Breakout Sessions
Women and Water: The Driving Force Behind Solving One of the World’s Biggest Challenges
Session Track: Surge with Savvy
Women are disproportionately impacted by the water crisis, as they are often responsible for collecting water for their family’s survival. This crisis locks women in a cycle of poverty. This session will examine how the woman’s role is not merely one as a beneficiary of aid, but instead a powerhouse lifting communities out of poverty and how women in the developed and developing world can work collaboratively to break stigmas and address root causes of global issues. Through riveting testimonials and case studies, learn how empowering women around the world to reach their full potential can in turn transform communities.
Shilpa Alva
Founder & Executive Director - Surge for Water
Shilpa Alva is the founder of Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the cycle of poverty through access to safe water and sanitation solutions. Since its founding 10 years ago, Surge has impacted over 1 million lives in 11 countries. Alva’s journey didn’t start in the international development world. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a biomolecular and chemical engineering degree, she joined the corporate world and earned her MBA from the Carlson School. After a highly successful corporate career, she made the bold choice to follow her purpose and live fully in alignment with it.