Connect with us at Texas Water 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 9 – 12!
Stop by booth #1019 and meet our experts. With over 80 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, LAN is your go-to source for innovative water solutions.
Wednesday, April 10th, 1:10 pm
Presentation: Getting Back to Basics: Two Stepping Our Way to DEI
Presenters: Dedra Ecklund, PE, LAN Water Conveyance Team Leader, Texas AWWA DEI Chair
Summary:
– Learn strategies for increasing diversity and fostering inclusivity in water organizations.
– Demonstrate methods to expand committee membership and enhance professional dialogue.
– Discuss approaches to sustaining water management committees and initiatives.
The Texas Section of AWWA’s D&I committee was committed to increasing their initiatives. This presentation will answer these two questions: How do we sustain this committee? How do we push the envelope to create this change? Attend Dedra’s presentation to learn more!
Wednesday, April 10th, 5:00 – 7:00pm
LAN Happy Hour at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Thursday, April 11th, 7:15 am
Women of Water Breakfast: Join us in celebrating all of the amazing women in the water industry!
Thursday, April 11th, 1:10 pm
Presentation: A Decade+ in the Making, the Full Story of the Northeast Transmission Water Line
Presenters: Mackrena Ramos, PE, Water Conveyance Practice Leader and Vice President, Melissa Mack, PE, PMP, Water Conveyance Team Leader and Vice President & Venus Price, PE, Water Resources Leader
Summary:
– Highlighting the intricate design, planning, and execution of this massive infrastructure project.
– Demonstrates how complex urban infrastructure challenges can be successfully navigated.
– Emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management in growing cities.
In 2010, Houston initiated a significant project to construct a water transmission line, aiming to transport potable water from the expanding Northeast Water Purification Plant to various city parts. After extensive planning, design, and overcoming numerous challenges—including environmental concerns and supply chain issues—the project, involving 16.5 miles of large-diameter water lines and costing approximately $350 million, began construction in 2018. Despite obstacles such as drought and delays, the effort is expected to conclude by the end of 2023, marking a decade-long journey to enhance the city’s water infrastructure and supply resilience.
Thursday, April 11th, 1:55 pm
Presentation: DEIJ Under Attack: Progress and Resilience Through Adversity
Presenters: Lisa Lattu, PE, AICP, LAN Water Conveyance Senior Project Manager & Dedra Ecklund, PE, LAN Water Conveyance Team Leader, Texas AWWA DEI Chair
Summary:
– Learn how Texas legislation impacts DEIJ in academia, affecting compliance and grant opportunities.
– Emphasize how the DEI funding ban threatens diverse talent in education and industry in Texas.
– Demonstrate how to effectively advocate for DEIJ by adopting persistent, goal-oriented, and collaborative strategies in the face of adversity.
Working towards a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, or justice-focused workplace, can feel especially difficult with legislation targeting DEIJ in Texas. This session will review the law and provide moral support with tips and tricks to keep advocating your goals and values in the face of adversity.
