Reflecting on the Water Builds: Innovation - Kohler, Wisconsin Summit

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Water Builds: Innovation - Kohler, Wisconsin Summit at Kohler Corporate Headquarters. Surrounded by passionate Water Mission partners from across the country, the experience was nothing short of inspiring. The summit offered a wealth of insights into life-changing initiatives in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and I’m excited to share my reflections on this incredible event.

Dinner at the Kohler Design Center

Tuesday evening started with an amazing tour and dinner at Kohler's Design Center, a three-level showcase of innovative product design and technology, creative achievement, and American history. To my wife, I'm sorry I didn't bring you with me! :-)

Inspiring Welcome Remarks

Wednesday morning began with insightful welcome remarks from several key leaders whose vision set the tone for the day:

• Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainable Living Officer at Kohler Co.
• George Greene III, Co-Founder of Water Mission and the Global Water Center
• Steve Cox, Board Chair at Water Mission
• Matthew Sanchez, Director of Innovation for Good & Waste Lab at Kohler Co.

Their words underscored the importance of our collective efforts to bring sustainable WASH solutions to communities in need, and I left feeling energized to contribute to this vital cause.

Session One: From Resource to Tap - Water Use and Sustainable Service

George Greene IV, CEO of Water Mission, presented the first session of the day. He provided an in-depth look at Water Mission’s purpose and goals, emphasizing the critical responsibility of bringing safe water to underserved communities worldwide. The session highlighted the importance of sustainable water use and the ongoing efforts to design products and services that last.

Learning and Collaboration Throughout the Day

Another summit highlight was a presentation by Michael Webster, Program Manager for the Water Resources Group, who shared how Cape Town survived a 1-in-600-year drought. This session was a powerful testament to the innovation and resilience required to face such extreme challenges.

Following this, we engaged in a roundtable discussion where attendees split into smaller groups to explore various sustainability goals and best practices. The roundtable provided a valuable opportunity to dive deeper into how companies can use their strengths to impact water sustainability, access, and security. The conversation also touched on how organizations can collaborate beyond their walls to make a broader impact.

Panel Session: Innovation Applications

In the afternoon, the third session—a panel discussion on Innovation Applications—brought together industry leaders to explore the role of innovation in driving sustainability. The session, facilitated by Mandy Goksu of Water Mission, included contributions from:

• George Greene III, Co-Founder of Water Mission and the Global Water Center
• George Greene IV, CEO of Water Mission
• Joseph Schmitt, Business Development Manager at Kohler
• Sean Stephan, Director of Sustainability at Oxy
• Michael Webster, Program Manager for Water Resources Group 2030

This discussion focused on the intersection of business and nonprofit organizations in driving sustainable water stewardship, highlighting examples from human-centered product design to agricultural water stewardship.

Water Mission Stories of Hope & Q&A

The final session of the day, Water Mission Stories of Hope & Q&A, was a deeply moving and inspiring experience. This session featured powerful stories from the field about the transformative impact of clean water on communities around the world.

These stories highlighted the resilience and hope of those who have benefited from Water Mission’s work, demonstrating how access to safe water can change lives, uplift communities, and foster lasting development. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees could ask questions and learn more about the challenges and successes of Water Mission’s projects.

Building Connections Through Social Activities

Beyond the insightful sessions and discussions, Kohler ensured there were plenty of opportunities for connection and collaboration. We enjoyed upscale mini golf at Blackwolf Run, The Baths, followed by a beautiful dinner at Whistling Straits. These social activities provided the perfect environment to build relationships with like-minded professionals committed to making a difference.

Gratitude and Moving Forward

I am especially grateful to FHI for supporting my attendance at this remarkable event. The summit was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and innovation in bringing essential WASH systems to those who need them most. And thank you, Kohler, for hosting the event. Your culture and excellence certainly shine in everything you do.

As I reflect on this experience, I am more committed than ever to continuing to raise awareness of the work of providing safe water and sanitation solutions. The connections made, and the knowledge gained will undoubtedly guide my efforts moving forward.

?? Here’s to continuing the work of providing safe water to those who need it most, and a big thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable!

Laura Kohler Matthew Sanchez George Greene Steve Cox Michael John Webster Joseph Schmitt Sean Stephan, MS, ENV SP Mandy Goksu Chris Ramsey Jennifer McHugh Adams, CFRE

#WaterMission #Innovation #Sustainability #WASH #Grateful #Kohler