The WAVE program engages students and emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds with the water industry through a series of workshops and attendance at the 2023 PNCWA conference. The workshops focus on the various paths within the water industry, networking, skills development, employment opportunities, and conference preparation. Each month until the conference, we will highlight our participants.
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Francisco Jimenez-Esquivel III
Project Engineer at Osborn Consulting, Inc. | Seattle, WA
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I recognize that clean water is the most important thing on the planet and there are many environmental impacts humans have caused. We as engineers need to try our best to take advantage of water treatment and water quality systems to not reach a state of limited water as a resource in the future.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I hope to network with people in the industry and gain more knowledge in general regarding the water industry.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy skiing, running, paddle boarding, and working out!
Joshua M Ishimwe
Engineer Designer at Consor North America, Inc. | Portland, OR
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I developed an interest in water resources and hydraulics and fluid dynamics in school. I am very passionate about working together with other young professionals in the water industry in developing sustainable solutions to society's problems and creating an inclusive community that fosters innovation and cooperation.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I hope to make connections and long-lasting relationships.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing soccer and watching all other sports.
Vanessa Maldonado
Senior Staff Engineer at Geosyntec Consultants | Seattle, WA
Doctorate (Ph.D.) student at Michigan State University in Chemical Engineering
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I would like to be part of the future leaders changing the face of the water industry. Throughout my life, I have faced multiple challenges of inclusivity in research projects, collaboration, and even engineering projects for being Latin American. As a young professional, it is my hope to be part of the leaders of change that remove these invisible barriers and allow for higher participation and inclusion of all minorities in the water industry.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I want to improve my networking and leadership skills and build a strong connection within the water industry.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy climbing and mountaineering.