New Video Release: Watch Emerging Water Talent Shine!
[Trenton, New Jersey] – [June 26, 2025] –
Jersey Water Works is proud to announce the release of a new video featuring three emerging professionals who participated in the Emerging Water Leaders of Color Leadership Circle. The video celebrates their journey to their current impactful careers while highlighting the crucial work of Jersey Water Works, a collaborative addressing New Jersey’s critical water infrastructure and stormwater management challenges.
Launched in 2023, the Leadership Circle program resulted from collaboration among key partners, including New Jersey Future, Jersey Water Works, Spring Point Partners, and AGN Global LLC. While Jersey Water Works piloted the program, the Leadership Circle initiative will be continued by the Black Water Professional Alliance. Its primary objective is to align with aspiring water professionals to increase the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to thrive and innovate in a field that has long struggled with diversity. These small gatherings encouraged individuals to share their unique ideas, practices, and experiences. By expanding their knowledge and professional networks, participants are better equipped to create innovative solutions and explore career growth opportunities within the water industry.
The video showcases the professional journeys of Mark Whittaker, Senior Environmental Engineer at the City of Newark, Lamekia “Meka” Berry, Lab Analyst at Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), and Kelly Coca, Environmental Design Engineer at BOSWELL. These individuals represent a small sample of the diverse talent that exists throughout the state and bring visibility to often invisible careers in the water sector.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to witness the coming together of leaders across the state to connect and learn from each other and the impact they are having in their work and communities by engaging in the water sector,” said Paula Figueroa-Vega, Director of Jersey Water Works. “This video not only highlights their personal growth but also underscores the importance of supporting initiatives like Jersey Water Works.”
The video is available on the Jersey Water Works website, YouTube, and social media. Jersey Water Works will share the video during the Peer Leadership Exchange with Spring Point Partners on July 8 from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at the One Water Summit in Pittsburgh, PA.
About Jersey Water Works:
Jersey Water Works is a collaborative of more than 600 diverse organizations and individuals working to transform New Jersey’s water infrastructure by investing in sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities with clean water, reduce flooding, and create local jobs.
Partner with Jersey Water Works and ensure the collaborative can continue uplifting emerging concerns in water infrastructure and stormwater management. To donate or support the collaborative contact Paula Figueroa-Vega at pfigueroa@njfuture.org.
