Inaugural Women’s Career and Wellness Expo

By Vanessa Lopez

After much anticipation and excitement, LADWP in partnership with the Women’s Council hosted our first-ever Women’s Career and Wellness Expo on May 6 at the Truesdale Training Center in Sun Valley. The color pink exploded throughout the facility, which is known for hosting the popular Lineman’s Rodeo, as approximately 2,000 students, employees and community members gathered to explore LADWP’s vast career opportunities and participate in wellness-focused activities.

The event started off strong with great music provided by KCRW DJs Valida and Ro Wyldflower and an early morning workout to get blood flowing. Attendees then gathered at the main stage as emcee and Civil Engineering Associate Fabiola Moreno and other female representatives of the Department introduced welcome messages from Board President Cynthia McClain-Hill, Board Vice President Cynthia Ruiz, General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Adams and IBEW Local 18 Senior Assistant Business Manager Shawn McCloud.

Throughout the day, attendees were able to speak with and learn from employees in our Water, Power and Joint Systems and representatives from partner organizations, many of whom excel in trade and STEM positions. LADWP staff also treated attendees to exciting job and equipment demonstrations showcasing helicopters, tractors and more, in addition to electrical safety and line worker demos.

While the Expo helped attendees learn about the vast career opportunities the Department offers, it was also an opportunity to showcase the importance LADWP places on the health and wellness of our employees. Attendees had the chance to hear about the Department’s tuition reimbursement program, speak with IBEW Local 18 representatives and attend a financial literacy presentation by the Water and Power Community Credit Union to encourage a well-rounded lifestyle. In addition, the Expo featured a variety of wellness vendor booths, including the Department’s different healthcare providers who shared information about the benefits LADWP makes available to employees.

Even the little guests were not forgotten, as kids enjoyed a petting zoo, rock climbing wall and aerial silk demonstration while their family members explored future possibilities with LADWP.

LADWP is proud to have hosted the inaugural Women’s Career and Wellness Expo. The event helped shine a light on LADWP’s commitment to supporting women in the workplace to the wider Los Angeles community, including potential future LADWP employees. By increasing awareness about the opportunities and resources the Department provides, more women may be motivated to join LADWP to lead fulfilling careers.

Thank you to those who attended! LADWP is already looking forward to next year’s Women’s Career and Wellness Expo.

View images from the event below, photos by Art Mochizuki and courtesy of Avantus. Video by Oshin Manoukian.