Diana F’s extensive international experience in Gabon, Africa and Peru fueled her passion to become a chemical engineer specializing in wastewater. During her six years in Gabon, Diana witnessed firsthand what it was like to physically transport water for daily use, “At the time, seeing women carrying water didn't impact me then, but later, when I was at university, it really did impact me," she says. "It had something to do with why I wanted to work to help people improve their standard of living."

 

“Most of the time, it is the children who collect water, so while they are doing that, they can't go to school and get the education they need to escape the poverty cycle," continues Diana, "Most often, the water is not potable, so they further run the risk of getting sick, which is costly for the parents."

 

Diana’s next trip will take her back to Africa as a volunteer with Water For People, where she will help 51 communities obtain better water. CH2M HILL is supporting the cost of her trip. "I'm very lucky that CH2M HILLhas a fund to help employees who want to donate their time to a charity," Diana comments.