Episode 4_Cheryl Porter

Cheryl Porter, Chief Operating Officer for Water and Field Services at the Great Lakes Water Authority, shared her journey into the water industry and her involvement with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). She discussed the challenges of shift work in operations, the importance of community connection, and the need for continuous personal and professional growth. Porter highlighted the collaborative and supportive nature of the water sector, as well as the efforts to engage and inspire the next generation of water professionals. She emphasized the critical role of the water industry in providing safe and reliable water to communities and the need to address future challenges, such as water scarcity and resilience, through innovation and creativity.

Transcript

Speaker 1: [00:00:07] Welcome to The Current, the official podcast for the Michigan section of the American Waterworks Association. I'm your Eastside host, Matt Lane.  [00:00:14][6.7]

Speaker 2: [00:00:14] And I'm Jamie Fleming, your host from the West Side.  [00:00:16][2.2]

Speaker 1: [00:00:17] Join us as we dive into water and wastewater topics from across Michigan. Welcome back to The Current. I'm your east side host, Matt Lane.  [00:00:27][10.1]

Speaker 2: [00:00:28] and I'm your West Side host, Jamie Fleming.  [00:00:29][1.5]

Speaker 1: [00:00:30] Joining us today is the formidable Cheryl Porter, Chief Operating Officer for Water and Field Services, still? Yes. At the Great Lakes Water Authority. And I have to brag because I get to work with Cheryl in my daily job sometimes. So it's exciting.  [00:00:50][20.5]

Speaker 2: [00:00:52] I'm sad that I don't get to work with you every day. But I am so grateful when I do get to work with. Oh yeah, we have fun.  [00:00:58][6.6]

Speaker 1: [00:01:01] Everybody's curious about your journey to where you are and can you tell us a little bit about your career and where you came from?  [00:01:07][6.0]

Speaker 3: [00:01:08] I'd be happy to. It's such a non-traditional. Um, my introduction to water came through a friend who was just working with the city and she knew I was a chemist looking for a new job. And the only reason I was really looking for new job is not that I didn't like what I was doing, but there was no advancement opportunity. And one thing I definitely feel passionate about is growth. You have to have that individual personal growth. in order to feel some sort of satisfaction with what you're doing. And I hadn't quite found my purpose yet. So when I had the opportunity to move over as junior chemist, and I remember the first time I came to the lab, that equipment was so old. And I was looking at them like, oh my God, this stuff is older than the stuff I saw at school, people, what is going on here? So I was instantly fascinated with. problem-solving and working to make things better, but I will tell you I didn't like the way operations worked, you know, because we were 24-7 operations, and I tell people this all the time, somewhere around 3 to 5 a.m. I need a bed. I want to be sleeping. I don't want to be up and responsible for something. And so I think I spent the first year or so trying to get away from it because I didn't like the shift work. And we had a pretty, the shifts were pretty bad back then. We've gotten really, really creative since that time. We've, from a management perspective, we allow the team members to kind of have some fingers on that schedule and they work it out. I've seen things as fascinating as... like seven and nine days on with seven and nine days off. Now I don't know how they cover all that, because we give them boundaries, you know. Can't create additional overtime, as long as you are within that template. But they've come up with some very creative ways that just weren't available to me when I was coming through the system. But eventually, I made a connection. I was doing some analysis, and I realized, you know, this water that I'm testing. This is the same water that's going to my home. And I'm actually being responsible for not only my home but my community, my neighbors. This is important. Every analysis that we do, it has a meaning. And I could see my contribution back to the community. And that just resonated with me in such a way that I stopped looking for ways out. And even though... I still was very passionate about personal growth, and that could have been an opportunity to leave, but the leaders at the time saw something in me and said, okay, we know you need a new challenge. How about you take on this responsibility and see what you can do with that? And that's kinda how it went from a job to an actual career.  [00:04:24][195.7]

Speaker 4: [00:04:29] You  [00:04:29][0.0]

Speaker 2: [00:04:30] I didn't know any of that, and I've known you for a while. Yes, that's a really interesting background story. And you're so right about the shift work. Yes, I think it is one of the hardest things about being in operations and in a water plant.  [00:04:43][12.6]

