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

My name is Diana Chumak, and I’m a project engineer in Gresham Smith’s Water + Environment market. Originally from a small farming village in Ukraine in the Carpathian Mountains, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the environment early in life. After immigrating to the U.S., learning about environmental science in school fueled my passion for environmental stewardship. I pursued my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech, drawn by the opportunity to solve complex environmental challenges. Since joining Gresham Smith in 2018, I’ve been fortunate to work on meaningful projects, from nutrient recovery systems to innovative water reuse studies, that have positive impacts on communities and sustainability.

What does being a woman in water mean to you today?

Being a woman in water today means having the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a critical field while paving the way for more diversity and inclusion. It’s exciting to be part of a sector that is so central to environmental sustainability and community health. I see it as a responsibility and an honor to bring my perspective and passion to engineering solutions that advance water reuse, conservation, and resiliency. It also means supporting other women in the industry to ensure their voices and expertise are recognized and valued.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in environmental sustainability through engineering solutions. For example, working on the nutrient recovery system for the City of Atlanta helped reduce phosphorus discharge and created a sustainable fertilizer product, a project that not only protected the environment but also generated revenue. Additionally, developing a pioneering water reuse study for an electric vehicle battery manufacturing felt fulfilling because it pushes the industry towards more sustainable resource management. It’s rewarding to apply my skills to solve complex environmental problems proactively.

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

I would encourage young women in the water industry to embrace their unique perspectives and pursue their passion with confidence. The field offers exciting opportunities to solve real-world environmental challenges and create sustainable solutions that matter. Don’t be afraid to take on complex projects or develop new methodologies. It’s through innovation that we make progress. Building a strong support network and seeking mentorship is also invaluable. Being proactive and passionate can drive meaningful change not only in your career but also in the communities you serve.

We thank Diana and Gresham Smith for supporting Women Leading Water and sharing their perspective with our community!