Sanitary District General Manager and Neurodiversity Expert Beverli Marshall on the Value of Diversity of Disciplines and Thought Processes in Water and Sanitation Leadership

0:00-00:43 - Introduction and Welcome Remarks

The host welcomes the guest speaker, Beverli Marshall, to the Women Of Water Virtual Summit and provides an overview of the event's objectives and agenda.

0:43 - 6:09 - Background of Beverli Marshall  

Beverli is a spokesperson for neurodiversity in the water industry and discusses how water utilities can address neurodiversity in the workplace. She has 13 years of experience in the wastewater industry and became a general manager for a wastewater agency almost seven years ago. She started in government and has a broad background, which has given her a unique perspective of the industry. She discusses the challenges women face in the water industry and how there is still a thick glass ceiling, but she was able to envision herself as an executive and pursue that path.

6:09-13:43 Lacking diversity in leadership positions

The water and wastewater industry lacks diversity in leadership positions, particularly women and people of color, due to the industry's heavy focus on STEM fields and biased hiring practices that favor white males. Women are often viewed as "doers" rather than generalists, despite possessing skills necessary for executive-level positions. To address this issue, hiring managers need to examine their biases and actively seek out qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.

13:43-20:37 Keynotes of Beverli -Importance of challenging traditional notions

The speaker talks about the importance of challenging traditional notions of what a leader or executive looks like, and how diversity in thought and approach can be valuable for leadership roles. The speaker also discusses the concept of neurodiversity and how people with different neurodivergent conditions can bring unique perspectives to different fields, and that trying to force a certain number of people into specific fields based on demographics may not be the best approach.

20:37-25:56 Representation and mentorship for women

The speaker discusses the lack of representation and mentorship for women and people of color in the engineering industry. They also touch on the challenges faced by individuals who are neurodiverse, particularly women who may not receive diagnoses until later in life. The speaker notes that accommodations in the workplace are often lacking for those with disabilities who are able to succeed in their careers.

25:56-31:55 Autism and Other Medical Conditions

Beverli discusses how girls with autism often go undiagnosed because they are typically more social than boys, who are more likely to be diagnosed with behavioral issues. This creates a problem because the diagnostic criteria are geared towards boys, and there is a lack of understanding about how autism presents differently in girls. The speaker also mentions how gender expectations and the intersectionality of gender and neurodivergence can make it even more challenging for girls with autism to fit in. The speaker also touches on the comorbidity of neurodivergence and mental health issues and how it can be challenging to navigate the workplace.

31:55- 36:52 The challenges women face in the workplace 

In this video, the speakers discuss the challenges women face in the workplace, including feeling safe and comfortable, fitting in, and being judged on appearance. They also discuss the different phases of a woman's career and the importance of supporting women throughout their career paths. The environmental industry is highlighted as a public-facing and cautious industry.

36:52-41:30 Discrimination among Women 

The conversation discusses how women are often asked discriminatory questions during job interviews, such as how they will handle childcare. It highlights the need for companies to understand that each person's needs and expectations are different and to move away from a one-size-fits-all mentality. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that these issues are not static and require constant attention and adjustment.

41:30-47-57 Importance of having diverse perspectives when problem-solving 

The speakers discuss the importance of having diverse perspectives when problem-solving and how having more women involved in discussions can provide unique perspectives. They suggest that promoting the idea of making a difference and contributing to the environment and the world could help attract more women to STEM fields. They also discuss the challenges that women face in STEM fields and how they are not always welcomed due to their gender. The interviewer congratulates the speaker on her recent completion of her PhD and acknowledges her contributions to the industry.

47:57-49:55 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

In closing, it was discussed that girls on the autism spectrum may exhibit more verbal hyperactivity rather than physical hyperactivity. They may also overcompensate to fit in with the popular girls or become an operator to fit in with the guys. It's important to be aware of these tendencies and strive for more diversity and inclusion in the industry. Beverly Marshall's insights on her experience as a neurodiverse individual working in water were appreciated, and the Summit was commended for helping people feel less alone and promoting awareness and change. Viewers are encouraged to continue watching the other talks in the Summit.