Meet our Cohort Participant Shavonne Turner 💫 Shavonne Turner is the Administrative Services Manager at the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (@SAWPA_Water), where she leads a team responsible for Communications, Clerk of the Board, Administrative Services, and all Human Resources functions, including policy development, recruitment, employee relations, and performance management. With nearly 20 years of experience in the water sector beginning in March 2006, Shavonne has built a career spanning Customer Service, Public Affairs, Water Efficiency, Water Resources, Strategic Communications, and Organizational Leadership across Orange County and the Inland Empire. Shavonne is passionate about building strong workplace cultures, developing people, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. She holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and has earned certifications in Cultural Intelligence, Public Agency Leadership, and Water Efficiency. #cawater

Meet our Cohort Participant Vivek Manickam 💫 Vivek is a Los Angeles–based civil engineer, project manager, and water resource professional with over a decade of experience delivering complex public works and water infrastructure projects. He currently serves on the Colorado River Aqueduct Program Management Team at @mwdh2o, where he supports one of the region’s most critical water infrastructure programs. He is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP), with expertise in capital projects delivery, construction oversight, and program management. Throughout his career, Vivek has worked across technical, operational, and organizational teams to deliver reliable and sustainable infrastructure. His professional interests include water policy, infrastructure innovation, public-sector leadership, and developing collaborative solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience of water systems and the communities they serve. Outside of work, Vivek enjoys traveling, water sports, and spending time with his family. He particularly enjoys learning new languages and experiencing different cultures, food, and history. #cawater

California recently marked Water Professionals Appreciation Week. Thank you to the operators, engineers and crews who keep safe, reliable water flowing every day. 💧 Through our Community Water Careers Academy, we're building the next generation of water leaders. #cawater

66 state water board seats turn over in the next year. Our new California Water Appointments Directory shows who governs California's water, which seats are open and how to apply. Waiting for a vacancy is too late. caawef.org/appointments #cawater

Planning for California’s water future means asking how supplies will hold up and how every community can have safe drinking water. Those are questions worth exploring together. #CaWater #SafeDrinkingWater

Meet our Cohort Participant Shatisha Mann 💫 Shatisha joined @IEUAwater (IEUA) in July 2025.  She is an experienced nonprofit and public-sector leader, who has served in a range leadership roles supporting administration, operations and community-based programs and objectives.  Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the elevation of people, strengthening systems, and creating environments where people feel valued and empowered to thrive. When not working, Shatisha enjoys spending time with her family, being a foodie focused on swanky brunches, traveling and exploring the beauty of new beaches! #cawater

Genius at Scale teaches leaders how to scale new ideas using 3 key roles: Architects- clearly define problems Bridgers- connect experts to create an innovation culture Catalysts- create momentum from discussion to action. #cawater

Meet our E2L Cohort participant Robyn S. Surney 💫 Robyn is a Certified Municipal Clerk and governance professional with nearly three decades of experience spanning public administration, executive support, and the legal field. She currently serves as Secretary to the District/District Clerk for @WestCountyWD , where she works closely with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, legal counsel, and staff to support effective governance, policy development, strategic priorities, transparency, and public engagement. Prior to joining West County Wastewater, Robyn spent more than a decade with East Bay Municipal Utility District, where she served as an Executive Assistant and Legal Secretary. Her career has provided her with broad experience in public agency governance, regulatory compliance, organizational processes, and the connection between policy direction and implementation. Robyn holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well as a Certificate in Human Resources Management from California State University, East Bay. She earned the Certified Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and completed the California Special Districts Association's Special District Board Secretary/Clerk Program. Robyn is drawn to public service because of its direct relationship with the communities served and the responsibility public agencies have to make thoughtful decisions about the use of public resources. She values the opportunity to contribute to organizations where good governance, transparency, and responsible stewardship can have a meaningful impact on people's everyday lives. Outside of work, Robyn values her roles as a wife, mother, and daughter. She is a naturally curious, hands-on learner who enjoys exploring new hobbies and learning new skills. For her, the enjoyment often comes from discovering how to do something new rather than mastering one pursuit for a lifetime. That curiosity also informs her professional life and her commitment to continuous learning, growth, and public service. #cawater

Meet our Cohort 3 Participant - Keith Reynolds Jr., MSM, PMP, CSM 💫 Keith is a results-oriented leader and Capital Programs Supervisor with 20 years of experience in the construction industry, and is a PMP and Certified Scrum Master. He is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional results and navigates complex projects, builds future-oriented teams, and optimizes processes. His deep understanding of environmental best practices and his adaptable leadership style allow him to deliver projects on time, within budget, and tailored to specific contexts.

Meet our Cohort 3 Participant - Amani Manning 💫 Amani is a Senior Human Resources Analyst with West County Wastewater (WCW), where she brings 10 years of human resources experience and a thoughtful, practical, and people-centered approach to public-sector service. Her work supports strong HR operations, employee engagement, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness. She joined West County Wastewater in 2022 as a Human Resources Analyst. She began her HR career with the City of Berkeley, where she developed a strong foundation in HR operations, employment practices, and public agency services. Since joining WCW, she has led and supported a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives, including recruitment and selection, employee training and development, classification and compensation, workforce and leadership development, and internship program development. She also serve as Chair of WCW’s RISE Committee, a workplace culture initiative centered on Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Engagement. Through RISE, she has helped develop the RISE Strategic Plan to advance efforts that strengthen employee connection, promote an inclusive and supportive work environment, and encourage meaningful engagement across the organization. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, East Bay. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, listening to music, watching good TV series, and spending time with family.

The future of water starts with who we prepare today. #cawater

We enjoyed a great day touring Gateway Park with the @40AcreLeague, California's first black-led land conservancy. It was exciting to see how much our work overlaps. We both believe in caring for California’s natural resources, creating opportunities for our communities and helping the next generation become environmental and water leaders. Thank you to the 40 Acre Conservation League for welcoming us and sharing your vision. We’re excited to see what’s ahead! #WaterEducation #CommunityImpact #CaWater

Every face represents a life touched, a pathway opened and a future strengthened. We are deeply grateful for the students, professionals, educators, mentors and partners who make this work possible. Together, we are preparing new leaders, expanding access to water careers and building a stronger, more inclusive water future for California. The impact is growing—and so is our gratitude 🚰 #WaterLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #WaterCareers #cawater

CAAWEF isn’t watching the future of water take shape—we’re helping shape it. Through education, mentorship, career exposure and leadership development, we are connecting emerging professionals with the knowledge, opportunities and relationships needed to lead California’s water future. We’re in the mix—and the next generation is rising. #WaterLeaders #NextGeneration #WorkforceDevelopment #CaWater

California’s water workforce needs talent from every community—but talent can only rise when opportunity is within reach. Through education, mentorship and workforce development, CAAWEF is helping more people discover pathways into the water industry and build careers that strengthen communities for generations. Because water careers don’t begin with experience. They begin with access. #WaterCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #WaterWorkforce #CareerPathways #CaWater