Speaker 3: [00:04:43] Yeah, absolutely.  [00:04:44][0.6]

Speaker 2: [00:04:45] It's a lot. Our operators have an interesting schedule too. I know there are places where they roll through like you're on first shift for a couple of weeks and second shift on a couple weeks and third shift. That's how I started. Oh my goodness.  [00:04:57][12.0]

Speaker 3: [00:04:58] It's brutal.  [00:04:59][0.4]

Speaker 2: [00:04:59] It's not human. No, it's not. It's really hard.  [00:05:02][2.9]

Speaker 3: [00:05:03] It's hard to do that. And even though I didn't mind midnights, because you can have a life after a midnight shift, you can do doctor's appointments and things that you would have to plan for if you had a regular day shift. It was the afternoon, though. Because afternoons always made me feel like I was working 16 hours instead of eight, because I spent the whole time watching my watch. I gotta leave here at a certain time in order to get there by a certain time because you wanna be on time because you're relieving someone. And they have a life too, so you wanna make sure that you're responsible because you want them to show you that same type of courtesy. So, even though what we do is awesome and it's important, it does have its challenges and we try to work through those as best as possible. And I try to remain open to ideas, especially when you have new people come in. They have a new set of eyes. at looking at what we do, and sometimes they come up with really good suggestions on how to make improvements. And if we can incorporate those as we move forward, there's nothing that, there's no challenge that we're faced with that we can't create an opportunity out of.  [00:06:14][71.7]

Speaker 2: [00:06:15] I absolutely love that. OK, so I heard in there you discovered a connection to your community, which I think is at the heart of for so many of us that work in the water sector. I was just talking to Curtis earlier today, and he asked me, how did you end up here and what keeps you here? And we shared a moment around. It's the heart, it's the humanity, it's that community piece. OK, but it sounds like there was a launch pad. like there was a launching spot for you to something else. What came next? I think.  [00:06:47][32.1]

Speaker 3: [00:06:48] I think I was looking for how to connect all of the education together. So I was a chemist. I went into chemistry thinking that I was going to go to med school, but I kind of got sick of school, so I left, got a job, and when I started working and was looking, how do I advance? How do I, you know, get to that next level? So, at that point, again, it was about personal development. I was thinking law school because I had some friends who were taking the LSAT, and they were like, you're not doing anything, why don't you join us? I must look bored all the time to people. So I joined them. And what's so interesting about that story is that I did well on the LSat, and neither one of them did. So I wound up in law school and they didn't. I was just like, hey, I thought this was a group effort. what happened here. So, but when I entered into law school, the idea or concept was to continue in the environment. So I was thinking environmental law, that'd be a good thing. But again, as the leadership changed over, because I said this earlier in a presentation that I've been hearing about this white tsunami happening or the silver tsunami happening for like the last 15 years. and there was exodus of people, but we were also gaining people at the same time. And during that, that created a unique opportunity for people to advance faster. So when they see that you have that enthusiasm and that work ethic that drives you personally, they wanna tap into that. So, because they know that you're going to help solve the problems and the challenges that we're faced with. They kept giving me leadership opportunities and, you know, as a chemist or a scientist or an engineer, it's a certain skill set. But leading people is a totally different skill set that you need. Your communication skills are so critical. your ability to empathize with people. actively listening. You really need to hear people because if you are speaking a different language you're not effectively communicating and you can't really get to real solutions. opened up a whole other world of skill sets that I needed to learn. And so that became my interest. And that's how the JD MBA came along. Because I'm always looking for the tools to help improve my ability to connect with people and motivate them. Because it took me a minute to realize, listen, as a leader, you can't do it all. You have to rely. on the talent that you attract and bring them in and allow them to contribute their talent to move us forward. It's your place to give that overall direction, but getting it done, those are the opportunities for those coming behind you to feed in there. So it took me a minute to learn how to delegate, because I was used to. I had full control, and I liked having full control because I knew it was going to get done a certain way by a certain time. But that didn't create an opportunities for others to learn and grow. And so I had to learn to let that go. And then I had learn the type of skills that I needed in order to coach people along. So that continual growth, while still you have this awesome ultimate responsibility. AWWA's mission and vision is, resonates with me. A better world through better water. A better Michigan through better Water. You know, that is so simple and easy to remember, but it's kind of profound in all the hands that it takes in order for that to happen.  [00:11:09][261.7]

