At the Water Environment Federation, our vision for the future is life free of water challenges.
As water professionals, this is our ultimate goal – a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives. To get there, our mission is to inspire the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being.
We need to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce, cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all, and lead the transformation to the circular water economy.
As we undertake this work, let’s also shine a light on our sector. Let’s amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen and diversify the water community.
We all have a part to play in forging a sustainable water future. So, bring your talents, your ingenuity, your dedication, and your water stories, and join us.
WEF Strategic Plan
Our Mission
Inspiring the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being
Our Vision
Life free of water challenges
Our Three-Year
Outcome Statement
Amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen, and diversify the water community
Our Strategic Goals
Goal 1
Attract and develop a diverse and passionate water workforce
Strategies
Raise public awareness about the importance of water and the water workforce
Reduce barriers to workforce entry and retention
Provide extraordinary opportunities for connection, growth, and education
Cultivate strategic partnerships
Goal 2
Cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all
Strategies
Drive connection and collaboration for the development of innovative solutions
Deliver best-in-class member experience
Creatively develop and deliver content and programming
Goal 3
Lead the transformation to the Circular Water Economy
Strategies
Convene stakeholders to craft WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework and best practices
Proliferate WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework and best practices
Champion adoption of Circular Water Economy
Eliminate barriers to Circular Water Economy adoption
Our Core Values
Lead boldly with purpose and agility
Focus on our customers through empathy and service
Collaborate for collective impact
Integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all we do
Water Stories
A proverb says, “Those who share their stories rule the world.” As part of our new strategic plan, WEF is working to amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen, and diversify the water community.
By sharing your stories with the water community and the public, we build community, strengthen partnerships, increase awareness and appreciation of our work, and create more stories of success.
So, share your water stories with us and follow #WEFwaterstories on social media.
Kari Steele Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Kari talks about the importance of introducing young people to the water sector and all the available career opportunities.
Angela Charles Charlotte Water Angela discusses how beer made from recycled water can teach the public about the circular economy.
Daehyun Bae Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) Daehyun shares his thoughts about attracting diverse young professionals to the water sector and explains how K-Water is getting involved.
Stephen Sanders Director and Head Trainer, Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State College Stephen explains why we need to better express the value of having a diverse water workforce and why inclusive work environments are important for retention in the water sector.
Viraj deSilva Freese and Nichols Viraj talks about the many opportunities for young professionals to work in water and help solve today's water challenges.
Eira Corral Sepúlveda Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Water is life. Eira talks about what water means for her community and why we need to protect water for our collective future.
Shannon Harty Commissioner of Water Environment Protection, Onondaga County, NY Shannon explains how she got her start in water and fell in love with wastewater!
Crysele Evans InFLOW Scholar (2022) Hear why Crysele is passionate and motivated to work in water and help solve water challenges!
Leanne Scott Nashville Metro Water Services Leanne talks about the need to increase diversity in the water workforce to gain new perspectives.
Sanjiv Joshi IntelliFlux Controls Sanjiv is passionate about solving the issues facing the water community and will continue to work to protect this valuable resource.
Melanie Vines and the University of Alabama Young Water Professionals Melanie Vines of the Alabama Water Environment Association says the Flint, MI water crisis motivated her to pursue a career in water. Watch her journey and learn more about the University of Alabama's WEF Student Chapter— which won WEF's 2023 Student Chapter of the Year Award!
Nicole Cohen Carollo Engineers Nicole discusses the importance of attracting and developing a diverse and passionate water workforce.
James Clarke DC Water Growing up, James received "boil water alerts," which was a water quality concern for him. He talks about his journey into the water workforce and the progress made to address water issues in his community.
Valerie Jenkinson Operators Without Borders Valerie explains why we all need to work together on water and wastewater issues to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Julian Sandino Wastewater Global Solutions Director, Jacobs Julian talks about how the WEF community helped him advance his career and gain leadership opportunities.