The water sector is facing a generational shift—one that demands not just new talent, but bold, forward-thinking leadership.

That’s been the mission of the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment's Water Innovation Leadership Program: to equip emerging utility leaders with the tools to navigate today’s complex challenges while preparing for the unknowns of tomorrow.

The program has filled a crucial gap by helping water professionals—from rural tribal utilities to major metropolitan systems—embrace their role as essential leaders in America’s most essential sector.

“About 30% of our water workforce is going to turn over over the next couple of years,” says Martin Doyle of Duke University. “We have to grow a large cohort of innovative leaders… to make sure that they can function, operate and adapt to the constantly changing conditions around them.”

With 85 fellows across five cohorts, the program’s reach is national, collectively impacting over 51 million Americans through the participants' utilities. And its personal impact is just as profound.

“It’s been awesome,” says Jorge L. Flores, a participant who returned to his hometown of Eagle Pass, Texas, "to really have an impact on these families and these young children.”

Participants learn to lead by listening. “One of the big exercises that we do is having them ask better questions and also listen more effectively,” explains Alvin Pilobello, lead facilitator for the program.

For Racquel Vaske, it was about community: “An inspiring opportunity to connect with other water leaders across the country and share ideas about how to tackle similar issues.”

Quisha Light said the program helped her repackage past challenges into tools for future leadership.

And Esther Baptiste, MPA summed up the program’s inclusive vision: “Whether you have a GED or PhD, there’s something for you in the water sector. The time is now to prepare for the future.”

Buoyed by the guidance of Laura Lipps and Paul Willeboordse, the Duke Water Innovation Leadership Program built more than better leaders—it’s helped build the future of water.

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