Speaker 2: [00:11:12] I'm just over here like fangirling through the whole thing.  [00:11:15][2.8]

Speaker 1: [00:11:15] I know, I'm a little starstruck, to be honest with you. So how did you get involved with AWWA to begin with? Did you start in the Michigan section and then move through?  [00:11:26][11.2]

Speaker 3: [00:11:27] Honestly, my involvement with AWWA was I was always leveraging their resources. They had great resources because the water world is different. It's not something that you learn in a class. You do have the tools, don't get me wrong, but those tools have to be leveraged in a certain way. So it was something more that I needed and they were the go-to place for resources. And so that's how my relationship with the AWWA started. It wasn't until I ran into specific leaders who said, yeah, but you should get more involved. There's more to get out of it than just that. And that's when I learned the networking and the actual family that's in this water world. Often with other industries, you have that competition. We all have a responsibility within our communities. We can be doing some of the same similar things, but that natural competitiveness is not always there. I even see it in the consulting world. It's like we have an understanding that there's enough work and opportunity for all of us, so there's nothing wrong with us lending you a helping hand, because we understand that sometimes your situation can be unique to you, and we may have something that we can give you to help you along. And so it's more of a family field in this water world, which also is something that draws me in more to it. But it wasn't until I had Sue McCormick as our CEO leader. She actually sat me down and said, we're going to make a plan. And I want you to get on the international board. That's your goal. That's you objective. And she started the conversation out with this. It's time for you to give back. The one thing that a lot of people may not understand is that you don't know that you have something to give back, but she recognized that. And she said, OK, this is the plan. You're going to start with the Michigan section, and you're going work through here. You're gonna have to do all these roles. It should take about five, six years. I'm like, wow. Okay. If you say so. But what was so fortunate for me was I had been involved with AWWA through a prior leader, got disconnected, because life happens. And we had circumstances where I was working. And everybody knew and understood that they were big issues. And so the volunteering that we would do as team members wasn't allowed. And they kind of said, OK, you got to stop doing that. So I got away from it, but you built relationships when you were involved. So those same people that I was in the trenches working with were now in leadership roles. So when I finally came back to the section and recognized that these people that I used to work with are, oh, they're a chair of the board now. So they were like, OK. Yeah, we know you got this plan, But there's a shorter path. And I'm like, a shorter path, what are you talking about? They were like, you can go and apply to be director at large for AWW. If that's your ultimate goal, here's a shortcut to get there. I'm, like, do you think that would work? He was like, girl, with your skills, yes. You have enough experience for them to seriously consider you. So I went through that process. And that's the other thing. No jealousy, envy. Here, if that's what you're trying to do, go for it. And here's how you can do it. And so I'm grateful for that engagement. I went through the process of director at large in 2018. I was not successful in my first time out. And I had every intent of not returning, because in my mind, you said I needed to go try to do this, it wasn't successful, we're good. You know, you check this off, I can move on. But there were so many people in the room saying, you need to come back. This was really a tough choice. And you were so close, and we want you to come back, and I was like, uh-huh, yeah. The thing I didn't know was there was also quite a few people in that room who knew Sumer Cormick, so they gave her a call. So before I got home, she's like, yeah, I heard that you didn't want to do this again, but, so I went out a second time, and did become successful at director at large that second time. And then as I engaged with the board, I became vice president. First time I went out for that, it wasn't successful, but I think that that was in divine order because it gave Pat a chance to be VP first because AWWA is really good about making sure that they have the regional diversity always involved. And if he and I both had to went out for VP, we might not have both been successful. But having him go first, and then I came along, it created that opportunity for both of us to do that, which hadn't happened in Michigan. I think that was the first time we had two directors in Michigan, so that was pretty exciting. So as I'm doing all of this and all of my involvement, it was really exciting. And I kept running into past presidents who would kind of pull me aside and say, you need to think about running for president. No, I'm not thinking about doing that at all. But that's where you have the friends and family plan. Katie McCain, who was the first woman president for AWWA, was very good friends with Sue McCormick and became a very good friend of mine. And this is the kind of commitment that's in the water sector that I haven't really seen anywhere else. Katie came to my first... encounter at Director-at-Large. She was there because she was a past president. She could go to the board meeting. So she was there to support me. And I thought that that was so awesome. Someone sees enough in you to be there for you. And it was so interesting because most people don't believe this, but I'm a total introvert. And she thought I might struggle. And she was like, oh my god, you're not having any problems at all. You work in the room, girl. So she was really proud of me in that effort. And when I think about the people who were encouraging me along the way and how they had conquered those things first, it was really hard for me not to at least try. So then that's when I decided that, you know, it'd be pretty awesome to be the first African-American and woman of color for AWWA. I think I need to at least try. And I will tell you, I was shocked when I won. I think I sat there for a minute because everybody was like, congratulations, get up there. And I'm like, I think it just won. So it took me a minute to kind of get out of my seat and go and, and, you know, take that place up front. And it's been just remarkable. The people I've met along the way, all the support and the love that I've received, um, from, uh, the folks at work, I, I just an outpouring from strangers that I meet at different conferences, uh here in Michigan, you guys have been so great. If it was not for Michigan Section and their support, I still wouldn't have had that opportunity. So I'm so grateful for all the relationships and networking that I've had. We don't even see each other on a regular basis. Maybe once a year at a conference or every other year, but yet you still feel that familiarity with all the folks that you come in contact with, and it doesn't go away. Even when folks retire. and you don't see them for a minute, but when you do run across them, start at the pilot for the young professionals. So they were in the room when I was going through the presidency process and to engage with those young women, the excitement that they had, the feelings that they have to want to contribute. It's kind of reminded me of that first time when I walked into that lab at work and I saw that old equipment, like, okay, we're gonna have to update this. You see a need, you see something and you want to help build those solutions. And I love the energy that they bring because that is what keeps us who are more seasoned. They give us that inspiration, that energy saying, you know what, yes, this can be taxing over time, but we can do this because we know why we're doing this and why we doing it is so important.  [00:21:12][584.9]

