The latest episode features a panel discussion that was held on the campus of Howard University in April 2025. The panel included a group of exceptional leaders in the water industry to discuss the importance of a career in the water industry with students who are close to entering the workforce. The discussion also provided strategies to students to transition into the water profession and the importance of mentors and networking to succeed in their careers.

The panelists shared why a career in water is vital, and the discussion encouraged students to explore the different career paths and internship possibilities in the water industry. Students connected with the panelists, asked questions, and discovered exciting opportunities with water.

Our accomplished panelists included:

• Zonetta English, Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director, Louisville MSD
• Kishia Powell, General Manager/CEO, WSSC Water
• Cathy Bailey, Interim Assistant City Manager, City of Cincinnati
• Ifetayo Venner, Senior Vice President, Arcadis U.S.
• Hugh-Berk Sinclair, Vice President, Arcadis U.S.

Our discussion moderators included:

• Anne Musiime, Assistant Engineer II, Hazen
• Jamie Decker, Senior Associate, Hazen

This episode of the Talking H2Onestly podcast is focused on the State of Diversity, Inclusion, and Identity (DE&I) in the water industry. The podcast examines current issues, strategies, and approaches around DE&I that utilities, organizations and private firms are using in the water industry. The discussion included different perspectives from across the water industry, including from leading utilities, national water organizations and private sector firms. In particular, the discussion focused on understanding the current legal and legislative perspectives for DE&I in the industry, how these programs can affect supplier diversity and affordability programs, as well as impacts on workforce development, recruitment and retaining talent in the water industry.

The panel included a group of exceptional leaders in the water industry including:

• Kellie Watson, General Counsel and Legal Director, Louisville MSD
• Steve Hamai, Senior Director of Culture and Belonging, WEF
• Terrence Jennings, Utility Policy Manager, City of Baltimore, Public Works
• Gary Haubner, Vice President, Regional Manager, and Director of Employee Engagement, Hazen and Sawyer

Talking H2Onestly is produced by Ms. Zonetta English, Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director at MSD and the Community Leadership Council Chair for Resilience for WEF, with the support of Mr. James A. Parrott, Executive Director and CEO of MSD. Talking H2Onestly’s mission is to develop content to help utilities across the United States solve their water challenges and share their expertise. This podcast will provide all utilities with access to vital information, enabling them to maximize their funding and staffing resources. In addition, these conversations will provide an avenue for rate payers to gain insight into the intricate and complicated issues utilities face in providing critical services to our communities and introduce the audience to a variety of dedicated water professionals.

This episode highlights a panel discussion that was recently held on the campus of Howard University. The panel included a group of exceptional leaders in the water industry to discuss the importance of a career in the water industry with students who are close to entering the workforce. The panelist shared why a career in Water is vital, offering the opportunity to impact public health, sustainability, and global access to clean water.

The discussion was also to encourage students to explore the different career paths and internship possibilities in the water industry. The event also allowed the students to connect with leaders, ask questions, and discover exciting opportunities in this dynamic field!

Our esteemed panelist includes:
Zonetta English, Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director, Louisville MSD
Kishia Powell, General Manager / CEO, WSSC Water
Dr. Andrew D. Sawyers, Director of the Office Wastewater Management, US EPA
Carlton S. Serrette, Senior Vice President, Arcadis U.S., Inc.