The Future of STEM: Empowering Women

As we approach Engineers Week (February 16-22), a celebration of the diverse and innovative field of engineering, it’s important to reflect on not only how far we’ve come, but the journey still ahead, particularly when it comes to empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The theme this year, which aligns perfectly with our values at Tata & Howard (T&H), encourages innovation, leadership, and equality. Women in STEM are not just breaking barriers; they’re rewriting the rules. And at T&H, we’re proud to be part of that journey, especially when it comes to water systems engineering.

In a profession that has traditionally been male-dominated, our emphasis on employee ownership, particularly through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), has further helped level the playing field. By offering employees a stake in the company, we empower individuals (particularly women engineers) to shape the future of the firm and the industries we serve. This
sense of ownership is essential for innovation and reflects the values of equality and collaboration that define our company culture.

A Legacy of Supporting Women in Engineering Leadership

Over the years, T&H has consistently been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the workplace, especially within the engineering sector. The leadership team is composed of accomplished women who are shaping the future of water system engineering while also fostering an environment where the next generation of female engineers can grow. These trailblazers not only bring years of technical expertise to the table but also serve as mentors and
role models for young engineers aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

At the heart of our engineering teams are women who bring extensive experience, cutting-edge technical skills, and a passion for innovation. These women are not only integral to the success of the company, but are also key players in transforming the water systems of the future, working tirelessly to ensure that the communities we serve have access to safe, reliable water
systems.

Women Who Are Driving Change at Tata & Howard

With Girl Day on February 20 during Engineers Week, it’s the perfect moment to highlight some of the incredible women leading the charge here at T&H. These women are not only tackling complex engineering challenges, they’re also inspiring the next generation of engineers, especially young women who are considering their future careers.

Our team is fortunate to have several outstanding women engineers who are leading by example and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the water engineering field.

Karen Gracey, serves as our Co-President with over 27 years of experience. Karen is a standout leader at T&H, specializing in water system design and hydraulic modeling. She is experienced in WaterGems and InfoWater software and her work on the Capital Efficiency Plan methodology has been integral to the development of water systems across New England. As a member of Tata & Howard’s Board of Directors and the NEWWA program committee, Karen is
not only an influential figure within T&H but also a respected leader in the broader engineering community. Her ability to balance technical expertise with mentorship and leadership is an inspiration to the entire team.

Jenna Rzasa, our other Co-President, brings over 28 years of engineering experience and a wealth of knowledge in water system design, new water source development, and conducting water audits. As a board member and a leader in her field, Jenna has become a trusted advisor on complex water system projects and is a key driver of our Capital Efficiency Plan initiatives. Her contributions have helped municipalities across New England optimize their water infrastructure, ensuring that communities are served by sustainable and resilient water systems.

Justine Carroll’s expertise in water system hydraulic modeling, design, and construction has been invaluable to T&H’s projects over the last 19 years. With certifications in WaterGEMS and InfoWater modeling software, and her position as Vice President, Justine has also contributed to the development of cutting-edge environmental solutions. Her educational background,
including both a BS and MS from Tufts University, has prepared her to tackle complex engineering challenges with both precision and innovation.

Allison Shivers is a standout Project Manager specializing in wastewater engineering who brings over 15 years of experience to our team. Her work on evaluating wastewater collection systems and improving wastewater treatment facilities has had a significant impact on the infrastructure of many of our local communities. In addition to her engineering expertise, Allison — like most of our female engineers — is a mother who prioritizes work-life balance, modeling for younger women in the field that it is possible to pursue a fulfilling career while also nurturing a family.

Molly Caruso, with 11 years of engineering experience, brings a unique perspective to the team as a Project Manager. Specializing in water distribution, Molly’s passion for environmental sustainability and her technical expertise help shape T&H’s approach to solving water infrastructure challenges. As a working mother, she exemplifies the flexibility and support that
the company provides to ensure women can thrive both professionally and personally.

Kathryn (Katie) Carreira is a Project Manager with laser-level focus on hydraulic modeling, water infrastructure design, and water treatment. Her contributions over the last nine years to our water infrastructure projects have been invaluable, particularly in ensuring the design and safety of critical water systems. As a young engineer, Katie is part of a new wave of female
professionals who are shaping the future of water engineering.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Engineers

Tata & Howard’s commitment to women in STEM is not just about supporting the women who are already leaders in the field but also about inspiring the next generation of engineers. Initiatives like Girl Day offer young girls the opportunity to explore engineering careers and see firsthand the impact that engineers—especially women—can have on the world. Through programs like these, we aim to break down the barriers that may deter young women from pursuing careers in STEM, showing them that there is a place for them at the table.

Our company’s focus on employee ownership through the ESOP program plays a significant role in encouraging women to step into leadership positions. Employee ownership fosters an environment where everyone — regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual preference — has a voice and an opportunity to shape the direction of the company. This sense of ownership helps cultivate not only confidence, but also collaboration and a sense of responsibility for not
just the company’s success but also for shaping the future of the industries we serve.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate Engineers Week and Girl Day, it’s clear that the future of STEM is bright, particularly for women. At Tata & Howard, we are proud of the progress we have made in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in engineering, but we know that there is still more work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring that the future of STEM is one where women’s voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their leadership is
celebrated. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women engineers to achieve their full potential.