Speaker 2: [00:21:13] I love that he designed that so intentionally. Yes, he did. Of course, you know, one experience isn't the same that everybody else has had, but what I have seen with young professionals is they need to be asked, right? They sometimes are a little nervous. Okay, you've been at this for however many decades or, oh, big name, lots of people know you. And you just walk up and say, hey, come on, let's go. Let's do this thing. Would you like to join this room? Would you to- I don't know, do a podcast in the deep end and like they all were like.  [00:21:44][30.7]

Speaker 1: [00:21:45] Yeah!  [00:21:45][0.0]

Speaker 3: [00:21:46] They were totally into it. You have plans, you have ideas, but until you're faced with that situation, you don't really know what you're going to do. And that's what we're instilling in the future, is that whatever you come and face, you can do it. And you can it together. If you come together and bring all that talent and expertise, everybody's going to make sure that they're making that contribution, because you know why you're doing it. And that motivation is so important. So, I look forward to connecting with them so that we do have a workforce future. But I also recognize that the technically savvy is also going to be a requirement. We've got AI, we've got cyber attacks, and we need all those interests and talents coming to the table to help us navigate these waters. Because what we are doing is to support us all. So we all have a vested interest in that.  [00:22:48][61.5]

Speaker 2: [00:22:49] I like to talk about it as generational superpowers. So each generation has a superpower, they're not all the same. But we, I mean, like, right? So like superhero movies are all the thing lately. And you just know, right, okay, when each person has their own specific superpower and you put everybody together, they can conquer the world. Okay, totally cheesy, but it's a good metaphor. And when you tell the young people they have superpowers...  [00:23:13][24.4]

