Tana McCoy
Chair − Community and Workplace Culture Committee​
Metropolitan Water District​ of Southern California

Deven Upadhyay
General Manager ​
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Liji Thomas
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer​
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Senator Alex Padilla
US Senator for California

Derek Kirk​
Senior Economic Policy Advisor​
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Policy

BIO
     Derek Kirk is the Senior Advisor for Economic Policy at the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, where he leads the Governor’s California Jobs First initiative on behalf of the California Jobs First Council.

     Derek works to support a more coordinated and proactive economic development effort within the State of California, including site development and preparation, project financing, industry cluster development, permit streamlining, and more.

     Prior to working for the Newsom Administration, Derek served in various local and regional economic development organizations across California including in San Diego, Orange County, Central San Joaquin, and Central Coast.

Tiffany Baca - Moderator​
Executive Director, Water Energy Education Alliance ​
Public Affairs Manager,
Municipal Water District of Orange County

BIO
     Tiffany Baca is an award-winning communications strategist recognized for driving programs and campaigns that inspire action. A champion of environmental literacy and workforce development.

      Tiffany collaborates with California leaders to assure students of all ages have access to impactful learning experiences that prepare them to address larger statewide and global challenges.

     As Executive Director of the Water Energy Education Alliance, Tiffany leads a unified statewide effort to advance workforce development initiatives, ensuring sustainable career pathways to high-quality, in-demand jobs in water and energy.

Mariann Johnson ​
VP, Strategic Partnerships​
Tomorrow’s Talent

BIO
     Mariann Johnson is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Tomorrow’s Talent, bringing extensive experience in workforce development, employer engagement, and educational partnerships.

     Previously, she served as Deputy Director for the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, where she led key initiatives, including WIOA youth programs, regional workforce strategies, and industry partnerships. Before that, she was the Administrative Manager for Workforce Education and Training at the Department of Behavioral Health, overseeing internship programs, workforce pipelines, and career pathway initiatives.

     Mariann holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a focus on organizational communication. Her expertise in workforce innovation and talent development continues to drive impactful collaborations between education and industry.

Christina DeSanto, M.E.T.​
Principal, Linda Vista Innovation Center ​
San Diego County Office of Education

BIO
     Christina DeSanto is the visionary Principal of the Linda Vista Innovation Center, where she leads with an unwavering commitment to reimagining education through innovative, student-centered practices. With over three decades of experience spanning elementary and middle school instruction, ASB leadership, English Language Development, and school administration, Christina brings a rich tapestry of knowledge and a deep-rooted passion for transformative learning experiences.

     Her groundbreaking work in designing and implementing career exploration pathways at the middle school level has opened new worlds of possibility for countless students—empowering them to envision futures once thought beyond reach. A relentless advocate for visibility and joy in education, Christina is often heard echoing the powerful mantras that guide her mission: “You can’t fake JOY,” and “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

     Through her leadership, she continues to illuminate the path toward a more equitable, inspired, and opportunity-rich educational landscape.

Steve Blumenshine​
Executive Director, CSU-WATER​
California State University System Affinity Group 

BIO
     Steve Blumenshine is the Executive Director of CSU-WATER. CSU-WATER (Water Advocacy Towards Education and Research) develops and strengthens water research and scholarship in the CSU System and throughout CA in collaboration with external partners and other water stakeholders. These efforts focus on including faculty and students throughout the 23 campus CSU system to address critical water resource issues and agricultural, urban, and environmental water allocations. CSU-WATER also engages in research including climate, energy, and community issues.

     Prior to CSU-WATER, Steve was the Director of the Research & Education Division of the California Water Institute at Fresno State. He was a faculty member for 20 years in the Fresno State Biology Department where he taught and operated a very active research lab with many students and external collaborators.

     Blumenshine’s International water research experience includes two U.S. Fulbright Awards (Germany, Thailand), and other engagement in Israel, Switzerland, China, Australia, and Spain. His degrees include a PhD from the University of Notre Dame, MS from George Mason University, and BS at the University of Wisconsin.

Eric Bachmann- Moderator​
Org Develop & Training Manager​
Metropolitan Water District​ of Southern California

BIO
     Eric Bachmann has been with The Metropolitan Water District for over ten years and has been managing its Organizational Development & Training Unit for the past five. His two decades in training and development has earned him a master’s at New York University and specialties in leadership development, communication, effectiveness analysis, and talent management.  He has also been certified in NeuroLeadership and brain-based coaching.  Above all, Eric is a servant leader who is passionate about learning at all organizational levels.