5 family-friendly water and wastewater field trips in New England

Summer is here, and with it comes long, lazy days, school vacation, and, of course, family trips. When the beaches, amusement parks, and movie theaters start to get stale, why not take a water or wastewater field trip to explore the inner workings of our nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure? We’ve assembled five excellent water and wastewater field trips that are right here in beautiful New England. These trips provide STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology) education while also being engaging and fascinating. And these trips aren’t just for budding engineers. Half of all STEM jobs do not require a college degree and pay higher than non-STEM jobs with similar educational requirements.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Water and Wastewater Field Trips in New England

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Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

1. Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Boston, MA — Operated by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA)

The MWRA offers tours of its Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesdays and Fridays from April through November. All tours begin at 9:30 a.m. and are open to adults and kids in grades 7+. But the treatment facility isn’t the only attraction at Deer Island. With 60 acres of natural open space, Deer Island offers plenty to do for the entire family, including five miles of public walkways and trails for strolling, jogging, sightseeing, picnicking, fishing, and cycling. There are ten landscaped overlooks with sweeping views of the Boston skyline and islands, handicapped accessible paths, and low impact development (LID) features including low-maintenance, native plant species. The public access area is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. https://www.mwra.com/03sewer/html/sewdi_access.htm

Waterworks Museum, Boston, MA
Waterworks Museum, Boston, MA

2. Waterworks Museum, Boston, MA

The Waterworks Museum is located on the site of the original Chestnut Hill reservoir and pumping station and provides regional information on clean water, health, engineers, and architecture. In addition to providing the history of waterworks in the City of Boston, the museum’s Great Engines Hall houses three historic, steam-powered pumping engines, and walking tours of the reservoir itself are available. The architecturally breathtaking museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11am-4pm year-round, with extended “Waterworks Wednesday” hours until 9pm from April through November. Waterworks Wednesdays feature authors, concerts, and guest speakers in addition to regular tours and learning opportunities. https://waterworksmuseum.org

Ben & Jerry's "Chunkinator" converts ice cream waste into energy
Ben & Jerry’s “Chunkinator” converts ice cream waste into energy

3. Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury, VT

From its humble beginnings in a warehouse in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s has grown to a highly successful global corporation. And while the company has exponentially increased in both size and reach, it has remained loyal to its local roots. So when it was determined that the waste created in their Waterbury, Vermont location would overload the local wastewater treatment facility, they instead decided to funnel it to two of their local dairies where it is processed in a methane digester along with other farm waste. The result? Enough biomass energy to power the farms. Unfortunately, tours of the methane digester are not available. But that’s OK, because Ben & Jerry’s offers tours of its ice cream manufacturing facility, and these tours include education on the dairy waste – as well as ice cream samples. https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours

BONUS: Building on their commitment to green energy, Ben & Jerry’s is the first ice cream company in the world to power one of its manufacturing plants using its own waste. Located in Hellendoorn, Netherlands, the “Chunkinator” is a BIOPAQ®AFR Biodigester containing over 24 billion natural micro-organisms that turn the plant’s own ice cream waste and wastewater into biogas that fuels the plant. To date, the brightly-painted Chunkinator has produced enough power to make over 16 million pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. So if you happen to be in the Netherlands this summer, be sure to swing by to check it out! https://brightfuture.unilever.com/stories/423955/THE-CHUNKINATOR–Turning-ice-cream-into-energy.aspx

Maine's stunning Sebago Lake offers something for everyone
Maine’s stunning Sebago Lake offers something for everyone

4. Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility, Standish, ME

Maine’s Sebago Lake Region is a popular summer destination that offers camping, fishing, boating, hiking, shopping, dining, live music, theatre, and much more, and families travel from all over the country to enjoy the region’s pristine, natural beauty. While you are there, you can add a little education into the family trip by visiting the Portland Water District’s Sebago Lake Water Treatment Facility. Tours are available on the first and third Thursdays of each month, beginning at 9:30am and lasting approximately two hours, and include both the facility and the lab. Due to the technical, complex nature presented, tours are recommended for high school age and older. Located on a 10-acre site in Standish, Maine, the state-of-the-art facility utilizes screening, ozonation, UV light treatment, chloramination, fluoridation, and corrosion control. https://www.pwd.org/tours

After visiting the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, be sure to stop by beautiful Cove Island Park
After visiting the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, be sure to stop by beautiful Cove Island Park

5. Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority (WCPA), Stamford, CT

The Stamford Water Pollution Control Facility processes wastewater from Stamford and Darien, CT and discharges the treated water into the Stamford Harbor. The site has been treating wastewater since 1900, with the first plant being built in 1943. Upgraded in 1976 and again in 2006, the facility is manned 24/7/365. In response to multiple requests for tours, WPCA began offering regular public tours in 2013. Held on the second Friday of each month at 12:30pm (weather permitting), the tour includes classroom education on the wastewater treatment process followed by a walking tour of the plant to see it in full operation. Total tour time is approximately one and a half hours. In addition, comprehensive student or group educational tours for all ages can be scheduled in advance for Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 3pm. https://www.stamfordwpca.org/public-outreach.aspx

BONUS: While visiting Stamford, families can also visit Cove Island Park, a beautiful 83-acre beach and park on Long Island Sound that offers plenty of space for walking, biking, picnicking, or swimming, or they can even catch a ferry over to New York City.

Summer in New England is simply perfect for day tripping, and the education provided by a water or wastewater treatment plant tour is invaluable. So check out one (or more) of these five water and wastewater field trips, and let us know what you think. Happy summer!