend the program to those seeking tools and strategies that allow one to keep motivated and find one’s own sphere of activism to lead the change needed to make the Texas water sector one that provides for all communities and is resilient to the roadblocks presented by climate change, political vagaries, and economic fluctuations.”

— Nelun Fernando, Texas Water Development Board, Manager, Water Availability

“The Texas Water Leaders program connected me with professionals located all over the state that work hard every day to help secure Texas' water future. I did not originally have an educational background in water. The Texas Water Leaders program helped me fill many of the knowledge gaps that are necessary to navigate the water industry. The Texas Water Leaders program focuses on comprehensive, authentic management and leadership issues. The curriculum is engaging and multimodal. I recommend the Texas Water Leaders program above other available training programs. As a Texas Water Leaders scholarship recipient, I am extremely grateful to the Texas Water Foundation and its partners in making their program available to me.”

— Omar Martinez, El Paso County Water Improvement District No.1, Grant Writer

“I am a graduate of the 2021 Texas Water Leader program. My day job entails delivering the first state flood plan for the state of Texas. While I was not sure what to expect going into the Texas water leader program, as a fan of good leadership programs and graduate of a few good ones, I have high expectations of leadership programs. The Texas Water Leader program met my expectation and beyond.

Starting from a quick but in-depth history lesson of Texas water law, meeting professionals and leaders in the Texas water space, the quick hands-on interactive lessons on finance and management, to the amazing lineup of the speakers, the program was excellent. The leaders and facilitators of the Texas Water Leader program were thoughtful in their approach to leave a lasting positive impact on the participants’ life, careers as well as on the future Texas water and flood spaces. I highly recommend it and happy to chat with anyone who may be interested in the next one.”

— Reem Zoun, Texas Water Development Board, Director, Flood Planning

“I cannot say enough about the Texas Water Leaders program – it was simply fantastic. From the professionalism of the Texas Water Foundation staff who oversee and organize the program, to the thoughtful materials and preparations that go into each meeting, to the expertise of the moderators who helped with the various components – everything about the program was impressive, rewarding, and beneficial. As this is a “leadership” program, my expectations were focused on professional development. But the Texas Water Leaders provides so much more. I grew personally, got to know a bunch of amazing people, learned about a variety of diverse aspects related to water, and (perhaps most of all) simply had a lot of fun. I would strongly encourage anyone interested to apply to the program. I’m certain you won’t regret it!”

— Bryan McMath, Texas Water Development Board, Executive Administrator