Dawn Capotosti

I never give up. I don't take no for an answer. I really believe if I'm doing something that is truly beneficial for the public or for public health, that it's right to keep pushing to do it. Sometimes elected officials or management don't understand because they don't come from the technical background or the science background, but there really is a need for people who have the expertise to stand their ground and to really say, no, it needs to be done this way because this is for the safety of the public. I truly, every day, with the best of intentions, always want people treated kindly and fairly. People know I'm a straight shooter. I'm also the kind of person where if you come to me with a problem, I love to brainstorm and think of solutions. I'm always willing to sit down with somebody and be like, okay, let's think of everything under the sun we can think of, and then start knocking out what's not going to work, and try to come up with a solution. I think that's probably my biggest avenue to success. I just don't give up, I just keep going. The day I stopped learning, you might as well just throw me in the casket. I want to learn every day.

My biggest piece of advice is if you are in college and you are studying science, science of any kind, that you have some kind of natural background science, really look at the registered sanitarian role. Most people have never heard of it, they have no idea what it is, and they don't even realize that with their amazing science background, that this is an industry they can get into. There's kids that apply to medical school who maybe don't get in, but you know what, they can come in and challenge this certification test and start working as a sanitarian while they're trying to get back into med school. Whatever it is, there's so many options in this role for people who love science or have a science background, but they're not told about it. My biggest thing is just get the word out there about this role and position, and the more we get the word out, the better income for everybody. It's just a win-win. Don't be afraid to speak up and participate fully in discussions.

Political interference, absolutely. Political interference, even at the county level, which is difficult because not only are you trying to be a regulatory agency, which is just by code and statute, but you have a lot of political pressure on you as well. That is the biggest challenge, and it seems like in the last few years, the pressure's getting more and more and more, and I think that's just the climate across the country. It's the most challenging thing to maneuver, staying true and authentic to your regulations and working the best you can with people in the public sector who understand that nobody's singled out, everybody's treated fairly and equitably. But it's difficult. You get the political pressure, right? They're trying to make things better for their constituents, but at the same time I don't have any wiggle room. It's by code, so that's the hardest part.

I am passionate about service and volunteerism. I believe meaningful change happens when individuals are willing to contribute their time, expertise, and energy to causes larger than themselves. I volunteer for the American Legion every Friday serving meals to veterans, and every Sunday I volunteer at the Humane Society walking dogs. I am getting ready to start a nonprofit organization called the Arizona On-Site Wastewater Advisory Committee, which I hope will provide education, advocacy, and support within the wastewater and environmental health sectors. My vision is to create a resource that supports professionals, policymakers, and communities while promoting best practices that protect groundwater and public health throughout Arizona. I truly believe if I'm doing something that is truly beneficial for the public or for public health, that it's right to keep pushing to do it. Every day, with the best of intentions, I always want people treated kindly and fairly.