Vasquez-Rodriguez named up-and-coming Water Leader

Itzel Vasquez-Rodriguez has been chosen as one of twenty California water professionals to join the 2026 cohort of the William R. Gianelli Water Leaders, awarded by the Water Education Foundation. 

According to the news release, “the William R. Gianelli Water Leaders program is a yearlong program that selects up-and-coming leaders from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds,” with mentorship by leading experts and policymakers. 

The program “deepens knowledge of water, enhances individual leadership skills and prepares participants to take an active, collaborative approach to decision-making about water resources… The 2026 cohort will explore ways to find 9 million acre-feet of additional water through conservation, storage and other means by 2040,” and present policy recommendations at the conclusion of the program. 

Itzel was also awarded the Urban Water Institute’s Wayne Clarke Young Professionals Water Education Scholarship to support her participation in this program. 

Learn more in the Water Education Foundation’s news release. 

Congratulations, Itzel!