💧 H2O INTRO - Meet Esther Baptiste, MPA
The water sector is navigating a "silver tsunami," with approximately 30% of its workforce set to retire in the next decade. To address this impending challenge, the Great Lakes Water Authority launched an innovative regional effort: Water Career Exploration Day.
Esther Baptiste, a management professional at the authority, explains how the event offers high school students hands-on experiences like plant tours, live heavy equipment demonstrations, and career panels. Students left not only inspired but also with a clear view of the diverse entry points into the water industry, from internships to apprenticeships and direct hires.
Esther underscores the urgency of engaging youth now, highlighting that the water sector has opportunities for everyone, from GED to PhD. This initiative is a call to action for water professionals nationwide to prepare the next generation to manage and protect this vital resource.
Esther is an alum of the Water Innovation Leadership Development program of Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Environment Plus
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