In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting our Strategic Communications Team, four women driving transformative change in the male-dominated water industry. Led by Haili Matsukawa, this team embodies excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies in communication and sustainability.

Vice President and Strategic Communications Practice Lead Haili Matsukawa is an accomplished communications professional specializing in community outreach, public affairs, and stakeholder coordination. She shared her insights and experiences in response to several questions, shedding light on her journey and vision for the future.

When asked to share advice for young women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields, Haili emphasized the importance of authenticity, “You don’t need to change or adapt how you speak, lead, or contribute to fit the status quo. The world and workforce are changing very quickly! You bring unique strengths and perspectives needed to overcome today’s challenges. Surround yourself with leaders and mentors who celebrate diversity and recognize the immense value women bring to teams.”

On balancing personal and professional goals in a demanding role, Haili candidly shared that it can be a struggle but having a diverse toolbox helps. “I’ve learned that work-life balance is a bit like balancing a teeter totter. Often, my focus leans heavily on my career/clients/projects; other times, my personal life requires more attention and care. I haven’t found a perfect equilibrium, but I have discovered many tools that help when I am feeling overwhelmed or out of balance: therapy, naps, mindfulness, medication, and sunshine walks are all part of my health routine. Equally important is my ability to lean on teammates, friends, and family for extra support.”

Delving into the pressing issues facing the water consulting industry today, Haili addressed climate change impacts, aging infrastructure, and affordability challenges. Regardless of the issue, she stressed the importance of collaboration and communication in tackling these complex challenges. “Strategic communication brings critical stakeholders together to collaborate, negotiate, and problem-solve the industry’s most pressing challenges.”

Looking ahead, Haili outlined ambitious goals for herself and the Strategic Communications Team at WSC, “Our vision is for all agencies and water leaders to actively collaborate with their customers, neighbors, and policymakers to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of the community and environment for generations to come.”

Haili leads a team of professionals that includes:

Project Manager Jennifer Rogers has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, communication, and relationship building. Jennifer draws on her experience to design and facilitate dynamic discussions with diverse groups. She supports regional water leaders in articulating their vision and translating it into an actionable plan.

Graphic Designer and Brand Manager Nina Thoming brings nearly a decade of experience and has a unique ability to translate technical engineering content into beautiful pieces that are easily understood by target audiences. In addition to being the lead designer for all client work, Nina manages and maintains the WSC brand identity by ensuring content is consistent with the company priorities.

Project Manager Amy Stevens is an integrated communication expert skilled at developing and executing strategies that educate communities and affect change. Amy is a trained technical writer with nearly 20 years of experience advancing long-term strategic communication plans, facilitating complex discussions, and leading communications efforts that meet the needs of clients and communities.

Learn more about our Strategic Communications practice area here.