The Make Water Work Podcast - Episode 40 Featuring Lily Lopez
Communications
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Episode 40: Catalyst Collab - Lily Lopez
In this episode of the Make Water Work & Catalyst Collab, Isaac sits down with Lily Lopez, Director of External Affairs and Sustainability at Walnut Valley Water District and founder of Latinas in Water, a growing professional community built to connect and empower Latina women across the water sector. Lily is also a co-host of Catalyst 2026, where Walnut Valley Water District joins as a presenting partner.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Lily went from a PR firm in downtown LA to a director-level role in water — without the traditional background
- Why curiosity is the one quality that separates communicators who thrive in the water sector
- The founding story of Latinas in Water — what gap she noticed, and why she built it with longevity in mind
- What Catalyst has meant to Lily's career, her team, and the communicators she brings with her each year
- How the 2026 theme of "showing up" connects to the larger challenge of earning a seat at the executive table
- What Lily hopes every attendee walks away from Catalyst 2026
Catalyst 2026 takes place August 31–September 3 in San Diego at the Westgate Hotel. Learn more and reserve your spot at catalysth2o.org.
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