Need to know what's happening at WaterJAM? This e-newsletter is dedicated to WaterJAM and includes teasers and tips to make the most out of the conference! Not yet registered? There is still time... Register Here.
When: Tuesday, September 13 Keynote: 9 - 11 AM Location: VBCC 1BCD
Panel Discussion: 1:30 - 5 PM Location: VBCC 1A
Generating dialogue around our role asutility and industry leaders, advocates change agents and influencers in shaping our water resources and, most importantly, our future as a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce - where everyone feels they belong!
This WaterJAM, the VWEA and the VA AWWA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committees are working to bring notable leadership in the DEI space to kick the conference off with a thought-provoking keynote address, Inspiring and Impactful Keynote Session on DEI Imperatives in the Utility Sector, followed with a focus session to dive into some of these provocations. As part of the focus session, a panel discussion and an interactive workshop is also being planned with utility leaders, DEI officers and advocates in the water sector for WaterJAM participants to engage in a dialogue around best practices, triumphs and lessons learned in creating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities where we live, work and volunteer. Don’t miss the groundbreaking insights you are sure to obtain as part of these sessions on diversity in hiring and career progression, inclusive leadership, LGBTQIA+ in the workplace, navigating race and gender parity, mentoring, allyship and organizational commitments to DEI, among other topics.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Janice Underwood, US Office of Personnel Management, Government-wide DEIA
Panelists: Lisa Stone, EVP Chief People & Inclusion Officer at DC Water Maria Burgos, Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion, Prince William County
Moderator: Donnell Duncan, Diversity and Member Inclusion Committee of AWWA
Don’t miss the groundbreaking insights, takeaways, and toolkits you are sure to obtain as part of these sessions for embedding DEI in the workplace and making it part of the lived culture, and on diversity in hiring and career progression, inclusive leadership, LGBTQIA+ in the workplace, navigating race and gender parity, mentoring, allyship and organizational commitments to DEI.
As Water Professionals, each of us has unique experiences that make us different and shape how we show up to perform our work every day. Share an experience where you felt included (or excluded) in the water industry and how that impacted you/your career.
We want you to record a 20-60 second video that can be compiled with your colleagues to make our combined DEI Story! Your video will be shared during Virginia Section AWWA events (e.g., WaterJam) to highlight the value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the water industry.
There are three ways to share your story...
1.) Record a video with your phone and then click here toupload it.
2.) Click here to go online and record your video using your computer.
2.) Stop by the membership table during WaterJam, and we will record it with you.
We can't wait to hear from you and share YOUR DEI Story!
Join us for the Utility Manager’s Breakfast Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 am in Meeting Room 5C.
This year’s speakers include:
Chris Pomeroy, President of AquaLaw
Chris is general counsel and registered lobbyist for the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, the Virginia Municipal Stormwater Association, and the Virginia Municipal Drinking Water Association. He will provide an executive briefing on water and utility-related policy developments at the state level.
Karen Pallanansch P.E., BCEE, WEF Fellow
Karen is the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Alexandria Renew Enterprises (AlexRenew). In addition to managing AlexRenew, Karen is leading the RiverRenew program, the largest infrastructure project in the City of Alexandria’s history, designed to remediate Alexandria’s combined sewer overflows. She will be discussing workforce issues and challenges that many utilities are currently facing.
Take this opportunity to hear from industry experts and network and collaborate with other utility leaders.
Calling all members to the Business Meetings held at WaterJAM! Stop by one or both meetings to hear what is happening in the section and participate in the election of YOUR board officers. This is an important responsibility of all members to vote on the individuals that will help shape the future of the Virginia Section.
1st Business Meeting - Announcement of Board of Trustee Nominations and Section Reports Tuesday at 11 AM | Meeting Room 1BCD
2nd Business Meeting and Section Forum - Election of Officers/Town Hall meeting Wednesday at 10 AM | Meeting Room 1BC
Stick around after the 2nd business meeting to hear from our AWWA Visiting Officer, TJ Stroebl. TJ is the Manufacturers/Associates Council Chair of AWWA and will host a Town Hall Meeting for all AWWA members. The session will start with a brief presentation and then shift into a discussion forum.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about VA AWWA Committees? Now is your chance to meet some committee members and learn more about what they are all about. Several committees are holding informal meetings during JAM, and they would love to have you join them.
Tuesday, September 13
2 - 3 PM Room 5B Water for People
3 - 4 PM Room 5A Distribution Systems
3 - 4 PM Room 5B Education
5 - 6 PM Room 5B Utility Management
5 - 6 PM Room 2E Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Wrap-up
Wednesday, September 14
10 - Noon Room 1A Leadership Academy New Cohort Kick-off
10 - 11 AM Room 5C Water Awareness and Outreach
1:30 - 2:30 PM Room5C Information Technology
3 - 4 PM Room 1A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
3 - 4 PM Room 5C Drinking Water Quality and Research
4 - 5 PM Room 1A Membership Engagement
4 - 5 PM Room 5C Young Professionals
Don't have time to attend a meeting but want to learn more? Stop by the Membership Booth in the foyer and drop your business card off at the Committee Board. Someone will contact you after JAM!
