Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

VA AWWA has newly formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Our purpose is to lead and empower diversity and inclusion in our community by creating opportunity and cultivating belonging so all can thrive; acting in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and intentional.
 
We need YOUR energy, drive, and participation to bring our purpose, vision, mission, and commitments to life! This is a phenomenal opportunity for YOU to get in on the ground floor for something important, and make a real difference. We hope that you will join the movement with us. Make a Splash!
 
Contact us now with your interest! Click here to request to join our committee.
 
Please watch the video below for a personal message from our Board and DEI Committee leadership about what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means to us. 
 

Purpose - the reason we exist

To lead and empower diversity and inclusion in our community by creating opportunity and cultivating belonging so ALL can thrive; acting in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and intentional

Vision - the goal of purpose

We envision that we break through change barriers and ingrain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a cultural norm within the VA AWWA community – touching every aspect of, and everyone in the water sector

Mission - the path to purpose and behaviors we follow

We commit to doing this through:

  1. Leading efforts to celebrate diversity, increase inclusion, self-advocacy, and sense of belonging for VA AWWA members

  2. Increasing awareness, education, engagement, and courageous conversations within the community on a wide variety of DEI topics

  3. Building connections within and around Virginia’s water community, educational institutions, and affinity groups for the advancement of the quality of life and DEI stewardship through active outreach, allyship, and partnerships

We have an exciting lineup of activities planned which is intended to increase member, industry, and community engagement while advancing mentorship and allyship. We need YOUR energy, drive, and participation to bring our purpose, vision, mission, and commitments to life! Contact us now with your interest!
 
 

Committee Contacts and Information

Committee Leadership
Shawn Heselton | Chair
HRSD
 
Kayla Sanon | Chair
City of Richmond
 
Shelby Wease | Operations Manager
American Water
 
Workstream Leads
Thoughtful Tuesday
Giovana Batista
Arcadis

Industry Engagement
Rachel Schwall
Stantec
 
 
 
Jordan Stokes | Vice-Chair
Newport News Waterworks
 
 
 
Jamie Bondurant | Vice-Chair
Hazen and Sawyer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publications
Teresa Wong
Ramboll
 
Community Engagement and Environmental Justice
Robin Whitley
Committee Meeting Schedule
Committee meetings are held on the third Tuesday from 1 - 2 PM.
 
Don't hesitate to get in touch with the committee leadership listed if you are interested in learning more about this committee or one of its workstreams.  
 
To join, please complete our Willingness to Serve form.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mentorship and Allyship
Patra Brodie and April Bingham
City of Richmond