Speaker 3: [00:23:14] Yeah, what is it what is connect to that and when they can connect to that, they're more than willing to support it. I've had so many tours that I've done when you bring residents through and they see what you do and how you get that done in order for them to have safe water in their homes. Uh, I always have at least one person tell me I will no longer complain about my water bill.  [00:23:37][22.5]

Speaker 4: [00:23:37] Hmm  [00:23:37][0.0]

Speaker 3: [00:23:39] because they see that effort and that care that we have. And it's not magic. There's some real work that has to happen in order for that. And it is not something that's universally enjoyed, not even in this country. So we've got some work to do to ensure that we are giving that safe drinking water to everyone. I know I got lofty goals.  [00:24:09][30.6]

Speaker 2: [00:24:11] As one should.  [00:24:12][0.5]

Speaker 1: [00:24:14] I mean, if you don't aim for them, you're going to miss, so yeah. You're from Detroit, right?  [00:24:22][8.2]

Speaker 3: [00:24:24] Well, there's a story there. I always tell people technically yes, but I was born in Florida, I kind of grew up in Vegas and then we settled in Detroit. So like my brothers may have been born in Detroit, but i was not. My dad was in the military, traveled high school was the starting point, but it's really not. We need to go younger as to getting the word out and giving ourselves in the water profession an opportunity for them to consider it as a career. So I'm always excited when I get to go for Career Day, because my brother's a Detroit public school teacher. And so that gives me an opportunity to show up for Career day and say, hey, this is an opportunity for you, whatever your skill set is. Because we're growing. We need IT people. If we deploy more technology and automation, we're going to need folks who can protect our systems. Maybe you're a communicator. Well, we traditionally haven't been talking about ourselves before you got a bill, or there's a rate hike, or some capital project where you needed money. But we're just starting to get better at telling our stories, so we need communicators. Folks who can help us get the word out as to why people need to support what we do. So whatever your talent or interest is, the finance people, oh my God, they have so much to do. It's not easy getting the money that we need and going through that process. I'm just a piece of that puzzle. But whatever you...  [00:26:10][106.2]

Speaker 2: [00:26:10] of Michigan section in general. I'm sure it's true nationwide, but I know we've had a lot of movement of our members. Where I work, we've lost a lot of people in the last few years. And I'm never sad if it's the right move for them. And so many of them have stayed in water. Ultimately, I think that's the most wonderful thing. Okay, go be happy over there. We still have you in the water. We didn't lose you all together.  [00:26:36][25.2]

Speaker 1: [00:26:37] Do you have any war stories, Cheryl?  [00:26:38][1.4]

Speaker 3: [00:26:40] War story. Yeah, I get beat up all the time. I will tell you I get asked this question often as a black female in the water sector or being in a predominantly white male environment. Have I faced any challenges along those ways? And I absolutely have. I remember clearly when I first became got into leadership, and that leadership was challenged. But I didn't want to come from a stereotype and have an emotional response or an angry response. I didn' want to do that. So when I faced the challenge, I did some investigating on my own, saying, OK, well, maybe this isn't a reasonable, rational direction. So I had friends that I'd been to. When you are in a leadership role, you are the responsible one. You are the one that they're going to come to and hold accountable. So you can't let people manipulate you into what they want because they want it, especially if you know what you're doing is the right thing for the overall ultimate goal. So having the courage to face those challenging moments and stand up for yourself is definitely something that you It's a skill set. It can be learned. There are courses that talk about how to communicate in a way so that you can get your point across. You need those kinds of skills so that you can address those difficult times. And there's nothing wrong with having friends that you convent to, to let that out so that can let it go. I think that's also important. It's nice to have that sounding board so that don't feel you're in it alone and that you don't have any options. You've got to know your weaknesses too. You know, be clear about what you're good at and what you are not good at, and That's actually how I built my team. I knew I was the lab person. I had that skill set. I needed someone who really was familiar. What have you created or built to ensure that it can be maintained? Because I know it's got a long life, that's fine, but we need to think about those people and how they're gonna achieve those tasks. And when I've seen some of the stuff that they've come up with, I'm just, I am amazed. I'm absolutely amazed that they take that challenge serious and they get all the contribution that they need in order to come up with the right solutions. And I think that that's.  [00:29:34][174.6]