     He has worked in a variety of professional environments from non-profits and start-ups to corporate giants like L’Oreal USA and JetBlue. 

     His certifications include: SPHR, Myers Briggs, DiSC, Denison & Korn Ferry 360 Feedback, Franklin Covey, Success Signals Learning/Communication Styles, and NeuroLeadership Coaching.  

Jay Ungos​
President and Founder
TAG Network

BIO
     With a huge passion for technology, marketing, and business development, Jay became an entrepreneur in 2010 and started his own technology company. For over 15 years, he has been helping small businesses, corporations, non-profits find digital solutions to help these brands grow and stay connected with their communities. Through technology and digital strategies, he has built thousands of digital solutions and programs needed in order for these businesses to reach their goals.

     His passion for small business and community has led him to serve on multiple boards for non-profit organizations for the past 10 years. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, technology, and sales, he has a lot of experience and tools that he brings with him when it comes serving in these organizations. He currently serves as the President and Founder of SBDN. He also served as the Past President for the Asian Business Association of Orange County and board of director for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. and Vital Link.

     His hobbies include spending time with his family, sports, and watching movies!!

Kia Erickson
Cofounder & Managing Director
September+

BIO
     Kia Erickson is the Cofounder and Managing Director of September+, a fractional C-suite consultancy helping brands and organizations navigate transformation through strategic clarity, creative leadership, and collaborative execution. With deep expertise in brand strategy, team leadership, and emerging media and tech, Kia brings nearly two decades of experience leading award-winning campaigns across the private and public sectors.

     She began her career in New York City’s high-energy advertising world, working with powerhouse clients like Pepsi, HBO, Avon, and Starbucks. After relocating to Southern California, Kia continued to broaden her portfolio through impactful work with public sector partners, including the City of Long Beach and City of Redlands. Her social media strategy for Long Beach Water led to a 75% increase in organic follower growth, underscoring her ability to bring innovation to civic communications.

     When the pandemic hit, Kia strategically leveraged the shift to remote work to expand her client base globally—partnering with organizations like UNICEF, Meta, and the Essence Festival of Culture. She led cross-functional collaboration across 10 teams and more than 150 contributors for Essence’s 30th annual celebration, and spearheaded the launch of Meta’s We The Culture creator platform, which gained 50K+ dedicated followers in its inaugural year.

     Kia holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Slippery Rock University. She’s also a fierce advocate for the neurodiverse community, inspired by her journey as a mother to an autistic child.
   
     Her leadership is rooted in empathy, equity, and a belief that inclusive collaboration fuels meaningful progress.

Cristina Ahmadpour​
Isle Industries

BIO
     Cristina is a consultancy executive with deep expertise in emerging technologies, strategy, and change management within the water sector. Cristina is President of Isle’s US operations and serves on Isle’s global executive team.

     Facilitating an assessment of needs, identifying solutions that respond to top priorities, and building a culture of innovation are integral parts of how she works with water utility leaders today. She also directs the Water and Wastewater Forums, fostering leadership development and peer-to-peer connections among C-level executives in finance, IT, and capital planning.

     Cristina is a graduate of WEF’s Water Leadership Institute and has been recognized by the Water and Wastewater Digest in 2016 and 2018 as a top water professional under the age of 40. In 2023, Cristina was one of 25 business school graduates honored by AACSB International as part of the 2023 Class of Influential Leaders.

Monika Medina
Principal Public Affairs Rep
External Affairs
Metropolitan Water District​ of Southern California

BIO
     Monika Medina is a Principal Public Affairs Representative at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. As part of the Media Services Section, she is responsible for planning, guiding, and implementing the content and engagement strategy for Metropolitan’s social media presence and monitoring and measuring the results using web analytic tools.

     She leads the integration of all content from Metropolitan programs and staff, serving as the ‘voice of Metropolitan’ on social media. And as a member of the website team supports the web manager in performing web updates and designs of Metropolitan’s websites.

     Before coming to Metropolitan in 2014, Medina worked at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in the marketing and communications department. Prior to her time at the Chamber, she was a reporter at the San Luis Obispo Tribune. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Smith College and a Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Southern California.   

Adrian Hightower - Moderator​
SRI Manager​
Metropolitan Water District​ of Southern California

BIO

     Dr. Adrian Hightower is an experienced sustainability professional with depth of knowledge in organizational change management and technical expertise in renewable energy and sustainable water treatment. Dr. Hightower served as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s first Workforce Development Manager. 

     Dr. Hightower currently serves as Metropolitan’s Sustainability, Resilience, and Innovation Manager.  He holds several patents and has published numerous papers in these fields. 

