2026 Women of Wastewater Awards
Celebrating Outstanding Women in the Wastewater Industry
This exciting program is designed to honor the women who are driving innovation, breaking barriers, and making a lasting impact in the wastewater industry.
Nominations are now closed for WWETT 2026
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Do you know someone whose expertise and dedication inspire others? A woman who is lifting up her community, leading with passion, or pushing the boundaries of the field? Now is your chance to celebrate her remarkable achievements.
Nominate an outstanding woman today and join us in celebrating the leaders transforming the wastewater industry. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the WWETT Show 2026!
2026 Award Recipients
The Awardees were honored at a special ceremony at the 2026 WWETT Show
Michelle Amelse serves as the Chief Customer Officer at Satellite Industries and brings 27 years of experience with the company. She began her career in customer service and is recognized for her commitment to advocating for both customers and industry professionals. She is also the co-founder of the Satellite Women’s Conference, the industry’s first and only conference dedicated to women in portable sanitation, now celebrating eight consecutive years as an annual event. Michelle remains committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities across wastewater and sanitation through leadership, mentorship, and meaningful partnership.
Joanne Carroll brings more than 35 years of specialized experience in the water and wastewater industry. Her career includes 18 years with a major polymeric lining manufacturer and just over a decade leading a Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) system provider before founding Subtegic Group Inc., where she now delivers consulting services on infrastructure rehabilitation using trenchless technologies. Joanne is also at the forefront of national efforts to advance building and plumbing codes to include CIPP and pipe bursting. She is helping to establish ASSE/IAPMO Professional Qualification Standards and training programs to ensure proper inspection and installation practices for these technologies.
Michele has served the City of Shelbyville, Indiana for nearly 40 years. Today, as Superintendent of the Shelbyville Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), she oversees a complex, 16 MGD facility serving more than 19,000 residents, providing both operational leadership and scientific expertise that drives the plant’s day-to-day compliance and long-term strategy. Over her tenure, Shelly has standardized and modernized the Shelbyville wastewater laboratory, implementing rigorous testing protocol and advancing quality assurance practices still used today. As Superintendent, Shelly continues to lead with precision, humility, and unwavering expectations for lab accuracy and public safety, ensuring Shelbyville remains a reliable steward of water quality in the Big Blue River watershed.
Sheila Joy has served as NASSCO's Executive Director since 2018. With 25 years dedicated to the wastewater industry, Sheila's vision has led to significant growth during her term, including NASSCO training programs such as PACP, which to date boasts more than 40,000 certified individuals. She has also led the Association into expansion of the plumbing industry by building partnerships with other organizations, such as IAPMO, and introducing NASSCO’s Building Sewer and Drain Inspection and Cleaning Programs. Over the years Sheila has not wavered from setting her sights on the Association’s mission to set standards for the assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure through her commitment to providing viable solutions to address aging wastewater systems via education, technical resources, and advocacy.
Kimberly Turner is the owner and driving force behind Turner Septic LLC, where she has redefined what professionalism, education, and leadership look like in wastewater services. Known industry-wide as the Pumper Princess, Kim combines technical excellence with fearless advocacy—elevating standards in septic inspection, pumping, and compliance while making wastewater education accessible, engaging, and community-focused. Kim is a nationally respected voice for women in wastewater—championing mentorship, continuing education, and visibility for the next generation of professionals. Her impact reaches far beyond the job site—building stronger communities, safer systems, and a more inclusive future for the wastewater industry.
- Michelle Amelse
- Joanne Carroll
- Michelle Higdon
- Shelia Joy
- Kimberly Turner
The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2025.
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