Feb 14, 2025
February 11, 2024 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to women who play a critical role in science and technology and empowering girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
To celebrate, over the next week we will be highlighting incredible women who are making advancements in science, technology, engineering and math in the water industry - because one day to celebrate women in science just isn’t enough! These impactful water leaders have been nominated for this recognition based on their accomplishments and contributions to the water sector. Join us in celebrating women and girls in science!
Wendy Broley, P.E. is a professional engineer with 20+ years of experience in water and wastewater planning, engineering, and operations. She specializes in advanced water purification, membrane technology, and biosolids solutions for municipal and industrial markets. Committed to resilient water management, she champions innovative "One Water" approaches. Wendy has led key roles at Brown and Caldwell, advancing water reuse, regional planning, and advanced treatment. She has supported the design and operation of advanced potable reuse facilities with a total capacity of over 200 MGD.
Wendy Broley, Chief Technical Officer at Brown and Caldwell and Executive Director of CUWA
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work in science?
I have a chemical engineering degree from UC San Diego, specializing in membrane technology. My studies led to a passion for potable reuse and general One Water work, driven by a broader commitment to help communities achieve resilient and reliable water supplies.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them?
Pursuit of perfectionism. Perfectionism helped be successful to a point. At a certain point the same perfectionism hindered my progress, held me back from taking risks and my growing to my full capacity. Overcoming need for perfectionism has been one of the single most important turning point in my career.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
I've had a lot of these moments, but most recently I had the opportunity to participate in a round table discussion at the White House about enabling innovation for water security and climate resilience. I was one of 20 people from the industry to be invited.
What advice would you give to young women looking to start a career in water?
It takes courage. I believe in the mantra, "Don’t believe everything you think." We are our own worst critic. Sometimes, it takes courage to move past the voice inside your voice that question whether you are capable of something. My north start about making decision is this: if I am a little bit terrified and excited, I typically know I should go after it.
How can schools/companies/organizations better support women in the science/water industry?
To companies and organizations- be intentional about having women in leadership. So women who are in school or early in their careers see the possibility that there is something for them, or someone that looks like them. People need to see that the possibility exists. They need to know it is worth the effort.
The Water Tower consists of two nonprofit organizations: The Water Tower at Gwinnett, a 501(c)4 – responsible for the development and operations of the campus, and The Water Tower Institute, a 501c3 – responsible for solutions, instruction, and engagement programming. Together, these entities are cultivating an ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. The Water Tower brings together public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.