     Dr. Hightower received his B.S., M.S and Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology.

Stephan Tucker​
General Manager ​
Water Replenishment District

BIO
     Stephan Tucker is the General Manager of the Water Replenishment District (WRD), a critical agency responsible for managing the Central and West Coast Groundwater Basins, which supply water to millions of Californians. Appointed in April 2021, Stephan leads the District in its mission to maintain both the quantity and quality of the state’s most utilized groundwater basins.

     In this role, he oversees all operations, capital improvements, and critical programs, including PFAS and other remediation initiatives. A key aspect and meeting with agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and the EPA to discuss water recycling and reclamation efforts undertaken by WRD.

     Before joining WRD, Stephan was Director of Program Management at Cordoba Corporation where he successfully led a team responsible for managing the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant’s upgrade and expansion in Los Gatos, CA. His team coordinated all aspects of the project, including construction oversight, schedule management, risk mitigation, and contractor coordination.

     Earlier in his career, Stephan served in various leadership positions with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), including Assistant General Manager of Corporate Program Management, where he oversaw large-scale initiatives such as the Smart Grid Implementation Program and the replacement of major financial, HR, and procurement systems with modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

     Over the years, Stephan has managed numerous complex projects within LADWP, including capital improvement initiatives, asset management programs, and strategic planning efforts, consistently driving improvements in operations, project performance, and organizational efficiency.

     Mr. Tucker is a Registered Professional Engineer in California and holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in General Management from Pepperdine University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University Northridge, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Morehouse College.

Luis Reyes​
Senior Coordinator, Programs
Unite-LA

BIO
     Luis Reyes is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and education, serving as a Senior Programs Coordinator at UNITE-LA. In this role, he facilitates programs for marginalized populations, including disconnected, justice-involved, home-insecure, and foster-involved youth, ensuring access to opportunities that foster growth and success.

     With a foundation in education, Luis taught English to elementary through high school students in Hiroshima, Japan, before returning to Los Angeles, where he spent two years teaching coding to K-6 students, empowering them to use critical STEM skills as a form of self-expression. His background in both language and technical education enables him to support the diverse needs of underserved youth.

     Committed to equity and opportunity, Luis continues to drive initiatives that break down barriers and create pathways for the next generation.

James “Jim” Zenner​
Director, Military & Veterans Affairs ​
United States Army

BIO
     James (Jim) Zenner most recently worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) as a Mental Health Program Manager III. In this capacity, Jim was responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Veteran Peer Access Network and was the lead program manager assigned to collaborate with the Veteran Healthcare Administration, Veteran Benefits Administration, CalVet, and other federal and local agencies regarding veteran programming for LACDMH. In addition, Mr. Zenner is responsible for working with the philanthropic sector through a public-private partnership with Southern California Grantmakers to bolster collective impact work through the LA Veteran Collaborative to help leverage private funding to expand social service capacity.

     Jim’s prior experience includes working as a Peer Support Coordinator for the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Director of Homeless Veteran Programs/Subject Matter Expert for Vets Advocacy, Associate Director of Community Programs for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Southern California, Consultant for the Volunteers of America Incorporated, Assistant Director of Clinical Veteran Services for Volunteers of America Los Angeles, and a Consultant for Vets Advocacy Incorporated.

     Mr. Zenner enlisted in the United States Army from April 2004 to April 2008, completed one deployment in support of Iraqi Freedom as an All Source Intelligence Analyst from 2006 to 2007 with 1-14 Cav, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division “Second to None.” Jim went on to serve in the United States Army Reserve from April 2008 to May 2011. He possesses a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Martin’s University.

Jacob Gerstel​
Programs and Partnerships Manager ​
Homeboy Industries

BIO
     A native Southern Californian, Jacob Gerstel has spent the last five years working in the nonprofit landscape advocating for employment opportunities for those facing systemic barriers. He has worked with businesses big (Disney, El Pollo Loco, Dodgers Stadium) and small (Gwen, Urban Alchemy, etc.) and helped them hire from the local population.

     As the Programs and Partnerships Manager at Homeboy Industries, Jacob seeks out and fosters mutually-beneficial partnerships with employers looking to hire locally. Additionally, Jacob partners with a number of organizations offering training and upskilling opportunities in the education and tech fields to provide strong career opportunities to Homeboy trainees. He is excited to continue expanding the Homeboy network!

     In his free time, Jacob likes to write and unwind at home with his two cats, Clara, and Harold.

Katano Kasaine
Asst. General Manager/CFO​
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California