A powerful showcase of women leading the charge in climate action, conservation and community resilience headlined the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) Women’s History Month celebration. 

Barbara Hickey, director of operations at Willis Tower; S. Sunny Nelson, vice president of Conservation & Science at Lincoln Park Zoo; and Lindy Wordlaw, assistant commissioner for the City of Chicago Department of Environment, each shared their professional journey and highlighted how women are shaping solutions to environmental challenges across the region. The event, titled “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” was held on March 12, at held at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago. View a recording of the event.

“Women across our region are leading meaningful work in sustainability, equity and environmental protection,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Events like this celebrate not only their achievements but the pathways they are creating for future leaders.”

The speakers offered insights on building sustainable operations, advancing conservation initiatives and strengthening community partnerships in the face of climate change. Their stories underscored the powerful role women play in leading innovative work that protects both people and the environment.

“Women were doing great things long before we were given the right to vote in the USA in 1920,” said MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, who coordinated the event. “I am a firm believer in women lifting women. The women that presented here today shared their journey highlighting the theme of sustainability and relating it to our everyday life and the work we do at MWRD. Taking a look around our agency, I am grateful to see the leadership roles women hold and look forward to more fostering and encouraging in every field." 

The MWRD’s annual Women’s History Month celebration honors the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women from across all sectors, while inspiring future generations to help build a more resilient and sustainable future.

A sold-out crowd packs the MWRD boardroom to listen to many inspiring stories, messages and remarks from a talented group of speakers at the MWRD’s annual Women’s History Month event, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”