Cheryl Porter Shatters Glass Ceilings as First Black Woman President of AWWA

Cheryl Porter, a trailblazer in every sense of the word, is now leading the charge for the American Water Works Association (AWWA) as its President. Her election is historic, marking the first time an African American and a woman of color has held the top board position in the organization’s 143-year history. As the Chief Operating Officer of Water and Field Services for the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), Porter’s ascent to this role signifies a monumental step forward, not just for the AWWA, but for the broader community she represents. Porter’s leadership journey is deeply rooted in Detroit, where she attended public schools and laid the foundation for her remarkable career. Her election as AWWA President is a moment of immense pride and significance, reflecting the hard-earned progress of Black women in leadership roles. For too long, these positions have been inaccessible, but Porter’s achievement is a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and excellence of Black women in the professional sphere. “It is a tremendous honor having been elected President of the AWWA,” said Porter. “As a product of Detroit Public Schools and the first Black person to serve in this role, the historical significance...