SUN VALLEY, CA (May 2, 2026) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), in partnership with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, welcomed more than 2,500 attendees to its fourth annual Women’s Career and Wellness Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Job seekers, LADWP employees, students, families, and community members gathered at LADWP’s Truesdale Training Center to explore LADWP career pathways, learn about employee benefits, and participate in family-friendly activities. The event continues to advance LADWP’s mission of encouraging women to pursue careers in the utility industry and highlighting the many programs and initiatives LADWP offers to support work‑life balance and employee well‑being.
LADWP’s Truesdale Training Center, normally used to train Power System employees for field operations, transformed into an interactive hub of exploration for this year’s event. With over 80 career and wellness booths, live demos, and even a Kids’ Zone with hands-on activities, attendees also had the opportunity to “Try a Ride” and get an up-close look at heavy equipment, specialized machinery, and even a helicopter that support the utility’s daily work across its expansive service area.
“As a Board, we remain committed to championing initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners Allan Marks. “That means ensuring Angelenos have equitable access to our programs, and that our employees have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.”
In the career zone, employees from dozens of LADWP divisions shared information about their day-to-day work, walked attendees through the civil service hiring process, and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available across the Department. Booths highlighted careers including skilled craft positions traditionally underrepresented by women such as Electric Station Operator, Steam Plant Assistant, Electrical Mechanic, and many more. This interactive environment helped attendees envision their own future in the utility industry and highlighted LADWP’s ongoing commitment to building a strong, diverse local workforce.
“Women are powering LADWP’s future every day – leading, innovating, and shaping the future of our utility with skill, dedication, and vision – and I am deeply committed to advancing gender equity and expanding economic opportunities for women across the Department,” said LADWP Interim General Manager David W. Hanson. “Today, women represent approximately 23 percent of the LADWP’s workforce – a number we are actively working to grow by hosting this annual event to strengthen pathways into union represented high‑quality, public service careers.”
In the wellness area, community members learned about the benefits that come with a career at LADWP, including robust health plans, employee assistance programs, and a variety of professional resource groups. Families enjoyed a full slate of S.T.E.M. youth activities hosted by the City of Los Angeles Youth Development, Discovery Cube Los Angeles, and Wildwoods.
IBEW Local 18 Business Manager Martin Marrufo commented, “For the last four years, IBEW Local 18 has been a proud partner of the LADWP Women’s Expo, which highlights the many career ladders available for strong union jobs with the County’s second largest employer – the City of Los Angeles. Together, we have made solid gains for women in the workplace. We need to build on that foundation and continue to improve where we can. Everybody can find a place to fit in here and we encourage you to find what inspires you with a career at LADWP.”
LADWP continues to invest in initiatives that recruit, retain, and elevate women, including partnerships with LADWP’s Society of Women Engineers chapter, leadership development training, and educational programs that inspire the next generation such as the Adopt‑A‑School Program and LADWP’s Regional Science Bowl. These efforts underscore LADWP’s commitment to a future where women play a leading role in shaping the utility sector – one strengthened by innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and meaningful representation from the communities served.
For information about careers at LADWP, visit JoinLADWP.com.
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