The WAVE program engages students and emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds with the water industry through a series of workshops and attendance of the 2025 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.
This month, meet Cal, Kate, and Alejandra!
Cal Brown
Civil Engineer I, Black & Veatch | Portland, OR | Completed a degree in Civil Engineering from UC Davis.
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I'm fascinated by all aspects of the water industry, from stormwater and wastewater to different pipelines. I find it incredibly rewarding to help deliver water to communities in need and implement sustainability in design.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I am hoping to build connections with other emerging professionals and to learn all I can about the water industry.
What do you like to do in your free time or a fun fact about you?
I enjoy playing volleyball, traveling, watching movies, trying new things, and going to amusement parks!
Kate Bandettini
Staff Professional, Carollo Engineers | Portland, OR | Completed a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University.
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Working in the water industry is a fantastic opportunity to apply technical knowledge and directly make a meaningful impact on communities.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
Build meaningful connections with other young professionals in the water industry.
What do you like to do in your free time or a fun fact about you?
The first water treatment plant I ever visited was in a rural village in Botswana, Africa!
Alejandra Barajas-Navarro
Staff Environmental Engineer, Brown and Caldwell | Salem, OR | Completed a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I knew that I wanted to be an engineer when I was in 8th grade, but I didn't discover my passion for the water industry until the 10th grade when I got the opportunity to work on developing a culvert inspection device with ODOT. Since then, I've been captivated with water. I want to stay educated on the issues facing our industry, how technology is advancing to address these issues, and how I can be a part of the solution. I'm passionate about water because we all need it to survive and water industry professionals and researchers are constantly finding new ways to address rising concerns. As a young professional, I've seen how the industry is pushing the bounds to meet new demands. I'm excited to be a part of this industry and contribute to improving our water systems.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I'm excited to be a part of the WAVE program because it will increase my exposure to the industry by learning from professionals and networking with my peers as we develop a presentation together to present at the 2025 PNCWA conference! This is an amazing opportunity!
What do you like to do in your free time or a fun fact about you?
I love being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends– when I can do both at the same time I'm very happy! Lately I've been getting into running and hope to run a 5K soon! I've also started crafting and I'm working on a scrapbook!
Stay tuned for more WAVE Cohort introductions next month!