Cheryl Porter has shattered a historic barrier by becoming the first African American woman to lead the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in its 143-year history.
Porter, the chief operating officer for the Great Lakes Water Authority, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and began her journey into the professional water world as a junior chemist.
She said it took a minute to realize the environmental impact she was making in her new position.
“I’m writing down numbers for the senior chemist making treatment decisions, and I realized that’s water going to my house,” Porter said. “That’s my family or friends I’m protecting. Once I made that connection, I think that’s where my career began.”
Porter said the job helped her appreciate how access to clean water is a luxury that not everyone in America has access to, noting that many of the communities impacted by drinking water issues are the Black communities.
A Legacy of Perseverance
Porter’s journey to the presidency of AWWA is a testament to her resilience and commitment to making a difference. She attributes her perseverance to her father’s military discipline and the support of female mentors who inspired her to thrive in male-dominated environments. This drive fuels her advocacy for Black women’s representation in STEM. Engaging with students during career days, she emphasized the Black community has skills that can drive positive change.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Porter’s presidency at AWWA will focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as part of a new strategic plan to create a welcoming environment. This commitment is deeply personal for Porter, who understands firsthand the challenges of being underrepresented in STEM fields. She emphasizes the importance of making everyone feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background.
“One of the messages I’ve tried to carry through is making the one person that looks different feel welcome and that they belong here,” she said. “They’re here for a reason because the one thing we have in common is our passion for water.”
A Vision for the Future
Porter’s term lasts just one year, but she hopes to implement changes that have long-lasting impacts and can continue after she’s done being president. She believes that fostering a sense of belonging for people of color and women in STEM can contribute to the organization’s goal of creating a better world through better water.
Porter’s historic achievement as the first Black woman president of AWWA is a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion in the water sector. Her leadership and advocacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Black women to pursue careers in STEM and make their mark on the world.
The Impact of Water Access in Black Communities
Porter’s journey highlights the critical need for greater access to clean water in marginalized communities. The water sector, while often overlooked, plays a vital role in ensuring public health and well-being. Porter’s advocacy underscores the importance of addressing environmental justice issues and ensuring equitable access to essential resources for all.
Her presidency at AWWA represents a significant opportunity to advance these goals and create a more just and sustainable future. Porter’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in building a better world, one drop of water at a time.
The Future of Water Access: A Call to Action
As Porter’s term as president comes to an end, her legacy will be measured by the progress made in advancing diversity and inclusion in the water sector. Her work will inspire others to champion these issues and continue the fight for equitable access to clean water for all.
The Importance of Representation
Porter’s groundbreaking achievement is a powerful testament to the impact of representation. Seeing individuals who reflect your own background in leadership positions can be incredibly inspiring and empowering. It sends a message that anything is possible and that barriers can be broken.
Porter’s journey highlights the crucial role that mentors and role models play in shaping young minds and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. By breaking down barriers and paving the way for others, she is creating a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.
