ACWA Foundation Announces Bette Boatmun Emerging Leader Award Recipients

The ACWA Foundation has announced Leticia Munguia, JD, Director of Administrative Services at Sweetwater Authority, and Shane Johnson, Water Distribution Operator II at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD), as the inaugural recipients of the Bette Boatmun Emerging Leader Award.

Each award recipient will receive $2,500 to support participation in an approved leadership development program, providing an investment in their continued growth as leaders in California's water industry.

The ACWA Foundation established the annual award in memory of Bette Boatmun. It recognizes emerging water professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing an inclusive and equitable water industry that reflects the diversity and opportunity of California.

Boatmun devoted more than four decades to California's water industry, including serving on the Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors from 1974 to 2020, serving as President of ACWA for the 2002-'03 term and Vice President for the 2000-'01 term. Throughout her career, she was a strong advocate for developing the next generation of water leaders and for creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within the industry.

Leticia Munguia

Munguia serves as Director of Administrative Services at Sweetwater Authority, providing leadership across human resources, labor relations, risk management, customer service and organizational development. Her work has included expanding workforce development and internship opportunities, strengthening employee engagement and supporting outreach designed to introduce more students and community members to water careers.

Munguia plans to use the award to further her leadership development as she works toward her goal of advancing into senior leadership within the water industry.

Shane Johnson

Johnson is a Water Distribution Operator II at LVMWD, bringing 12 years of experience in the trades and water industry. After beginning his career in plumbing, he transitioned into public water operations and quickly advanced at the district. He has distinguished himself through mentorship, technical leadership and a commitment to encouraging colleagues to pursue certifications, education and career advancement.
Johnson plans to apply the award toward his Leadership Studies degree at Cal Poly Humboldt as he prepares for future management opportunities in the water industry.

Continuing Bette Boatmun's Legacy

Munguia and Johnson represent two distinct pathways to leadership in California water -one grounded in administration and workforce development and the other in skilled trades and water operations. Both demonstrate the commitment to professional growth, mentorship and expanding opportunity that the Bette Boatmun Emerging Leader Award was created to recognize.

Through the award, the ACWA Foundation will continue Boatmun's legacy by investing in emerging professionals who will help shape the future of California's water workforce and, in turn, develop and encourage those who follow them.

The nonprofit 501(c)3 ACWA Foundation was formed by the ACWA Board of Directors in 2022. It serves Californians by advancing opportunities for all within the water industry through education, research and workforce development

The ACWA Foundation and its Board of Trustees operate separately and independently from ACWA and its Board of Directors. For more information about the Foundation, visit the website at www.acwa-foundation.org.