Carlos Carrillo
, an Assistant Resource Specialist II in Water Resources Management, won the Stephen K. Hall Water Law and Policy Scholarship at the fall conference of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) last week.
In winning the $7,000 scholarship,
Carlos
faced tough competition from other graduate students who applied for the prestigious award. He'll use the scholarship to finish his Masters in Public Administration at USC.
Carlos
is taking three classes this semester and working full-time. “People told me it was going to be a lot of work and I wouldn't get any sleep. And they were right,” he joked to the packed house at the conference. “But I know it will all be worth it.”
Carlos
grew up in Los Angeles and has a degree in environmental science from Santa Clara University. For a Water Policy and Law class, he had to write a letter to the head of a water agency. He researched Metropolitan and drafted a letter to GM
Kightlinger
. He never actually sent the letter, but learning about the organization motivated him to want to work for Met after he graduated.
One of
Carlos
’ mentors is
Bob Harding
, from whom he has learned so much about water policy and our organization. Now,
Carlos
works full-time on long-term supply and demand forecasts for the Integrated Water Resources Plan.
Carlos
has volunteered for LA Waterkeeper, Council for Watershed Health and Tree People, organizations that share his commitment to sustainable water management. In his spare time, he plays guitar, is becoming a master at grilling and travels with his girlfriend.