Come celebrate the accomplishments of some distinguished members as they receive awards at WaterJAM. A variety of member and organizational awards will be given at both the Membership Appreciation Luncheon and the Awards Banquet. It is a great time to applaud each other and recognize all the hard work and dedication within the industry.
VA AWWA Membership Appreciation and Awards Luncheon Wednesday | 12 - 1:30 PM | Ballroom 1
If you are a student or young professional attending JAM, make sure to check out all of the activities we offer just for you. There are great competitions to participate in, but also a YP Workshop focusing on getting involved can help advance your career, a YP Paper session given by YPs like yourself, and a special reception Wednesday night where you can meet and network with other young professionals! Also, don't miss the YP Committee meeting. Make sure to bookmark this page, so you don't miss out!
Student & YP Digital Knowledge Competition
Submission Deadline EXTENDED: September 2, 2022
Students & YPs - turn your knowledge and/or research into a short video and enter for your chance to win $500! The Digital Knowledge Competition should showcase recent or ongoing research or innovative or novel ideas related to the fields of water and wastewater.
A submission to the Digital Knowledge Competition should be 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length and utilize a creative combination of sound and visual imagery to convey a concentrated message. All submissions may utilize video footage, photographic images, animation, voice-over narration, music, humor, etc. to illustrate the message.
WaterJAM’s theme for 2022 is “Our Water; Our Future,” which may lead young professionals in the water industry to question what will the future of our industry look like. As young professionals, the future is as expansive as our imagination and willpower, and the water industry offers many career opportunities for growth in technology, networking, reporting, and many other aspects of the Water World. Where can we start looking for the future of our industry now? Join us at WaterJAM’s 2022 Young Professional’s Workshop, where we will dive head first into this question with our group of speakers and panelists from across the industry.
YP Exhibit Hall
When: Tuesday, September 13 | 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM Wednesday, September 14 | 7:30 AM - 4 PM Raffle: Wednesday, September 14 | 4 PM
Are you coming to WaterJAM this year? The Young Professionals (YP) Committee of Virginia will have a booth in the Exhibit Hall with several different games! Play to win prizes and network with fellow water/wastewater YPs in Virginia. And back by popular demand is Cornhole!
Did you know that Fun Night is included in your full conference registration? Did you know that you don't HAVE to attend the Awards Banquet to enjoy the fun? It's true! You are welcome to return to the convention center for a great night of fun and games. With this year's theme, Our Water, Our Future, we have a great futuristic night planned, including fun games, drinks, and dessert! The more games you play, the more raffle tickets you win for some AMAZING PRIZES!
Join us Wednesday night from 8 - 10 PM in Ballroom 1 - 2. You won't be disappointed!
The Membership Engagement Committee has a lot of great things happening in the VBCC Foyer. Make sure to take a few minutes to stop by. You can learn more about the new Splash into Rewards program, including some of the items you can earn, record your DEI Story, or support our Scholarship Fund by raising your favorite college flag!
Did you know that you don't have to attend WaterJAM to participate in a workshopor take a tour? Speakers from around the country bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their specialty. There is still time to get registered, don't miss these great training opportunities.
Laboratory Management of the Future
Modelpalooza: Understand the Best Modeling Approach to Meet your Needs
Project WET
Practicing One Water: Visioning, Planning, and Implementing
Begin with the End, Designing with Operation in Mind
Flood Resiliency Funding, Planning, and Implementation
Ever want to check out different facilities? Take a tour!
HRSD Water Quality
Woodstock Skate Park Storage Facility Tour
Career Center
Are you looking for a new job opportunity? Are you an employer looking for great candidates? Either way, check out our newly updated Career Center for opportunities in Virginia.
Here is a list of the most recent job posted:
Lead Water-Wastewater Operator
Principal Plant Operator - Maintenance
Accountant - Utilities Capital Projects
Cheif Water Treatment Plant Operator
Senior Manager, Field Operations
Heavy Equipment Operator
The webpage contains a summary of current job postings... but check back frequently for new positions posted daily/weekly.
Check out the latest issue of Tap Into Virginia!
Click on the link below to view the latest edition online.
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Calling all members to the Business Meetings held at WaterJAM! Stop by one or both meetings to hear what is happening in the section and participate in the election of YOUR board officers. This is an important responsibility of all members to vote on the individuals that will help shape the future of the Virginia Section. 
Come celebrate the accomplishments of some distinguished members as they receive awards at WaterJAM. A variety of member and organizational awards will be given at both the Membership Appreciation Luncheon and the Awards Banquet. It is a great time to applaud each other and recognize all the hard work and dedication within the industry. 
If you are a student or young professional attending JAM, make sure to check out all of the activities we offer just for you. There are great competitions to participate in, but also a YP Workshop focusing on getting involved can help advance your career, a YP Paper session given by YPs like yourself, and a special reception Wednesday night where you can meet and network with other young professionals! Also, don't miss the YP Committee meeting. Make sure to 
Did you know that you don't have to attend WaterJAM to participate in a 