Speaker 2: [00:29:35] One of my favorite things in the years, the gimmicks and gadgets, when that comes out, it's a lot of spatial thinking usually, and that is not at all my strong suit, so hard. But the things that people come up with, to solve a problem, to make their life easier, to make other people's lives easier, they come up some really creative and interesting things.  [00:29:53][18.6]

Speaker 3: [00:29:54] They really do. I remember when they actually built like a car that they used when they would dive and do repairs on our raw water pipe. They had to actually create something in order to do that. And I was like, that's so awesome. But those are the details that, you know, sometimes in a leadership role, there are so many demands on your time. You don't get to see everything. But I love it when I can take the opportunity to find out what folks are doing. see that. The other thing that I've really enjoyed at Great Lakes Water Authority, I'm responsible for the research and innovation team and when we bring those interns in and those students in and we give them that connection with water and to see the projects and what they have to say about their projects and the enthusiasm that they have, I'm just so thankful for all of the opportunities that I have to engage in so many different ways and in so different fields. And again, I don't think I could have had that anywhere else. And it's just made the career really exciting.  [00:31:04][69.4]

Speaker 2: [00:31:05] Well, you must have built the right kind of culture, if you have people that feel like they can innovate, because it also means that you've given them a little space to be able to have time to think about things other than this one specific task that I must get done every single day over and over and again. Personally, I think that's how we keep people around, right? You've got to keep them with the space to think and create and feel like they're contributing.  [00:31:31][26.0]

Speaker 1: [00:31:32] What do you think some unique challenges are for the Great Lakes region in general? And how do we play a role?  [00:31:40][7.4]

Speaker 3: [00:31:41] We're going to be faced with a huge challenge with our fresh water. When I had that, there was one factoid from the Water 2050 that says that the fresh water basins won't be able to meet demands. We're either going to have to come up with the treatment technologies in areas so that people can get water such as desalination when you look at certain communities. But the way our climate and environment is changing, it's going to require more hands and help. And I think taking the perspective of the view that, oh, just move back to Michigan, that might not necessarily be the thing that happens in the future. I think that some real conversations are going to start to happen. as to how we change things. So we have an adequate supply everywhere. So that and being resilient. When I see these storms come through, we have to build things in a way so that we can quickly recover because once that storm comes through and devastates that home or that person's life, we gotta try to get them back to something normal as quickly as possible. building systems that we operate and maintain in a way where we can have that fast recovery, I think that that's gonna be a part of our future as well. When we, we're gonna have to get even more innovative and more creative to address the future challenges that I can't even think of right now. But just on the tip of the horizon, some of the things that we're seeing, just like I think it's a challenge for us, we're measuring things. You've given the scientists the challenge to measure something smaller, so now they are actually doing it, and how does that fit in the landscape of what we do day to day? And not being distracted away from our ultimate goal as to why we were established and created in the first place, which was to deal with pathogens that were in the water so that we weren't killing off the population with the type of diseases that were happening. So. The treatment processes that we have established have achieved that, and we still have to keep an eye on that as well, even though we are going to be faced with more new challenges. But we can make them opportunities and see what we can do with it.  [00:34:30][168.6]

Speaker 1: [00:34:32] make some lemonade. Absolutely. Or the lemons. I'm sorry.  [00:34:38][6.7]

Speaker 2: [00:34:40] There is always a point in the recording where we devolve into really bad water funds. I kind of love it.  [00:34:46][5.8]

Speaker 1: [00:34:49] I'm trying to think of what's the best way to advocate for Michigan in your position. Because you have an overall view, right, as president. You have to think about the entire country, but it's Michigan.  [00:35:11][21.5]

