From the Co-Creators of Water and WASH Career Days: Kathryn, Alec, and Aline
Last year, we launched our first series of Career Days with one clear goal: to create an informal, welcoming space where global colleagues and curious students could learn about the water resources and water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors together. In a field traditionally dominated by men, we intentionally elevated and featured the voices of women who inspire change and lead by example. With minimal financial investment but an abundance of passion and dedication, we reached over 600 individuals—and by popular demand, we’re back to do it all again! As Kathryn puts it, “Seeing a room full of eager, passionate individuals reminded me why we started this journey. It’s about creating opportunities where they are needed most.”
Last year’s Career Days reached over 600 Participants across 79 countries!
This week, from March 4 – 6, we will host an incredible lineup of seven carefully curated sessions designed to build on last year’s success and your valuable feedback. These sessions have been meticulously planned to provide actionable advice, real-world examples, and opportunities for peer networking. With the development sector facing funding challenges and political uncertainties, our agenda is more relevant than ever. In case you haven’t signed up yet, here is the link.
Building on the success of Career Days, we’re excited to announce our follow-on Mentorship Programs that keep the momentum going for the next six months. At the end of each Career Days session, we’ll provide a quick overview of the mentorship program and a direct call-to-action for interested participants to sign up on our interest form, ensuring you’re notified when our platform launches mid-March. This seamless transition underscores how these initiatives complement each other: Career Days opens the door to learning and connection, while the mentorship program deepens those relationships by pairing emerging leaders with experienced mentors. This year, we’re heavily investing in finding optimal mentor/mentee combinations and offering additional support sessions to ensure high match ratios and deliver the latest insights—all free, 100% virtual, and open to the public.
Research shows that effective mentorship can boost career growth by up to 25%—imagine the impact when we bring this level of support to the water and WASH sectors! As we continue to grow and reach even more individuals, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.
Plus, check out our blog series and 2024 Final Report for feedback from past participants, and we hope you’ll join the conversation as we shape the future of the water and WASH sectors together.