Solving the Global Water Crisis

Come listen to Eleanor talk about global water issues and how they connect to Colorado water issues. She has first-hand knowledge of the world of water from her international career in both for-profit and non-profit.  With a finite water supply and an ever-growing demand for this precious resource, water supply is a top risk for business and essential for maintaining the quality of life we know today. The advent of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is a recent bright spot in global development.  All 193 nations of the world have pledged to ensure sustainable water and sanitation services for all by 2030.  This is easier said than done in the low and middle-income counties where Water For People works.  However, with innovative approaches to development and leadership in the water sector, progress is accelerating.  This progress is especially true for women and girls as they are disproportionately affected by the global water and sanitation crisis.  

Eleanor Allen is the CEO of Water For People, a global nonprofit working in nine countries in Africa, Latin America, and India to help develop sustainable water and sanitation services. It is recognized as an innovative leader in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector through its innovative approach to development, which brings together local entrepreneurs, technology, governments, and communities to create quality, reliable and lasting systems and services.

 Prior to Water For People Eleanor was the Global Director of Water at Arcadis and the Latin America Director of Water at CH2M. She is a registered professional engineer experienced in leading multi-cultural, global teams in delivering rural and urban infrastructure programs and in managing regional and global operations.  Eleanor and Water For People were named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Schwab Foundation. Eleanor did a TEDx talk on Why Water Is A Women’s Issue. She won the Denver Outstanding Women in Business Award in Architecture, Engineering and Construction and was inducted into the Academy for Distinguished Alumni at the University of California at Berkeley. Eleanor is on the Advisory Board at the University of Colorado Mortenson Center for Engineering in Developing Communities and is a Water Environment Federation Fellow. She has lived and worked in many different countries and speaks four languages. 

Eleanor will be introduced by Steve Werner.