With over nine years of experience in WASH, Marisela is now pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Penn State to further her impact on rural community development.
Welcome to “Voices of Change,” a blog series dedicated to sharing the transformative stories of individuals who have participated in our Women in WASH Mentorship Program, in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply Network. Through the eyes of these emerging leaders, we witness the power of mentorship, cultural exchange, and professional growth within the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
We invite you to explore these stories with us and join in celebrating the inspiring individuals who are shaping the future of WASH!
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Starting a Master’s in Public Policy with a focus on health at Penn State, USA, has been a transformative step in my professional and personal life. Coming from Peru, where I’ve worked in the water and sanitation sector, I knew that taking on this new challenge would involve not only academic hurdles but also adapting to a different cultural and professional environment. In May of this year (2024), I had the opportunity to join a mentorship program in the WASH sector, where I met my mentor, Stephanie Ogden. Since then, she has been a crucial support in my transition into this new chapter.
From our first conversation, I knew I had found someone special. Although we had never spoken before, in our sessions, we discussed not only academic and professional topics but also personal matters. The connection we formed was genuine and deep; I found in Stephanie not just a mentor, but a friend and companion throughout this process. For me, as a Latina, being able to have these conversations in English, a language that is not my native one, was a challenge, but Stephanie always made me feel comfortable and supported. Navigating the professional world in another language presents barriers that can often feel overwhelming, but she gave me the confidence I needed to overcome these challenges.
Before arriving in Pennsylvania, USA, I had worked in the water and sanitation sector in Peru, both in academia and the public sector. My last role was with SUNASS, the Peruvian water regulator, as a supervision analyst for sanitation providers in rural communities. Despite my experience, starting my master’s made me feel like I was beginning all over again. This change in country and academic setting made me reassess my path, but Stephanie reminded me of the value of my previous work and the importance of continuing to grow in the sector. Thanks to her, I felt empowered to pursue my studies in public policy, focusing on the intersection of water, sanitation, health, and regulation. These fields are essential for rural development and improving the quality of life in our communities.
Now more than ever, it is vital that we have skilled professionals in the sanitation sector. Water service quality in the Global South remains low, and it is urgent that more stakeholders come together to face this challenge. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this mentorship program, which is a crucial tool for regions like ours. I especially want to highlight the valuable work that Latina women are doing today, both in urban and rural areas. In government organizations, community groups, and other entities, they continue to contribute to the improvement of sanitation services in their communities.
I think fondly of my country, Peru, and one of my main motivations for continuing my education is to help improve the quality of services in rural communities, not only in Peru but throughout Latin America. I am deeply thankful to Stephanie for giving me more confidence, for her patience, and for introducing me to key people in the sector. Her leadership has been a constant inspiration, and I feel fortunate to have met her.
Marisela Sotelo Tornero