Staff
US Water Alliance Staff
Clare Auld-Brokish is a Program Associate at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance’s Equitable Water Future Initiative. Clare's interest in water's role in climate resilience and environmental justice began while researching Dianchi Lake in Southwest China, first as a student and later as a Fulbright fellow. She recently completed a Princeton-in-Asia fellowship with the Beijing and US offices of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Clare graduated from Wellesley College with a double major in biological sciences and Chinese language and culture. She is based in Washington, DC, and enjoys exploring the city’s culinary offerings as well as navigating to its various bodies of water by foot and bike.
Scott Berry is the Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. He leads the Alliance's engagement on policy issues. Previously, he was Director of the Utility Infrastructure Division, Environment, and Trade at the Associated General Contractors of America. There, he spent nine years as their head lobbyist on water infrastructure and water policy issues, and was the member services lead for water, sewer, power, telecommunications, and underground construction. He has served in the leadership of the Water Infrastructure Network, the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition, the Common Ground Alliance, and the Waters Advocacy Coalition. He has a BA in political science and geography from the University of Mary Washington.
Mindy Bridges is the State Policy and Government Affairs Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads the Alliance’s state policy engagement and works across programs to support government affairs. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mindy worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures for over ten years. There, she focused on environmental and agricultural policy research and developing nonpartisan educational resources for policymakers. She also convened states and Native American Tribes with the federal government to address issues related to cleanup of the nuclear weapons complex. She has a dual BA in anthropology and ecology & evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Outside of work, Mindy enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog and family, and training for short-distance triathlons.
Letitia Carpenter is a Senior Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads the Alliance’s Equitable Water Future initiatives. Letitia is passionate about environmental justice, racial equity, and community centered practices. She began her work on equity and environmental justice while working as a community liaison for the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities in North Charleston, SC, which helped her understand that tackling the environmental injustices communities face requires all sectors to collaborate to leverage their unique skills and strengths. Previously, Letitia worked as a Community Benefits Analyst at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, working on their environmental justice portfolio and staffing their Citizens Advisory Committee. Letitia also worked as a Policy and Data Analyst for the City of Richmond, where she developed community engagement strategies for the their Open Data platform and co-created the Richmond Department of Children and Youth. Letitia holds a master’s in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Outside of work, Letitia enjoys spending days at the beach and taking care of her collection of house plants.
Paula Conolly, AICP, is the Director of Local Engagement and Senior Advisor for Distributed Infrastructure for the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Paula helps manage local technical assistance and community outreach efforts to support equal access to water services, maximize community and economic development, and build resilient communities. Prior to joining the Alliance, Paula was the Executive Director of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange, a peer learning network of local public sector green infrastructure practitioners. A co-founder of the network, Paula helped build the organization and led the network toward adopting equity and authentic community engagement as tenets of the green infrastructure practice. Before that, she led policy initiatives for Philadelphia’s renowned Green City, Clean Waters program, helping to change “business as usual” to implement over 30 acres of green stormwater infrastructure on vacant lands, parks, streets and private property. She also helped establish a state-of-the art drinking water protection program for the City of Philadelphia, helping to raise over $3M to improve and protect the Schuylkill River Watershed. Paula graduated from the University of Notre Dame. In her free time, Paula enjoys helping her Philadelphia neighborhood get green, yoga, and dancing badly.
ShaQúina Davis is the Director of Administration at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She oversees all administrative and operational functions and supports the CEO on organizational growth and development. ShaQúina brings over two decades of experience to the Alliance, having worked in multiple utility disciplines including transportation, stormwater, wastewater, drinking water, and solid waste—most recently at Seattle Public Utilities where she served as Director of Business Planning. In this role, ShaQúina led key departmental policies, programs, and initiatives in support of the Strategic Business Plan, and she managed the administrative and operational functions of the General Manager’s Office. As a native of Seattle, WA, ShaQúina grew up surrounded by various bodies of water. Seeing that access to clean water continues to be problematic in many regions—despite water’s vitality—is what propels her to work in the water sector and support efforts to educate, advocate for, and protect this resource. ShaQúina serves on the Ethics Board and Independent Salary Commission in her community and previously held positions on the Diversity and Civil Service Commissions. She graduated with a master’s in education and a bachelor’s in administration of justice studies—both from Northern Arizona University.
Erica DePalma is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance's Equitable Water Future initiative. Erica is passionate about water equity and affordability. Prior to joining the Alliance, Erica worked at The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she supported the management of national and regional water programming and research. She worked closely and collaborated with partners from water utilities to community leaders to educators in order to develop and implement impactful solutions to urban water challenges. Erica graduated with an MS in applied geosciences with a focus in hydrology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS in environmental science from Fordham University. In her spare time, Erica enjoys running, playing soccer, and simply being outside in nature.
