Fall 2019
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HWEA will be the organization of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals
recognized for preserving and enhancing the water environment in the Pacific Island Region.

Three native Hawaiian Civil Engineering undergraduate students Hi’iaka Jardine, Kayson Smith-Bejgrowicz and Micah Tang from the University of Hawaii at Manoa were invited to attend the Water Environment Federation’s 2019 WEFTEC conference in Chicago, IL, on September 19 to 24.

The students participated in an all-expense-paid program sponsored by WEF and several national/international companies called InFLOW (Introducing Future Leaders to Opportunities in Water). This happened because of the efforts of Brianne Nakamura who works for WEF and coordinates InFLOW. Bri is the daughter of June Nakamura (HWEA president 2006-07). The InFLOW program, introduces underrepresented students to work in the water sector by industry leaders who are themselves minorities. The water industry currently lacks diversity in its workforce and is also facing workforce shortage nationwide; and InFLOW is designed to introduce the industry to the students and to develop for them a network for mentorship and future career growth. The students met other students from several US universities, including Howard Univ., Univ. of South Florida, Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, Florida International Univ., and Florida A&M Univ.

The students attended both technical and social events and a networking panel with minority leaders in the field. The students also volunteered at a community service project at a Chicago school and took a tour of the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world (Stickney). HWEA member Roger Babcock also attended WEFTEC and served as the College representative/ contact for the students.


Upon their return, the UH students made the following comments: Hi’iaka Jardine: “Aloha! My name is Hi’iaka and I am an undergraduate student studying Civil Engineering at the UH Manoa. I was  recently given the opportunity to attend WEFTEC, the largest water conference in the world through the WEF InFLOW program. This year’s conference took place in Chicago, Illinois. During the InFLOW program, I engaged in a community service at a local school where we created a rain garden. I was also able to visit the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the largest of its kind in the world. I’m extremely grateful to have been gifted this opportunity. It has allowed me expand my knowledge of the water sector, create long lasting and invaluable relationships and connections that will benefit me as I transition into the workforce.”


Kayson Smith-Bejgrowicz: “I was always interested in the field of wastewater and I went into this conference with an open mind, knowing that I’d be coming into contact with professionals in every type of water field. The inFLOW program helped me to find my true passion and decide that wastewater management and wastewater reclamation and reuse may be the best fit for where I would want to specialize in. This decision was made through countless interactions with professionals in that field, exploring the exhibition floor and through technical workshops that were available throughout  WEFTEC and I cannot be more thankful for the opportunity that Dr. Babcock has given us as Native Hawaiian students. Mahalo to WEF, their partners and mahalo to UH Manoa College of Engineering for this once in a lifetime experience!”

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Micah Tang: “I am a senior at UH Manoa studying Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus on Sustainability and Innovation. Being born and raised on Oahu, I was lucky to have access to clean drinking water all my life. Drinking water is a precious resource that must be conserved, which is why I am interested in using reclaimed water for other purposes. The WEF InFLOW program has introduced me to professionals in the water and wastewater industry as well as other passionate students who are also aspiring to be leaders in the field. Meeting the most important people in the industry and knowing they have trust in their future leaders was a truly inspiring experience, and I am more than thrilled to know that I’ve found my purpose in the world.” WEF started the InFLOW program in 2018 with 12 participants and in its second year, the 2019 program included 25 participants (eight men and 17 women). WEF hopes to again double the size of the program for 2020 to 50 or more students. The UH Manoa College of Engineering is very happy to have been included in this program for the opportunity it has given to these students and looks forward to participating again next year and into the future.

 

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Contact Info

Hawai‘i Water Environment Association
PO Box 2422
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96804
General Inquiries: info@hwea.org