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

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I always loved the outdoors and had an interest in ecological issues. After my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, I worked for an environmental consulting firm on water-related projects and volunteered for the Forest Service in Puerto Rico, which led me to see what water resources engineers and hydrologists do on a day-to-day basis. I absolutely loved it and knew I had to figure out how to do it and be good at it. I took the necessary post bachelor's coursework to prepare for a master’s degree in environmental engineering with a concentration in hydrology. That led me to hydrologic modeling, which has been my passion ever since. My first fully integrated watershed hydrologic model was the basis for my master’s thesis in wetland restoration, and 25 years later I am still building models in support of wetland restoration projects.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding – and challenging – part of my job is how interdisciplinary it is. It’s never boring and there is always more to learn. I also love to teach and to learn from others, in both my day-to-day work with colleagues or at seminars and conferences.

Why is celebrating women in water so important?

Celebrating woman is always important because we bring diverse perspectives, sensitivities, and approaches that are extremely valuable. Water is a part of everything – it’s one of the most important fields of study – and so we need to encourage young woman to join water-related careers to bring their unique skills to these fields.

What is a moment or project you are most proud of?

I am most proud of the work I have done in support of the restoration of the Everglades. This is a massive and vital ecosystem, and the more we learn about it the more we understand the importance and impacts of its restoration – not just for the region, but, in the case of climate change, on a global level. Since my earliest years as a hydrologist,

I’ve been involved with various projects that have contributed to the Everglades restoration, and we’re already seeing the positive ecological impact of them.

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

Learn as much as possible, be bold, and open yourself to new opportunities. That may be scholarship – one of the most enriching experiences for my career was studying and working in Denmark – or it may be learning new approaches and technologies, or seeking developmental mentorship. Never be intimidated to discover something new!

We thank Maria and Collective Water Resources for supporting Women Leading Water and sharing their perspective with our community!