Gabriel Evans is a Program Associate at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Gabriel provides comprehensive support to the Water Agency Leaders Alliance (WALA) as well as the US Water Alliance—working on affordability initiatives with WALA and workforce initiatives with both WALA and the Alliance. As a public sociologist, Gabriel is passionate about fostering equitable and sustainable communities. Gabriel holds a master's degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Arkansas, which equipped him with a deep understanding of social dynamics and community development. He is also a 2023 cohort member of the American Water Works Association’s Transformative Water Leadership Academy. Beyond work, Gabriel nurtures his interests in fitness, health, film, and theatre. These passions reflect his commitment to holistic well-being and his appreciation for the arts as powerful mediums for storytelling and social impact.
Laura Miller is the Network and Development Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Laura leads efforts to expand the Alliance network and enhance member experience. Laura joins the Alliance with experience in water, environmental, and climate advocacy with a strong emphasis on network building and engagement. She began her career leading policy initiatives at the state and federal level to secure additional water infrastructure funding, robust conservation programs, and equity throughout all policy decisions. In her previous role, Laura helped manage a network of Fortune 500 companies at sustainability nonprofit, Ceres, advocating for ambitious climate policies across the United States. Laura holds a BS in pre-veterinary medicine and animal biosciences with a minor in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware. While currently based in the Mid-Atlantic United States, her formative years in Vermont fostered a passion for water, wildlife, and the outdoors. Whenever possible, Laura is in nature hiking with her pup, Atlas, relaxing by the nearest body of water, or birdwatching.
Mary Morton, AICP, is a Senior Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She serves as a leader in the Alliance’s emerging Equitable Infrastructure initiative and contributes to cross-organizational support with focus on communications, design, and planning. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mary was a Senior Associate at WRT, a national collaborative practice of planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and architects. She brings over a decade of experience working with communities to build capacity, design projects that support the development of meaningful public spaces, and tackle issues of environmental stewardship, social justice, equity, and authentic placemaking. During her time at WRT, she managed multiple projects related to green stormwater infrastructure and resiliency, including a plan for Harrisburg’s green infrastructure and the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Study (CHEERS). She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and her master’s in city planning with an emphasis on urban design from the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Mary enjoys watching college football, traveling, and going on adventures with her dog, Nola.
Kyla Peterson is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance’s Equitable Water Future initiative. Kyla is passionate about community engagement, justice and equity, and environmental access and recreation. Her people-focused approach to environmental work flourished through interning at the US House of Representatives, where she gained an in-depth understanding of nationwide water issues and the socio-economic factors that exacerbate/mediate them. Kyla also worked as a Team Lead at the Texas Water Development Board, managing their agricultural water conservation program and providing technical assistance to stakeholders and communities. Additionally, she interned with the Wilson Center, where she published research articles on pertinent environmental issues relating to water policy, global migration, and the water/food nexus. As a native Texan and an Austin resident, Kyla seizes the opportunity to be in nature whenever possible. Catch her paddling along the Colorado River or cooling off at Barton Springs in her free time!
David Ponder is the Director of Climate Action at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. David leads efforts to address climate change, increase resilience, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the water sector. Prior to joining the Alliance, David worked for the Metropolitan Council, where he was responsible for managing sustainability initiatives such as greenhouse gas reporting, climate action planning, and ensuring infrastructure resilience while incorporating environmental justice considerations. David also worked as a Sustainability Consultant at Good Company, supporting decision-makers in the public and private sectors in improving sustainability outcomes. Earlier in his career, David worked as a grassroots organizer advocating for energy, environmental, and consumer issues. He is also the Chair of the Water Environment Federation's GHG Focus Group. David holds a Master's of Public Administration and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on sustainable development from Appalachian State University.
Erica is the Arts and Culture Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. In this role, she uses art and cultural strategies to further the Alliance's mission and address water issues through collaborations between artists, cultural workers, and the water sector. Her work prioritizes community building and organizing through participatory, creative processes and centers the value of intentional play in creativity and engagement. Prior to joining the Alliance, Erica worked as a Project Coordinator for the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, where she supported arts and culture-based strategies and managed the Institute’s Summer Fellowship Program. Previously, Erica was Community Engagement Coordinator at The Laundromat Project, a community arts organization, where she initiated and developed a hyperlocal community arts micro-grant program. Erica also led the internal arts and cultural integration at Little Tokyo Service Center as the organization’s Creative Strategist. Erica is an artist and writer and holds a dual BA in art and philosophy from Claremont McKenna College. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and at her local pottery studio.
Ruthie is Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. As part of the One Water Hub, Ruthie will lead work that seeds and supplements various programs and helps innovative policies develop and spread. A proud generalist, a Xennial, and a native Austinite, Ruthie has 12 years of environmental and water policy experience in Texas, Arizona, and California. Her passion for water stewardship stems from both learned and lived experience, as her family is from a rural central Texas town that has struggled to provide residents with clean drinking water for decades. In her desire to save the world, Ruthie focuses on water policy and practice that integrates the “three E's” of sustainable development: economy, environment, and (social) equity. Her integrated perspective is informed by the range of regulatory, nonprofit, municipal, and consulting roles she’s held. Ruthie has a BS in Geography—Resource and Environmental Studies and a minor in Economics from Texas State University. Some aspects of life that she appreciates are fractals, wind, herbalism, her mom, samba, seaweed, and spiritual development.