Speaker 3: [00:35:15] Always happy to do advocating for Michigan. I think we are ahead, you know, I said that earlier, but I really do mean it. We are ahead in a lot of different areas for various reasons. But I think that that's a good thing, because it means that we're kind of tackling the challenges before others are facing, which gives Michigan... an opportunity to really be lifted up as the leader that we really are. So I'm always advocating for Michigan. I think we've got great systems here. We've got a great people here. I think, we've a great section here. And when I travel around, people do things differently. And that has been such an educational process for me. and You know, some things are, I think, are okay, and some things, I'm like, oh, that's different. So, but whenever there's an opportunity to advocate for Michigan, I'll definitely do that. I think they recognize that we're on the cutting edge of a lot of things, and so they involve us, which is always a good thing.  [00:36:32][76.8]

Speaker 2: [00:36:33] I would agree with that. When I have been at national events, when they see you're from Michigan, often what they say is, okay, Michigan's doing the thing again. Can you please stop doing the things for a minute? And then shortly after that, it's what can we learn from you? What can you tell me about your experience? I know what's probably coming my way at some point in time. We've learned this through lead. We learned this through PFAS. We learn this through affordability, all kinds of topics in the last, I would say 10 years or so. And after they get through the, oh, my goodness. What do you know that's gonna make my life easier? And then often it's a two-way conversation. Well, what do you that's different in your world? Like, I talk to people from states down south where, I don't know, your water system crosses like four state lines and river water, surface water, groundwater. It makes my head spin just talking about it. And it's not that way. here in Michigan and in so many systems. But I do know that Michigan holds a really high place in people's minds when we talk water nationally. And I think that's incredible. And now to have you at the forefront and setting an example. And I loved hearing you earlier talk about, you know, young women and just young professionals, people seeing that you had experiences that maybe they're having now. Oh. but look what you're doing now. That means I can see that for the future, right? Can't be what you can't see.  [00:38:06][93.1]

Speaker 3: [00:38:07] I'd like that, I like that. That is so true. And because people often ask me, what's your legacy? And I think that that's what I'm allowing you to see that it's possible. And that can be such an inspiration. And I will tell you, I've had several people say that, you know, I was thinking about making a change, but now that I see you in this role, I'm going to hold on a little bit longer and make sure that that is the right choice for me before I make it. which I think is awesome. That is awesome to hear.  [00:38:39][32.3]

Speaker 2: [00:38:41] I'm so excited for the next year.  [00:38:43][1.8]

Speaker 4: [00:38:44] Ha ha ha ha!  [00:38:45][1.2]

Speaker 2: [00:38:47] I'm so happy that you're here with us this week. Absolutely. That you got to be our visiting person.  [00:38:51][4.3]

Speaker 3: [00:38:52] You requested, and I made it happen. There were a lot of choices, but I was like, I'm nope, I'm going home, home ass first, and I'm gonna fulfill that request.  [00:39:02][9.7]

Speaker 2: [00:39:03] I love that. I love for us. I want that for you. Thank you.  [00:39:07][4.3]

Speaker 1: [00:39:11] anything else. I think this is a good podcast.  [00:39:15][4.1]

Speaker 2: [00:39:16] This was a great conversation. Oh, as we sign off, is there any last minute thing that you just wanna leave people with?  [00:39:24][8.7]

Speaker 3: [00:39:26] Water professionals of the world, be encouraged. You are doing an awesome job. It may be under-recognized and under-appreciated on occasion, but folks really do thank you for what you do, even though they can't really see all that you do. So thank you.  [00:39:43][16.9]

Speaker 1: [00:39:44] Thank you, Cheryl.  [00:39:45][1.1]

Speaker 2: [00:39:45] Thanks for giving us your time today. Absolutely.  [00:39:47][1.9]

Speaker 1: [00:39:52] from the east side to the west side and state wide.  [00:39:54][2.1]

Speaker 2: [00:39:54] From experts to everyday heroes, we've got it all.  [00:39:57][2.5]

Speaker 1: [00:39:57] Join us as we dive into water and wastewater topics from across Michigan.  [00:40:01][3.2]

Speaker 2: [00:40:01] subscribe, follow us, and get caught up in the current today.  [00:40:01][0.0]

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