W.O.W. Noon-time Engagement Panel

Noon-Time Engagement Session: Women on Water (W.O.W.)

W.O.W. invites you to an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished water professionals who will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the industry.

Date: May 8, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. (Panel Discussion)
Breakout Sessions: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Choose a small-group discussion with a panelist)

Featured Panelists:

Christine Spitzley: 

A Spartan with a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning, Christine has spent her career building her expertise in water, infrastructure, transportation, economic development, housing, and environmental projects.  A Principal at OHM Advisors, she serves as a liaison between the Water, Environment, Engineering, and Planning groups. She connects these teams, identifying unique project synergies and opportunities. She is the Director of the Michigan Section and an AWWA Vice President. Christine’s superpowers are networking and collaboration.  She likens her thought process to a Spirograph.  Colorful, and it all crosses in the middle eventually. Her professional passion is to create and implement sustainable and economical strategies for communities and utilities.  She believes success comes from building strong relationships and viewing projects through the lens of long-term impact. 

Samarhia Giffel: 

Samarhia is the Administrative Services Officer II for the City of Grand Rapids Utilities. Her oversight includes financial operations, customer service, contract administration, and innovative solutions such as AMI. She has operated in this role for over eight years, bringing strategic leadership and continuous improvement experience from her previous role in the insurance industry. Sam has been tasked with developing a regional AMI program and a water affordability program for the City of Grand Rapids and its system’s users. She serves as Vice President for the West Michigan NFBPA Chapter and is a member of the Kent County Community Action Advisory Board. She serves as Communication Chair of the Michigan Section of the AWWA. 

Esther Baptiste: 

Esther Baptiste, MPA, is a dedicated public servant and Management Professional in Planning Services at the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) in Detroit, MI. Recognizing the vital role of public water services in community vitality, she plays an active role in the GLWA Member Outreach Program, collaborating with more than 100 community member partners on key water and wastewater topics and initiatives. Passionate about expanding access to water careers, Esther is committed to strengthening workforce pipelines, promoting equitable water access, and collaborating with communities to advance operational best practices and solutions. Her leadership in the sector has been widely recognized: Esther is a 2023 graduate of the inaugural cohort of the AWWA/Water Now Alliance Transformative Water Leadership Academy, the recipient of the 2023 MI-AWWA Richard Husby Award for Public Awareness, and a 2024 graduate of the Michigan Infrastructure Council Asset Management Champions Program. Esther holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Tennessee State University.

Open to everyone – all are welcome!

No cost to attend.

This event does not include CECs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders and engage in meaningful conversations. Register now!