In this episode of the Pumps & Systems podcast, they spoke with Shilpa Alva, Founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, a nonprofit organization that works to improve water access in communities all around the world. She talks about global water access, the technology that enables it and what you can do to help change communities and people’s lives for the better.
Governing Board, USA
Director, Water at Ceres
With over 20 years of experience in water resources, climate resilience, and sustainability issues, Shama brings a systems-level perspective to Surge’s grassroots, global work. Additionally, her experience advising Fortune 500 companies and investors on ESG and water stewardship helps Surge refine and scale programs so they remain data-driven, measurable, and aligned with long-term impact.
Shama has a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Outside of work, she travels extensively with her family and enjoys cooking and sharing home-cooked meals that reflect sustainable living. She also serves as troop leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout group!
Treasurer, USA
Chris is Treasurer at Surge and has an extensive background in accounting, finance, and data-driven decision making. With his experience as Lead Engagement Manager at CSC Corptax, Chris ensures that Surge has strong financial management and follows all regulatory compliance. As a Ugandan who has experienced firsthand the impacts of clean water, he is excited to move Surge’s work of bringing sustainable change forward.
Chris holds an MBA from Indiana University. Beyond Surge, he is also involved in Hills4ATL, a workout group in Atlanta. Chris also enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, having lived in 8 cities and adventurous enough to try any food at least once.
Global WASH Manager
Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.
Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.
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Director, UAE
I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.
I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.
With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.
Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.
Governing Board, USA
Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Suvai serves as the Director of Community Engagement at Surge, where she focuses on expanding community outreach and engagement. With a rich background in scientific research and global advocacy, Suvai is an Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai, contributing to cutting-edge research in the field of healthcare. Her passion for community-driven initiatives is evident from her previous leadership roles such as President of UN Women USA Chicago and her work with SPOUTS of Water, where she helped develop sustainable water solutions in Uganda.
Suvai holds a BS and MS in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from Harvard and a PhD in Philosophy from Northwestern University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, pottery, and rollerblading.
I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.
I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.
Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.
Finance Director, USA
Senior Engagement Manager at Northern Trust
Avish serves as Director of Finance at Surge, where his experience in execution leadership, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional program delivery help drive our mission forward. As Senior Engagement Manager at Northern Trust Asset Management, Avish is responsible for championing and overseeing the delivery of innovation and transformation initiatives. He also serves on the board of an employee-led council that supports colleagues from Asian backgrounds by giving back to the community, enabling career progression, and fostering mentorship.
Avish holds an M. Sc. in International Business & Management from Manchester Business School. Outside of work, he is a passionate foodie who enjoys discovering new cuisines and hidden restaurants. Both his passport and palate are well-traveled–he has eaten three meals in one day across three cities and also three meals in one day across three countries!
Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.
We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.
Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda
I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.
Director, ASSHLA, Haiti
I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.
Operations & Development Manager
As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.
Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.
Executive Director, UAE
Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.
Founder, Executive Director, Board Member
I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.