Shikea Tate-Brown, a Chemist/Analyst in the Huntsville Utilities Water Department, was recently accepted into the Water Environment Federation's Water Leadership Institute (WLI)

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) developed the WLI program for emerging leaders in the water and wastewater sector. The goals of WLI are to educate,  train, and provide opportunities to allow emerging leaders to build relationships and networks within the water industry. By using a blended learning approach, the program provides management training and leadership development by analyzing complex challenges facing the water industry. Participants are given the opportunity to network with public and private sector subject matter experts and to build skills needed to influence change in the water industry.

Acceptance in this program is determined by a competitive application process, with well over 100 applicants. Shikea will participate monthly on a variety of training topics, including strengths-based leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, workforce planning, and conflict management. In May, Shikea attended the two day face-to-face workshop in Alexandria, Virginia, where she met her classmates and discussed a variety of subjects.

“During  the face-to-face we got a chance to hear from phenomenal speakers that gave presentations on topics such as uncovering unconscious biases, learning effective presentation techniques, and how to develop S.M.A.R.T goals that can be useful in our career path," she said. "Other topics included communicating with impact while learning how to utilize everyone’s strengths. During the workshops we were able to interact and have healthy discussions that revolved around the topics presented.” 

The WLI24 class concludes in October at the WEFTEC 2024 conference. Congratulations, Shikea on your acceptance into the Water Leadership Institute!