Isabella is an Administrative and Operations Associate at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. In this role, Isabella serves as assistant to the CEO and VP of Programs and Strategy, providing technical and logistical support, as well as assisting with the coordination of various activities, meetings, and conferences. Prior to joining the Alliance, Isabella worked as an executive assistant in the commercial real estate industry, providing administrative and operational support to a Miami-based development firm. Isabella graduated with a degree in Sociology and Hospitality Management, and outside of work enjoys visiting museums and learning about local artists, being outside in nature, and finding new plant-based restaurants.
Sarah Robinson is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance’s Equitable Water Future Initiative. Sarah has experience in both the water utility and nonprofit sectors, focusing on watershed management and program development. Prior to joining the Alliance, Sarah worked at Houston Water, where she developed and provided community programs aimed at improving Houston’s water infrastructure and resiliency. She also worked at Galveston Bay Foundation, serving as the Water Programs Manager. Sarah graduated with a master’s in natural resource management and a BS in environmental geosciences, both from Texas A&M University. She also holds a professional certificate in behavior change for sustainability from University of California, San Diego. Sarah lives in Colorado with her husband and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and any activity that is on or near a body of water.
Emily Simonson is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization building a sustainable water future for all. She is responsible for building, incubating, and leading initiatives that help advance multi-benefit, equitable policies and practices at the intersection of water, infrastructure, community, and social justice. Harnessing the power of diverse networks, Emily guides strategic engagement opportunities with and for the One Water Council, Water Equity Network, water and wastewater infrastructure technical assistance teams, policymakers, and others. Emily became passionate about equitable access to safe, reliable water and sanitation while working in Ghana for Global Brigades, a community development nonprofit. Emily also spent two years at the EPA as an ORISE Fellow with the Urban Waters Program, an environmental justice focused initiative to increase the government's ability to provide an integrated approach when working with communities to restore their waterways. After an internship with the United Nations in Switzerland, Emily graduated from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University with master’s degrees in public administration and international relations. Off the clock, Emily serves on the Board of Directors for Youth Outlook, a northern-Illinois based nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people. She will use any excuse to get outside with her dog and friends.
Elisabeth Wilder is the Program Manager for Training and Education at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads efforts aimed at broadening and deepening One Water knowledge and practice across the Alliance network and beyond. Prior to joining the Alliance, she conducted academic research and taught at Northeastern University in the areas of environmental health and justice, sustainability, and social movements. She is a co-founder of the American Sociological Association’s Committee on Racial Equity in Environmental Sociology. Elisabeth began her career as a public school educator in Los Angeles, where she completed a postgraduate credentialing program focused on educational theory and curriculum design. She also holds an MA in Sociology from Portland State University and a BA in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys books, board games, beach days, camping, hiking, kayaking, and stargazing.
Anna Yates is a Communications Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Anna manages the US Water Alliance's external communications. Previously, Anna worked with the National Park Service and the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy, specifically on initiatives that addressed rising sea levels. Additionally, Anna's held communications positions at Make Music NOLA, a nonprofit that provides music education to New Orleans youth, and in Egypt at the American University in Cairo's Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability. Anna holds a BA in environmental studies and international development from Tulane University. Outside of work, Anna enjoys backpacking, seeing live music, and eating Popeye's on the New Orleans bayou.
Fellows
Joya Banerjee is a Senior Fellow at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Joya provides strategic counsel to social change leaders and organizations, with a particular focus on breaking down silos, building field capacity, and developing new partnerships. She also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. Joya is a board member for the Center for Diversity and the Environment, the California Water Data Consortium, and 826 Valencia, and she serves on the advisory board to OpenET and Stanford University’s Water in the West. Previously, Joya led the Environment Program at the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, where she developed a ten-year grantmaking portfolio designed to advance a more sustainable, equitable water system. In her spare time, Joya enjoys climbing trees and building driftwood forts with her two boys.
Dominique Lueckenhoff is a Senior Fellow at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Equitable Infrastructure initiative. Recognized as a national thought leader and expert in green infrastructure innovations, environmental justice, climate resilience, and sustainable communities, Dominique has over 25 years of national award-winning program development and management experience across multiple EPA programs and geographic locations protecting the nation’s air, water, and land. Lueckenhoff served as Senior Advisor to the EPA Region 3 Administrator, where she developed and led initiatives related to innovative watershed management, community-based public-private partnerships, next-generation green technologies, and alternative market-based approaches to achieving environmental improvements and economic revitalization supporting resilient, sustainable communities. Dominique also led the EPA Region 3 Water Protection Division as Deputy Director and Acting Director. Dominique currently serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, EHS & Sustainability, at Hugo Neu Corporation.
