"Water is life, and it has shaped my life." —Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of RCAP.

Growing up in the arid rural community of Northern Mexico, Olga Morales-Pate developed a deep and personal connection to water. For much of her early life, access to clean running water was not a basic necessity but a luxury, making Olga acutely aware of water's critical role in households and communities. Olga’s story is a powerful testament to human resilience and the ability to turn adversity into strength. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is nothing short of inspiring. Listen to the entire conversation here

Transforming Personal Experiences into a Professional Passion

Overcoming hardships requires a fighting spirit, and Olga’s journey in the water industry is filled with experiences that have shaped her unwavering commitment to this field. Her story begins in a soil and water testing lab, where she first honed her skills. From there, she transitioned into a regulatory role, addressing communities' water needs. Eventually, Olga joined RCAP as a technical assistance provider. Her passion for offering technical aid and working within communities genuinely reflects her dedication to the broader cause. This dedication has only strengthened as she advanced into leadership roles over the past two decades.

Building Community Resilience Through Partnership

The concept of regionalism in the water sector often stirs fear and resistance among smaller communities. However, Olga advocates for a shift in perspective. She encourages avoiding terms like "takeover" or "consolidation" and instead emphasizes the benefits of shared resources. Olga points to the successful legislative push in New Mexico, which led to the developing of a multi-million-dollar entity for water conservation and infrastructure, as a prime example of what regional collaboration can achieve.

Championing Small Communities

Olga views small communities not just as recipients of aid but as essential contributors to the economy. She emphasizes the importance of flexible funding options tailored to the unique needs of each community. To Olga, the relationship between rural communities and urban centers is symbiotic:
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"Our little communities [...] invest in large urban centers because they rely on the resources and services these centers provide. But it's also the other way around."
‍Olga’s journey is marked by unwavering determination and a deep passion for a vital cause. Her professional growth is more than a personal achievement; it’s a testament to resilience, progress, and a relentless commitment to her beliefs. Thank you, Olga, for bringing the complex challenges facing rural water systems and the broader water industry into the spotlight.
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Embarking on this journey with Olga reveals her unwavering determination and passion for elevating an essential cause. Her professional progression is not just a personal achievement; it echoes a story of resilience, evolution, and an unrelenting fight for what she believes in. Thank you, Olga, for bringing the complex issues facing rural water systems and the water industry to the forefront.

Listen to the entire conversation here