Women leaders solving water and inspiring inclusion

To mark International Women’s Day 2024, Xylem is holding events focused on the theme of #InspiringInclusion across our global locations. As part of our People of Xylem series, we’re featuring five chapter leaders of Xylem Women’s Network, sharing about their work to address water challenges and advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the water sector.

Innovating to solve customer water challenges in bold new ways

Kate Flores
New Product Innovation Manager, Treatment
Xylem Women’s Network Chapter Leader, Pittsburgh, PA USA

1. Tell us about your role and the work you are doing to solve water.

I am the New Product Innovation Manager for Treatment within our Water Infrastructure business. I serve as an advisor to Product Management, building skills and guiding teams through the process of identifying product ideas to solve customer challenges in new ways, and then bringing those ideas to market and beyond. My work with our product teams involves customers throughout the whole process, allowing us to develop products they want and need with their input from start to finish. It’s great to see concepts come to life and solve customer problems.

2. How did you find yourself working in the water sector?

I followed my love for animals into a pet grooming tool company, where I ultimately found my passion for product management. It was in that role, at a company that was transforming its sector, that I learned I wanted to innovate and feel like I was making a difference. I was drawn to the water sector, because I wanted to take on some of the biggest challenges of our generation, like water scarcity and resilience to climate change. Our work at Xylem – to think differently and innovate through new technologies and approaches to solve our customers’ water problems – is hugely rewarding. We know the impact we are making for their communities and for the planet.

3. Can you share your thoughts on why advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the water sector is so vitally important?

I think advancing DEI in any sector is vitally important. I have been fortunate to participate in and chair Evoqua’s Women of Water & Allies (WOWA) group, as well as participate in and co-chair the Minneapolis chapter of Xylem Women’s Network (following Xylem’s acquisition of Evoqua). I appreciate the opportunity to not only network, but to understand others’ perspectives. Every person we meet provides a new experience and opportunity to learn. Together, we can make a difference and educate each other to bring awareness to various issues, especially water scarcity and impacts.

Inspiring the next generation to bring their talents to the water sector

Dyan Ezywanie
Sales Manager, Water Infrastructure
Xylem Women’s Network Chapter Leader, SE Asia

1. Tell us about your role and the work you are doing to solve water.

As a member of Xylem’s commercial team in Malaysia, I serve customers in both the municipal and industrial markets. This means collaborating closely with our Application Engineering and Lifecycle Services teams to address customer issues and ensure satisfaction. One way I do this is by helping municipal customers adopt advanced technologies and solutions that address major water challenges, such as flood control, water pollution and aging infrastructure. This results in more sustainable and resilient water systems for the communities they serve. I am also an active member of the Malaysia Water Association where I engage with key water stakeholders on innovative technologies to solve water, and I am a chapter leader of Xylem Women’s Network.

2. How did you find yourself working in the water sector?

My journey in the water sector began with a pump manufacturer business, where I initially worked in the water utility department serving municipal clients. After several years working with a company that focuses on mechanical equipment, I had an opportunity to join Xylem. Thanks to Xylem, I’ve had the chance to enhance my knowledge of the entire water cycle, providing me with opportunities to broaden my horizons. Working in the water sector gives me a clarity of purpose in my career. I am proud to work in an industry that is fulfilling communities’ basic needs for access to water and sanitation, aligned with the UN SDG6 goal.

3. Can you share one of your proudest moments working in water?

Before joining Xylem, I aspired to being more involved in meaningful and impactful volunteering activities. Xylem’s corporate social responsibility and employee volunteer program, Watermark, has helped me realize this goal and actively contribute to society. I am most proud of my volunteering involvement in the International Water Association’s Young Water Professional Malaysia chapter. As a member of its steering committee, I get to share insights about the water industry and emphasize the rewarding aspects of working in the industry with the next generation. My goal is to raise awareness about the water challenges we are facing in Malaysia and highlight how everyone can play a role in improving and solving these issues.

Raising awareness of water challenges and how the world can solve them

Yasmin Galbraith
Communications Manager, Xylem Europe
Xylem Women’s Network Chapter Leader, Sundbyberg, Sweden

1. Tell us about your role and the work you are doing to solve water.

I’m a Communications Manager for Xylem Europe. Our team provides internal and external communications support to advance Xylem’s work to solve water for our European customers and their communities. My day-to-day responsibilities include supporting key internal initiatives, making sure the Europe team feels engaged and informed, and building relationships with important external stakeholders to raise awareness of how Xylem’s solutions can help customers address their toughest water challenges. I’m also a chapter leader for Xylem’s Women Network.

