Water Workforce Summit April 2-3, 2024

Engage. Connect. Inspire. Transform.

The Colorado Water Center held the first ever Colorado Water Workforce Summit on April 2-3, 2024! We were joined by water industry professionals & employers, water-related educators & trainers, workforce development specialists, and students across Colorado to discuss and address water workforce needs in the state.

Day 1: Water Workforce Summit

Speakers and Presentations:

Speaker Biographies

Water Workforce Overview:

Karen Schlatter Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University
Nona Shipman One World One Water Center at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Panel: Diversifying the Water Workforce

Rebecca Andrus P.E., City of Greeley
Ruthie Redmond US Water Alliance
Victor Sam P.E., Stantec; Rocky Mountain Section AWWA
Jessica Thrasher Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University

Panel: Successful Pipeline Programs

Mary Dawson Aurora Water
Chris Madsen Arvada West High School; Red Rocks Community College
Kaitlin Mattos Ph.D., Four Corners Water Center, Fort Lewis College
Claude Strait Colorado Rural Water Association

Panel: Student Voices & Experiences

Makenzie Chesak P.E., Kimley-Horn; Rocky Mountain Section AWWA
Leah Dory Metropolitan State University of Denver
Evani Gomez Colorado Mesa University
TR Heydman Colorado State University
Dream Lang Littleton Public Schools

View the Water Workforce Summit Report for a summary of audience poll responses, breakout group discussions, post-summit survey results, and next steps.