Sacramento and Indian Wells, California

October 26 and November 15, 2017

I was invited to attend two events over the past couple of weeks with women who helped me learn and succeed after I was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the public affairs job at the Department of Water Resources. I knew very little about the policy issues of California's water world at the time, but they were generous with their time and lessons, and I'm very grateful for what they have shared. The first event was the 40th anniversary of the Water Education Foundation, founded by Rita Sudman.  Many (most) of my Sacramento water colleagues were there including Jennifer Persike, who headed up ACWA's communications department for more than 25 years. I also was able to spend some time with my former assistant public affairs director, Matt, his current co-worker, Christy and current Met friend and colleague Tom.  Three weeks later, I was on a panel for the Association of Women in Water and Energy in Palm Springs, moderated by Nancy Saracino who was appointed Chief Counsel at DWR at the same time I went to work there. She helped guide and teach me about water and energy issues, and how to have a strong voice and meaningful perspective in a room full of men, which was often the case in our office meetings.