Feb 18, 2026
Women Leading Water Spotlight Series
The water industry is driven by individuals who care deeply about the work they do.
Our Women Leading Water Spotlight Series features women from the organizations supporting this initiative by sharing their journeys, reflections on leadership, and what being a woman in water means to them today.
We’re grateful to spotlight the voices and perspectives that help strengthen and support the water community. Join us to celebrate Women Leading Water this March at The Water Tower.
Meet Meredith Johnson
Project Engineer
Reeves Young
Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to work in water?
My journey into the water industry began when I started my career in capital projects at the New York City Department of Design and Construction, where I managed projects for the Brooklyn Public Library system. Through that experience, I worked closely with government agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders and gained a strong appreciation for the critical role public infrastructure plays in supporting communities. Over time, I became particularly interested in how water systems impact public health, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience. I was drawn to the water field because it combines technical problem-solving with meaningful public impact and lasting community benefit.
What does being a woman in water mean to you today?
Being a woman in water means having the opportunity to contribute to an industry that has a real impact on communities and everyday life. For me, it’s about bringing my perspective to the table, growing in a technical field, and helping create more opportunities for other women to enter and succeed in this space. It also means showing that strong communication, collaboration, and thoughtful leadership play an important role in delivering meaningful projects.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing projects progress from concept to completion and knowing they provide lasting value to the public. Contributing to infrastructure that improves safety, reliability, and quality of life for communities is incredibly meaningful. What motivates me most is being able to give back to the community through projects that make a meaningful difference.
What kind of community do you hope to help build?
I want to help build a community that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. I want to support an environment that encourages mentorship, continuous learning, and shared responsibility for protecting our resources. Ultimately, my goal is to give back by helping strengthen communities through meaningful infrastructure work.
We thank Meredith and our partner, Reeves Young, for supporting Women Leading Water and sharing their perspective with our community!
The Water Tower consists of two nonprofit organizations: The Water Tower at Gwinnett, a 501(c)4 – responsible for the development and operations of the campus, and The Water Tower Institute, a 501c3 – responsible for solutions, instruction, and engagement programming. Together, these entities are cultivating an ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. The Water Tower brings together public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.
