Sponsorships

Bette Boatmun Emerging Leader Award

In memory of Bette Boatmun, who served California’s water industry for more than forty years, the ACWA Foundation is creating the Bette Boatmun Emerging Leader annual award to recognize mid-level managers who aspire to advance an inclusive and equitable water industry that reflects the powerful diversity and opportunity of California. The award provides a monetary prize for the recipient to attend an approved leadership development program of their choosing.

“Bette was more than a mentor,” said ACWA Past President Pam Tobin. “She was a guiding light, a nurturing teacher, and a compassionate confidant. Early in my political grooming stages, Bette spoke passionately about the need to form the ACWA Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit aimed at addressing the workforce voids in our industry as the silver tsunami loomed on the horizon. She was instrumental in helping me, along with many others, to manifest the vision of the ACWA Foundation.”

Bette had an extraordinary gift: She saw potential in people where they themselves often saw only limitations. With her gentle encouragement, she empowered countless individuals – especially women and underrepresented groups – to step into their power, embrace their strengths, and chase their dreams. She fostered a community where ideas thrived, where every voice mattered, and where everyone felt empowered to contribute. Bette believed that by nurturing the talents of others, we could create a legacy of leadership that would transform not only the water industry, but the very fabric of our society.

A champion for social equity, Bette was a fierce advocate for equal pay and diversity in the workplace, while also promoting access to clean and affordable water for all. Bette’s leadership paved the way for future generations in the water industry and set a high bar for what it means to serve your community.

Nomination forms will be available at the ACWA Spring Conference.