Making Waves with FWEA

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , Megan Nelson sits down with longtime utility professional Chris Fasnacht to discuss his 38-year career in the water industry, from starting as a wastewater operator to serving in utility leadership roles across Central Florida. Chris shares stories from his time with Orange County Utilities and the City of St. Cloud, reflects on the mentors and experienc...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we sit down with Caroline Dunkel, a geologist and environmental geoscientist whose unconventional path led her into the water and wastewater industry. Caroline shares how her early passion for Earth science, a year of service with AmeriCorps, and advanced studies in geology ultimately brought her to current company, where she now helps Utilities visualiz...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we sit down with Jesus Perez, a general contractor, to explore his journey through the water and wastewater industry. Jesus shares how earning a civil engineering degree from the University of Wyoming set the foundation for a career that led him to Florida and into large-scale water infrastructure projects. Jesus discusses his hands-on experience working...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we sit down with Olga Mikhalchishina, a Water Resources Engineer whose path to the water world spans Ukraine, Moscow, and Miami. Olga shares how her early love for the sea and her discovery of environmental engineering at FIU set the stage for a career rooted in purpose. She talks about the mentors, internships, and student chapter experiences that helpe...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we follow the remarkable journey of Adriell Shrikissoon, 2024/2025 Chair of the FWEA West Coast Chapter. From his roots in Trinidad and Tobago to his professional adventures in American Samoa and New Zealand, Adriel shares how his global experiences shaped his approach to water and wastewater engineering. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, pers...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we dive into the inspiring career journey of Jessica Green, Water Division Education Program Manager at Orange County Utilities. From studying theater to becoming a driving force in workforce development, Jessica shares how her passion for people and storytelling led her into the world of water. She discusses the innovative H2O Pipeline program, now in i...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we sit down with Manasi Parekh—environmental engineer, First Coast chapter leader, and mentorship champion—to explore how a childhood flood in Mumbai sparked a lifelong mission to improve water systems. Manasi shares her journey from chemical engineering in India to leading wastewater and pump system designs in Florida. Along the way, she reflects on the...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA , we chat with Zachary Loeb—environmental engineer and FWEA leader—about his journey from award-winning science fair student to advancing reclaimed water systems. Zach shares how his early passion for Florida’s waterways led to a career in clean water—and how he's helping inspire the next generation through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and beyond.

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we chat with Joan Fernandez, the incoming president of the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA). Joan shares her journey into water and wastewater engineering, from her involvement in student design competitions to her dedication to the FWEA. We discuss the value of professional associations, the benefits of volunteering, and the leadership opport...

In this episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we chat with Lisa Wilson-Davis, the 99th Chair of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association. We'll discuss Lisa's journey into the water industry, the passion she has for public outreach, and her commitment to educating communities on the value of water and wastewater services. Lisa also shares insights on her leadership roles, e...

In the inaugural episode of Making Waves with FWEA, we’re excited to welcome Kristiana Dragash. Join us as we delve into Kristiana’s inspiring water story and explore her impactful roles with both the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). We’ll discuss her journey in the water sector, the importance of advocacy, and her mission to empower all of u...