Young leader ready to soak up water industry program
When Emily Hill was in high school she took a quiz that told her engineering would be a good fit for her personality. She loved problem solving and maths. Fast forward a few years and Emily is one of Hunter Water’s Mechanical Engineers in our Customer Delivery Team playing an important role in the maintenance, standards and design review of our assets. She’s also just been accepted into the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Young Utility Leaders Program.
Through this program Emily will be exposed to senior leaders within the urban water sector, as well as attending board committee meetings, leadership events and initiatives.
“It’s pretty exciting! I’m looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference and improve our water community,” Emily says.
“I can’t wait to be immersed into the water industry and to develop a professional mentoring relationship with a WSAA Business Excellence Executive.”
Emily is one of four successful candidates out of forty applicants from across Australia. This year, the program is partnering with the Peter Cullen Trust which will facilitate tailored leadership coaching to help Emily understand her strengths, opportunities for improvement and leadership values.
All-important skills she plans to bring back to her role at Hunter Water.
“I joined Hunter Water in October 2022. I love working here. Everyone genuinely cares, which really galvanises my own empathy for those around me and passion for my work,” she says.
“I hope that I can take my learnings from the program and bring them back to share with my colleagues and strengthen my contribution to this organisation.
“I can’t thank Hunter Water enough for encouraging me to apply.”
Now in its sixth year, the WSAA Young Utility Leaders Program application process involves an application form, a two-minute video and an endorsement letter from your employer.
Emily’s manager, Rowan Lonergan Manager Mechanical Engineering, thinks it’s a well-deserved accomplishment and is proud to see her represent our organisation.
“Emily’s selection for the program is consistent with her good work since joining Hunter Water last year,” Rowan says.
“It's also a win for Hunter Water. Emily will participate in working groups and committees alongside managing directors from utilities all around Australia, where she’ll gain valuable industry insights.
“We’re proud of her.”
Emily will commence participation in the program this week. For more information head to the Water Services Association of Australia website.