Building a successful career is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and continuous learning. In support of these goals, CASA is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders through targeted programming aimed at cultivating the skills necessary for career advancement. As part of the Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) initiative, CASA launched the facilitated CASA Mentoring Program in 2021. This comprehensive program is designed to connect emerging talent in the water sector with seasoned leaders from CASA’s member agencies and associates, providing opportunities for greater involvement in our conferences, events, committees, and programs.
CASA is proud to introduce a few of the 2024-25 cohort of mentees who are embracing growth and committing to their professional development:
Kristina Matthews, City of Fresno
Kristina Matthews is a Program Manager with the City of Fresno, working at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. She began her wastewater career as a Lab Technician in the plant’s onsite ELAP Certified Lab. Currently, Kristina manages several programs, including CV-SALTS, the Nitrate Control Program, and Air Board initiatives, as well as overseeing association and committee meetings. She also stays up to date with new regulations that impact the wastewater sector.
Ray David, Carollo
Ray David is experienced in wastewater master planning, evaluating and designing wastewater process units, and air quality and odor control remediation projects. He has served as project manager on master planning projects that include hydraulic evaluations, process evaluations, nutrient reduction planning, CIP planning, I/I evaluations, and overall long-term community planning. His project experience ranges from wastewater treatment process unit evaluations to nutrient reduction evaluations to air quality based on academic research and practical applications. Ray received his BS in Civil Engineering and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineer from Purdue University and his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Virgina Tech.
Wajiha Noor, EMWD
Wajiha Noor works a Governmental Affairs Analyst at Eastern Municipal Water District in Riverside County, California. In her role, she advocates on behalf of the district for sound water, wastewater, and recycled water policy and legislation at both the state and local level. She also serves on the State Water Resources Control Board’s advisory group for the Wastewater Needs Assessment, supporting California’s first statewide effort to advance the human rights to sanitation. Passionate about affordability and equitable access to services, Wajiha holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside.
Veronia Siwy, Synargro
Veronica Siwy has been in the water and wastewater industry for 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Public Administration. Veronica has a background in potable water, wastewater, recycled water, biosolids, storm water and sustainability. Currently, Veronica is a Business Development Director for Synagro, developing biosolids solutions for the west coast.
Bina Kapoor, LVMWD
Bina Kapoor is a Laboratory Technician at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, with nearly 4 and a half years of experience in the wastewater industry, and just over 2 years at LVMWD. Bina thrives in the lab, finding joy in the work and continuously seeking new opportunities. She embraces challenges, stepping beyond her comfort zone, and remains committed to growing with the ever-evolving industry.
CASA will be continuing the CASA Mentorship Program with a new session beginning in October of 2025. The program is open to all CASA member agencies and associates. To see if your agency is a member, go to bit.ly/4e18ZeX. Join as a mentor or mentee to inspire others, share knowledge, and drive change! Take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to grow your career and make a meaningful impact in the water sector. Apply now and be a part of a community dedicated to leadership and excellence! For more information and to apply, visit the CASA Mentorship Program page.
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