The portable sanitation and wastewater industries are experiencing a quiet but powerful shift, one driven by women who are building businesses, mentoring peers and redefining what leadership looks like in essential services.
This fall marked the eighth annual Satellite Women’s Conference, an event that has become a cornerstone for connection and growth among women in the industry. What began as a small gathering has evolved into a vibrant network where women at every stage of their careers, from customer service representatives, diesel mechanics and company owners, come together to share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate progress.
More than a conference
These conversations are shaping the future of the industry. As the workforce evolves and the demand for skilled professionals grows, more women are stepping into technical and leadership roles. They are running operations, leading safety programs and managing teams that serve construction sites, events and communities every day. Their presence is helping to challenge outdated perceptions and highlight the professionalism, care and complexity that portable sanitation work requires.
And the momentum continues to build. In 2026, the WWETT Show will launch its first-ever Women of Wastewater Award, a recognition dedicated to honoring those who have made outstanding contributions in traditionally male-dominated fields. By spotlighting the women who are shaping operations, policy and innovation, the award will help inspire others to see what is possible and encourage companies to foster diverse, supportive workplaces.
Role models
Representation matters. When women see other women succeeding in roles across the industry, it opens doors for the next generation. Mentorship and visibility create pathways for growth, helping individuals find their footing in an industry that thrives on collaboration and adaptability. The more perspectives we bring to the table, the stronger and more resilient our workforce becomes.
The Portable Sanitation Association International reflects this progress within its own leadership. The association has had two consecutive female executive directors and currently, more than one-third of its board of directors is represented by women working across the industry. Their leadership continues to demonstrate the impact of inclusion, collaboration and representation at every level.
For PROs as a whole
The industry’s evolution is about more than gender; it is about opening the door to opportunity for all. It is about building workplaces where skill, professionalism and passion are what matter most. Whether through conferences like Satellite’s, recognition programs like the upcoming Women of Wastewater Award, or the everyday leadership happening in companies large and small, women are helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for the essential services we all depend on.
Interested in meeting more women of wastewater? Join us at PSAI’s EDGE Summit on March 3-5, 2026 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where you can grow your community with fellow operators from around the world.
