Making Waves with FWEA

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, host Megan Nelson sits down with David Hernandez, FWEA President-Elect and consultant at Hazen and Sawyer, to explore his journey from growing up on the water to becoming one of Florida's leading voices in the water profession. David shares how his passion for engineering, service, and volunteer leadership has shaped both his career and his commitment to FWEA.

Together, they discuss the vision behind this year's Leadership Development Workshop theme, "Go Boldly," the importance of mentorship, innovation, and community, and how investing in future leaders will continue to strengthen Florida's water industry. Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers inspiring insights into leadership, purpose, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, Megan Nelson sits down with longtime utility professional Chris Fasnacht to discuss his 38-year career in the water industry, from starting as a wastewater operator to serving in utility leadership roles across Central Florida. Chris shares stories from his time with Orange County Utilities and the City of St. Cloud, reflects on the mentors and experiences that shaped his career, and explains how Operations Challenge has helped build technical skills, teamwork, and lasting industry connections.

The conversation explores the importance of leadership, professional growth, and creating opportunities for the next generation of water professionals. Chris also offers insight into the evolving role of operators, the value of public service, and why careers in water and wastewater continue to provide meaningful and rewarding opportunities.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we sit down with Caroline Dunkel, a geologist and environmental geoscientist whose unconventional path led her into the water and wastewater industry. Caroline shares how her early passion for Earth science, a year of service with AmeriCorps, and advanced studies in geology ultimately brought her to current company, where she now helps Utilities visualize sediment buildup in wastewater treatment tanks using cutting-edge technology.

Caroline discusses how data mapping, GIS tools, and emerging technologies like AI are transforming the way Utilities monitor and maintain critical infrastructure. She also reflects on the importance of industry connections, her experiences presenting technical findings to utilities across Florida, and the role organizations like FWEA play in building professional relationships.

A strong advocate for workforce development, Caroline speaks about supporting women in the water sector, the need to prepare for a major workforce transition, and an exciting upcoming Women of Water scholarship initiative aimed at encouraging the next generation of professionals.

From sediment mapping to community impact, this conversation highlights the science, collaboration, and innovation shaping the future of water.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we sit down with Jesus Perez, a general contractor, to explore his journey through the water and wastewater industry. Jesus shares how earning a civil engineering degree from the University of Wyoming set the foundation for a career that led him to Florida and into large-scale water infrastructure projects.

Jesus discusses his hands-on experience working on complex wastewater treatment facilities, including digester construction in Tampa and an ozone generator replacement project in Orlando. He offers insight into how construction, engineering, and operations come together in the water sector—and how emerging technologies like LIDAR and ground-penetrating radar are changing the way projects are delivered.

Throughout the conversation, Jesus reflects on the growth opportunities available in the water industry, the importance of continuous personal and professional development, and why young professionals should get involved with FWEA and the broader water community. His story highlights how curiosity, adaptability, and engagement can open doors in a field that continues to evolve and expand.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we sit down with Olga Mikhalchishina, a Water Resources Engineer whose path to the water world spans Ukraine, Moscow, and Miami. Olga shares how her early love for the sea and her discovery of environmental engineering at FIU set the stage for a career rooted in purpose. She talks about the mentors, internships, and student chapter experiences that helped her find her footing in Florida’s water community.

Olga also dives into her passion for outreach as an active leader in FWEA’s Students and Young Professionals Committee. From expanding student engagement to launching new initiatives for college and technical programs, she highlights why early exposure to the industry matters—and how mentorship and networking can change a young engineer’s life. Along the way, she reflects on the progress made in water and wastewater treatment and the global need for more accessible, practical solutions.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we follow the remarkable journey of Adriell Shrikissoon, 2024/2025 Chair of the FWEA West Coast Chapter. From his roots in Trinidad and Tobago to his professional adventures in American Samoa and New Zealand, Adriel shares how his global experiences shaped his approach to water and wastewater engineering. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and authenticity in leadership—and how these values drive his community work through FWEA initiatives like the Women of Water event. Adriel also offers a glimpse into what’s next for the chapter, including new networking ideas and a possible Bucks game tailgate. His story is a powerful reminder that technical excellence and human connection go hand in hand in the world of water.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we dive into the inspiring career journey of Jessica Green, Water Division Education Program Manager at Orange County Utilities. From studying theater to becoming a driving force in workforce development, Jessica shares how her passion for people and storytelling led her into the world of water. She discusses the innovative H2O Pipeline program, now in its fourth year, which equips high school seniors with the training and tools to launch careers in water and wastewater operations. Jessica also reflects on the power of professional networks like AWWA and FWEA, her love for community outreach, and the future of the water workforce.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we sit down with Manasi Parekh—environmental engineer, First Coast chapter leader, and mentorship champion—to explore how a childhood flood in Mumbai sparked a lifelong mission to improve water systems. Manasi shares her journey from chemical engineering in India to leading wastewater and pump system designs in Florida. Along the way, she reflects on the power of mentorship, the value of community, and her vision for elevating water infrastructure both locally and globally.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we chat with Zachary Loeb—environmental engineer and FWEA leader—about his journey from award-winning science fair student to advancing reclaimed water systems. Zach shares how his early passion for Florida’s waterways led to a career in clean water—and how he's helping inspire the next generation through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and beyond.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we chat with Joan Fernandez, the incoming president of the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA). Joan shares her journey into water and wastewater engineering, from her involvement in student design competitions to her dedication to the FWEA. We discuss the value of professional associations, the benefits of volunteering, and the leadership opportunities that have shaped her career. Joan also talks about her vision for the future of FWEA, including her plans to enhance collaboration and continue key initiatives. Additionally, she introduces the "Enhanced Water Stories" project, aimed at inspiring the next generation to explore careers in the water industry.