Her Story
About Brooke
Brooke White is the Executive Director of the Central Valley Project Water Association (CVPWA), a nonprofit organization representing federal water contractors throughout California. Based in Sacramento, she leads the association's strategic operations, overseeing budgeting, board relations, financial management, member advocacy, and educational initiatives for 83 water districts. As the organization's sole employee, Brooke also serves as its primary liaison with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and represents members' interests through policy advocacy and lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.
Brooke's career in water resource management began more than two decades ago when an introduction at a federal government career fair led to a student position with the Bureau of Reclamation. What started as an entry-level opportunity grew into a distinguished 22-year career, during which she served as an economist and later as a program manager. Her extensive experience in federal water policy, economics, and program administration provided her with a deep understanding of the complex challenges surrounding water allocation, sustainability, and resource management across the western United States.
Holding a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Westminster University, Brooke combines technical expertise with collaborative leadership. She is passionate about building partnerships among water agencies, promoting innovative solutions to water scarcity, and advancing sustainable water management practices. Through her work, she remains committed to educating stakeholders, fostering cooperation, and helping shape policies that support California's long-term water security.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brooke
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and the strong work ethic my mother instilled in me. Graduating summa cum laude and completing the honors program through my master's degree reflected my commitment to excellence. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I stayed focused on my goal of advancing into leadership through dedication, resilience, and continuous growth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never stop learning. Much of what you'll need to know comes from staying informed about industry developments and gaining experience on the job. Stay organized, communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders, and make it a priority to keep others informed and educated about important issues and opportunities.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing the growing uncertainty surrounding water resources, including climate change, drought, wildfires, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising costs. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to develop the next generation of leaders as experienced professionals retire, inspire young people to pursue careers in water management, and strengthen collaboration to ensure long-term water and food security.
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