.svg)
Chelsea Boozer
"There's so much more to how water works. Water workers do so much to make this resource available for us."
I grew up in Arkansas telling stories as a journalist.
I loved giving voice to important issues, but when I became a mother, the reality hit that journalism wasn't going to provide the stability my family needed.
That's when I discovered public service in the water industry. Most people turn on their tap and expect clean water to flow without thinking about the intricate system behind it. That water has been tested countless times, treated carefully, and delivered through infrastructure that's constantly maintained.
What keeps me up at night now is knowing about 30 percent of our water workforce will retire soon, and we're not bringing in enough new talent. These are good jobs. Many positions don't require degrees, just dedication and include solid pay and benefits. But more importantly, they matter. Every day, water workers ensure communities have access to life's most essential resource.
Public service isn't glamorous. It's showing up when pipes burst at 2 AM. It's making difficult decisions for the greater good that might not make everyone happy. It's working behind the scenes so communities can thrive without thinking about what makes that possible.
I didn't plan to end up here. My path curved from journalism to government affairs to now leading Rogue Water Lab, but I've found something journalism couldn't give me: the chance to not just tell stories that matter, but to be part of them. To make tangible differences in people's lives, even if they never know my name.
