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Sabrina Rashid Sheonty: First Bangladeshi Recipient of IWA Young Leadership Award

Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, a highly accomplished water resources engineer and social innovator, has made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to receive the prestigious Young Leadership Award from the International Water Association (IWA). The award, presented at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition 2024 in Toronto, Canada, recognizes exceptional leadership potential and significant contributions to the global water sector by professionals aged 35 or younger.

Sabrina’s multi-dimensional work spans research, consultancy, and entrepreneurship in water sustainability. As the founder of Tetra, a social innovation startup, she has provided innovative solutions to address the salinity crisis in Bangladesh’s coastal regions. Tetra’s affordable and portable desalination devices have delivered safe drinking water to thousands, significantly improving lives in one of the country’s most vulnerable areas.

Receiving the IWA Young Leadership Award

Sabrina’s career is marked by notable contributions to water resource management. With six years of experience in Bangladesh and Canada, she has played a pivotal role in major projects, including flood hazard studies, hydrologic analyses, and hydraulic modeling for critical water systems. Her work on the Padma Bridge Link Road project and her expertise in GIS and HEC-RAS modeling have set benchmarks in the field. Additionally, her academic accomplishments include publishing over 20 technical papers and teaching as a lecturer at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Bangladesh.

Sabrina holds a B.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where she excelled academically and received multiple awards. She further pursued advanced studies, completing an M.Sc. in Water Resources Development from BUET and an M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada. Her diverse educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in water resource management, sustainability, and engineering innovation.

The IWA Young Leadership Award celebrates professionals who exhibit extraordinary promise in advancing water sustainability. Sabrina’s selection highlights her leadership in promoting innovative water solutions and her commitment to addressing climate and water challenges. “It’s one of the biggest achievements of my career till now. It felt surreal to receive such a prestigious global award in front of thousands global water leaders.,” Sabrina remarked regarding her achievement.

This accolade underscores Sabrina’s dedication to sustainable water management and her ability to bridge scientific research with community-focused solutions. Her role as a Sustainability Scholar at the City of Edmonton and her entrepreneurial ventures with Tetra have earned her a reputation as a changemaker in the water sector.

Sabrina’s recognition at such a prestigious global platform not only celebrates her individual achievements but also elevates Bangladesh’s standing in the international water community. As she continues her journey, her work serves as an inspiration for young professionals and a testament to the power of innovation and leadership in driving meaningful change.

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