MWRD hosts 12th Annual Sustainability Summit, presents green infrastructure, education awards

October 31, 2024

Presenters at the MWRD's 12th Annual Sustainability Summit included (L-R): MWRD Associate Civil Engineer Stephanie Nash, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability Program Manager Brian Daly, National Weather Service Senior Service Hydrologist and Hydrology Program Leader W. Scott Lincoln, MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda; MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn; MWRD Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski; MWRD President Kari K. Steele; Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program Director Meg Kelly, Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security Planning and Preparedness Manager Phillip Mason, and MWRD Associate Civil Engineer Herman Lopez.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) brought together environmental leaders and innovators for its 12th Annual Sustainability Summit on October 29, 2024, at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) Auditorium.

Placing a special emphasis on managing the effects of climate change, the event this year brought together key industry experts, including hydrologists, engineers, planners and sustainability leaders, sharing valuable insights on building resilient, eco-friendly communities for the future. In addition to the presentations, this event recognized communities or individuals for their exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability through innovative green infrastructure, impactful capital investments, and dynamic public education efforts.

In addition to MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda, and Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski, keynote speakers included:

• W. Scott Lincoln, Senior Service Hydrologist and Hydrology Program Leader, National Weather Service in Chicago
• Herman Lopez and Stephanie Nash, MWRD Associate Civil Engineers, who presented updates on the MWRD's Stormwater Management Programs
• Brian Daly, Program Manager, Department of Environment and Sustainability, Cook County
• Phillip Mason, Planning and Preparedness Manager, Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security
• Meg Kelly, Director, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program

Members of the Stickney Community Partnership Council were also recognized for their commitment to a two-year program that involves not only learning about MWRD's work and the Stickney WRP's vital role in water protection but also discussing flood mitigation projects and promoting environmentally friendly practices in their communities. The Sustainability Summit served as a backdrop and first meeting to initiate the work of community partnership council.

"We are proud to bring together such an inspiring group of environmental leaders and innovators at this year's Sustainability Summit," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "The insights shared by our experts, from stormwater management to regional sustainability initiatives, are critical to building resilient, eco-friendly communities for the future."

Awards recognizing organizations and individuals that excel in incorporating green infrastructure or educating the public to benefit the community and environment included:

• Village of River Forest: Excellence in Promoting Green Infrastructure
• Village of Glenview: Excellence in Installing Green Infrastructure
• Village of Riverside: Excellence in Maintaining Green Infrastructure
• Principal Afua Agyeman-Badu, Aldridge Elementary School: Public Education Award
• Network 49: Public Education Award

"These awardees are paving the way for a greener, more resilient future in our communities," said MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda. "Their projects and educational efforts not only protect our environment but serve as inspiring models for others to follow. It's an honor to recognize their leadership in sustainability and their commitment to creating lasting positive change across our region."

The MWRD Board of Commissioners honored representatives from the villages of River Forest, Glenview and Riverside for their commitment to green infrastructure and stormwater management practices as well leaders from Aldridge Elementary School and Network 49 for their public education work to advance sustainable causes on both the Far South Side and Far North Side of Chicago, respectively.

Awards recognizing organizations and individuals that excel in incorporating green infrastructure or educating the public to benefit the community and environment included:

• Village of River Forest: Excellence in Promoting Green Infrastructure
• Village of Glenview: Excellence in Installing Green Infrastructure
• Village of Riverside: Excellence in Maintaining Green Infrastructure
• Principal Afua Agyeman-Badu, Aldridge Elementary School: Public Education Award
• Network 49: Public Education Award

(From L-R): Members of the Stickney Water Reclamation District Community Partnership Council: with MWRD Board of Commissioners members: David Bryant, Susan Joseph, Meg Kelly, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, President Kari K. Steele, Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Rich Leschina, Jacqueline Candelas, Delia Barajas, and Rebecca Fiala.

A video of the program will be posted to the MWRD's YouTube Channel.