Meet the Global Changemakers at EWB-USA's National Conference in Charlotte!
Get ready to pack your bags (and your business cards) because our biggest event of the year is just around the corner! This March in Charlotte, NC, Engineers Without Borders USA is hosting a National Conference that’s set to spark conversations, foster collaborations, and celebrate the transformative work happening around the globe. At this event, you’ll connect with the most brilliant minds from every corner of our network, each ready to share how engineering is changing lives.
Global Partnerships Under One Roof
At this year’s conference, we’re bringing together our international partners who are in their local communities, rolling up their sleeves, and making a real impact everyday. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the inspiring global change makers you’ll meet:
Uganda – Peter & Habert from Engineers Without Borders East Africa
All the way from Kampala, Uganda, Peter (the Executive Director of EWB-East Africa) and Habert will join us in Charlotte this year! Peter will be speaking about “Empowering Communities through the Food-Water-Energy Nexus Approach,” a framework that’s not only innovative but also practical.
EWB-East Africa is a vibrant mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise. Together, they’ve installed renewable energy solutions, built sustainable sanitation systems, and connected isolated communities with essential infrastructure. Their work isn’t just about building projects—it’s about building leaders and futures.
ASK PETER ABOUT: The Kasese Bridge project EWB-EA & EWB-USA recently completed!
Ecuador – Carlos & Felipe from Fundación Ingenieros en Acción Ecuador (FIEA Ecuador)
Next up, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Carlos and Felipe, whose journey with FIEA Ecuador, (one of EWB-USA’s “Purposeful Partners”) has been all about transforming vulnerable communities. Since 2020, their partnership with local communities has focused on increasing access to water and improving infrastructure, always with an eye on inclusivity and resilience.
The FIEA approach is deeply participatory—engaging all key actors to ensure every project is sustainable in the long run. If you’re passionate about how thoughtful engineering can uplift traditionally excluded sectors, you’ll definitely want to chat with Carlos and Felipe!
ASK FIEA ECUADOR ABOUT: Complex water challenges in Ecuador (81% of EWB-USA’s Ecuador projects focus on water!)
Nicaragua – Edrulfo, Marling, Caren & Eveling
Representing Nicaragua, this dynamic team is part of our broader network that ensures EWB-USA projects are not only impactful and resiliant, but also consistent with high standards.
The Nicaragua team is supporting local chapters and communities, guiding teams through every project phase, and ensuring that all designs meet national and regional standards. Their work is a testament to the strength of collaboration and the importance of having robust support systems for sustainable development.
ASK MARLING & EVELING ABOUT: The recent completion of the El Llanito project that brought water to homes in a community of 1,100+ beneficiaries!
Guatemala – Tatiana, Humberto, Diego & Sucy from ACCMARI and CECEP
From the vibrant communities of Guatemala, Tatiana, Humberto, Diego, and Sucy are hard at work in the Ixil Triangle. Their efforts, in partnership with the Asociación de Comités Comunitarios Medioambiental Región Ixil (ACCMARI) and Centro Educativo Comunitario Pokomchí (CECEP), have been transforming lives through targeted infrastructure projects and community capacity building.
Their long-standing partnership with EWB-USA—dating back to 2015 and formalized further in 2023—demonstrates how deep-rooted collaboration can drive meaningful change. Whether it’s through engaging community members or preserving cultural heritage, they’re the perfect example of how engineering can be both innovative and inclusive.
ASK HUMBERTO ABOUT: The community of Belén, where children were hiking into a cave to access water each day, and how helped EWB change the story!
Bolivia – Carlos Valdez
Last but certainly not least, join Carlos Valdez from Bolivia—a country where engineering projects are making waves (and clean water!). With a portfolio boasting 17 projects, 16 chapters, and over 3,000 beneficiaries, his work is a masterclass in scaling impact.
When you consider that 23% of these projects focus on sanitation and a whopping 65% on water supply, it’s clear that Bolivia’s approach to engineering solutions is all about addressing the most critical needs of communities. Carlos’s insights are sure to inspire anyone interested in sustainable, community-centered solutions.
Which Changemaker Will You Connect With?
The beauty of our National Conference isn’t just in the sessions or the keynotes—it’s in the connections you’ll make. Picture yourself sparking a conversation with Peter about renewable energy solutions, brainstorming with Carlos & Felipe on how to enhance community resilience, or learning firsthand from the dedicated teams in Nicaragua and Guatemala about best practices in sustainable development. And who knows? Your next big idea or trip plan to Bolivia might just come from a coffee break chat with Carlos Valdez!
So, as you gear up for this incredible event in Charlotte, take a moment to think: Who are you most excited to meet? Which conversation will ignite your passion for engineering solutions and global partnerships?
Join us this March and be part of a community that’s not only building projects—but building a better, more connected world. See you in Charlotte!