In this special episode of the Exec Exchange, Jo Burgess interviews Valerie Jenkinson, Founder and Chair of Operators Without Borders (OWB), about their efforts to respond to Hurricane Melissa's devastation in the Caribbean. They discuss the major hidden threats beyond wind and flood damage, the technical missions of their skilled volunteer teams, and the critical need for funding to support their work in restoring water utilities. Jenkinson emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts and the logistics involved, while appealing for donations to ensure successful deployment and aid.

To support the volunteer operators restoring safe water across the Caribbean, please donate now at operatorswithoutborders.org/donate.

00:00 Introductions

00:35 Hurricane Melissa's Devastation

01:36 Operators Without Borders: Mission and Volunteers

02:22 Challenges and Coordination in Disaster Response

03:07 Restoring Water Utilities: Immediate and Long-term Efforts

04:15 Logistics and Volunteer Preparation

06:00 Funding and Donations Appeal

10:11 Call to Action: Supporting the Mission