Cheryl Porter Makes History as First Black Woman President of AWWA

Cheryl Porter has made history by becoming the first African American woman to lead the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in its 143 years.

Porter works as the chief operating officer for the Great Lakes Water Authority. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a degree in Chemistry and started her career in the water industry as a junior chemist.

Reflecting on her early days, Porter mentioned that it took her some time to realize the significant environmental impact of her work.

She shared, “I’m writing down numbers for the senior chemist making treatment decisions, and I realized that’s water going to my house. That’s my family or friends I’m protecting. Once I made that connection, I think that’s where my career began.”

Porter emphasized that access to clean water is a luxury that many people in America do not have, particularly in Black communities that often face drinking water issues.

To promote awareness, she organizes public tours to showcase the hard work of her team, who often operate behind the scenes. “They’re making sacrifices to ensure that the service is being provided to everyone,” she said.

Her perseverance is inspired by her father’s military discipline and the support of female mentors who helped her navigate male-dominated fields. Growing up, she had women in her life encouraging her to make a difference.

Porter believes it’s essential to show young Black girls that they can succeed in STEM fields. “Just being there and being present makes a difference. It allows other young Black females to see me in that role who want to meet that same challenge,” she explained.

She also credits her high school chemistry teacher, who encouraged her to participate in science fairs and challenge herself, as a key influence in her life.

As president of the AWWA, Porter aims to focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the organization. She wants to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.

Porter’s message is about welcoming those who look different and ensuring they feel part of the community. “They’re here for a reason because the one thing we have in common is our passion for water,” she stated.