2. How did you find yourself working in the water sector?

I originally studied biomedicine with the ambition of becoming a research scientist. Eventually, I realized that career path didn’t suit my strongest skills or personality type, so I moved into communications, mostly in the fields of medical research and public health. After moving to Sweden, I learned about Xylem and was inspired by the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and to raising awareness of the importance of water, so I applied for a role in the communications team. Something that has run through my whole career is the desire to tackle big important topics, whether that be health or water. Working in water communications, I get to engage audiences and shine a light on some of the most important issues of our time.

3. Can you share your thoughts on why advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the water sector is so vitally important?

Just as we recognize all people have a right to water – we all have an equal right to be part of solving water. Not to mention that studies show the strongest teams are more diverse. Before joining Xylem, I’d never worked in a company with such a strong and proactive focus on diversity. The water sector is historically male-dominated but I see big strides being made at Xylem with senior leaders vocally supportive of DEI, many women in leadership roles and a strong effort across the company to build on this momentum.

Why the water sector must lead on diversity, equity and inclusion

Habiba Ahmad
Administrative Assistant – Treatment
Xylem Women’s Network Chapter Leader, Milwaukee, WI USA

1. Tell us about your role and the work you are doing to solve water.

I am the Administrative Assistant at Xylem’s offices at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, WI. Through this role and my volunteering activities, I partner with local non-profits and environmental activist groups to propel awareness of water challenges in the Milwaukee community. That can mean helping to clean up local bodies of water and leading by example through my own water habits, such as washing my clothes in larger loads and purchasing filters specifically designed to catch microfibers. I believe in encouraging others to make small changes that add up to big impacts.

2. How did you find yourself working in the water sector?

I have always had a passion for water, knowing it is one of our most valuable resources. I have heard stories all my life of family members in the past who had to make long treks to collect water for everyday use and always thought there must be an easier way. Culturally, it is women and girls who usually collect water for their families, often at the expense of their education. Working for Xylem has given me the opportunity to help improve equitable water access and teach others the importance of preserving our water resources.

3. Can you share your thoughts on why advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the water sector is so vitally important?

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace is so essential, and, of course, the water industry is no different. Diversity ensures the presence of a variety of cultural and social backgrounds. Equity makes sure that everyone has the same opportunities and is treated in the same way. The water sector provides an essential resource for life. Our work benefits everyone and that needs to be reflected in our organizations. In my work as a chapter leader for Xylem’s Women Network, I also help advance DEI across our company and sector.

Sparking a new passion for sustainability and social impact

Tandra Chakravorty
Lead Engineer, India Technology Centre (ITC)
Xylem Women’s Network Chapter Leader, India

1. Tell us about your role and the work you are doing to solve water.

I am a Lead Engineer based at Xylem India’s Technology Centre in Bangalore, overseeing Quality Engineering processes for Xylem’s smart metering solutions. Along with these responsibilities, I actively participate in Xylem Innovation Labs and the youth program Xylem Ignite, where I contribute to organizational innovation and mentor aspiring professionals. I also lead the Xylem Women’s Network for the India chapter. Through these endeavors, I aim to help Xylem advance technology and sustainability within the water industry while nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

2. How did you find yourself working in the water sector?

During my school years, I became interested in engineering and began my career in the telecom industry. When the opportunity to explore new horizons in the water sector arose, the concept of "Ikigai" or finding one's purpose (representing the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for) resonated with me. Growing up, we all recognize the critical importance of water as a fundamental necessity of life. Yet, it wasn't until I immersed myself in the water sector that I truly grasped its complex challenges. The transition to working in water sparked a deep-seated passion within me to contribute meaningfully through my career and at the grassroots level for the betterment of society.

3. Why is advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the water sector so important?

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) enables the water sector to tap into a broader spectrum of ideas and approaches to enhance creativity, problem-solving and adaptability. This empowers us to tackle the pressing challenges our customers and communities face, so we can work together to create a more water-secure and sustainable world. In essence, advancing DEI in the water sector is not just a moral but also a strategic imperative that drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Meet more People of Xylem.