Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to work in water?

My path into the water industry wasn’t totally straightforward. It was meandering, shaped by different roles, unexpected opportunities, and a lot of learning along the way. I majored in environmental engineering and considered a lot of different routes. I initially thought I’d go into renewable energy. In college I had a friend who introduced me to the lab director at the local wastewater treatment plant. I ended up interning there and spent the summer taking samples on a boat on a beautiful lake, and that experience led me to decide that I wanted to be in the water world. I didn’t always know exactly where I was headed. After that experience on the owner side, I have been in both consulting and equipment manufacturing, and at every turn there was a chance to grow, take on new challenges, and figure out what mattered to me. Over time, those experiences have added up to a career doing work that feels meaningful, and that I’m proud of.

Why is celebrating women in water so important?

Celebrating women in water is important because visibility matters. Recognizing women’s contributions helps challenge outdated perceptions of the industry, inspires the next generation, and reinforces that leadership and expertise come in many forms. It also creates space for mentorship, connection, and shared learning across all career stages.

What advice would you give to young women just joining the water industry?

Be confident in your voice, even when you’re still learning. Ask questions, seek out mentors, and don’t underestimate the value of your perspective. The water industry needs curiosity, empathy, and leadership just as much as technical expertise. Those skills grow with experience and support.

What kind of community do you hope to help build?

I hope to help build a community that is collaborative, inclusive, and supportive, where people feel empowered to share ideas, learn from one another, and grow into leadership roles. A strong water community is one that values both technical excellence and the people behind the work.

We thank Ivana and our Sustaining Partner, Wade Trim, for supporting Women Leading Water and sharing their perspective with our community!