We are the Future Leaders of Waterpower
The Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) program empowers early-career professionals to build lasting connections and grow within the water power industry. Designed for those who’ve recently entered the workforce, FLOW provides opportunities to meet peers, engage with established industry leaders, and gain insight into the technologies, trends, and people shaping hydropower and marine energy.
Through networking events, leadership discussions, and community-driven initiatives, FLOW helps new professionals find their place in the industry — whether that means discovering industry career paths, expanding their professional circle, or simply finding a community that shares their passion for clean energy and water power.
By Participating in FLOW You Have Access to…
…Networking
At the heart of FLOW is connection. We bring together early-career professionals and established industry leaders through interactive events, casual meetups, and meaningful conversations.
From conference receptions and panel discussions to our monthly virtual gatherings, FLOW creates space for members to share ideas, exchange experiences, and build relationships that last well beyond a single event.
Whether you’re meeting peers who are just starting their careers or chatting with a company executive about how they got their start, FLOW networking is all about access — opening doors to the people and opportunities that make the water power industry thrive.
…Career Development
FLOW helps early-career professionals gain the knowledge and confidence to grow in the water power industry. Through conversations with industry leaders, skill-building discussions, and real-world insights from those driving hydropower and marine energy forward, FLOW connects members to the information and inspiration they need to take the next step in their careers.
From “Ask Me Anything” sessions and fireside chats to panels focused on leadership and innovation, FLOW offers opportunities to learn directly from experts — in a relaxed, peer-focused environment designed to spark curiosity and growth.
…Community
FLOW is more than a program — it’s a community. Across the country, early-career professionals in hydropower and marine energy are finding their network, sharing experiences, and celebrating milestones together.
Whether it’s through monthly virtual meetups, in-person events at NHA conferences, or celebrating peers on career milestones, FLOW members support one another as they grow in their careers and contribute to the future of water power.
In FLOW, you’ll find a place to connect, collaborate, and belong — all while helping shape the next chapter of our industry.
…Industry Recognition
FLOW celebrates the rising talent shaping the future of waterpower. Through the Rising Star Award and other spotlights throughout the year, we recognize early-career professionals who are making an impact in their organizations and the broader industry.
These recognitions shine a light on innovation, leadership, and collaboration — and remind the entire water power community that the next generation of leaders is already making waves.
Be part of the next generation leading water power.
Make Waves
The water power industry is evolving—and early-career professionals need opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside those shaping its future. FLOW bridges the gap between new workforce entrants and experienced industry leaders, helping emerging professionals navigate the field, expand their networks, and gain insight into the technologies, trends, and careers that define water power.
By fostering a vibrant, engaged community, FLOW ensures the next generation of leaders is prepared, connected, and empowered to drive innovation and sustain the industry’s future.
Wisdom says that a single droplet makes ripples—but together, they can be as powerful as the ocean. We are a community of talented, diverse professionals supporting each other through shared knowledge, events, and experiences. FLOW brings young leaders together to leverage resources, opportunities, and connections that advance both careers and the water power industry as a whole.
We’re Changing the Tide
Clean energy solutions like water power are the future—but much of the industry has to catch up to today. The technical and business innovations advancing the field demand new, forward-thinking leaders.
Yet the legacy of the nation’s first renewable resource—and its traditionally close-knit networks—has made breaking into the business difficult. With a quarter of current energy workers expected to retire in the next five years, we can’t wait for bright, fresh minds to trickle in.
We must actively and intentionally invest in diverse talent to grow our industry and challenge ourselves to be better.
Spotlight on Future Leaders of Water Power
Samiha Tahseen, Brookfield Renewables
Samiha advances hydropower optimization and sustainability efforts as Director of Generation Planning at Brookfield Renewables, where she leads teams responsible for optimizing hydro, wind, solar, and storage assets across one of North America’s largest renewable portfolios. Her work has included supporting the modernization and expansion of non-powered dams, integrating hydrological forecasting, market dynamics, and environmental stewardship into decision-making that strengthens grid reliability and resilience.
Samuel Doyle, Stantec
Samuel has advanced pumped storage and conventional hydropower projects as Deputy Turbine Team Lead at Stantec, where he supports turbine design and optimization efforts that strengthen grid reliability and add clean megawatts to the U.S. energy system. His work has included inspecting turbine components internationally and helping move long‑lead pumped storage projects from early concept through testing and design.
McKinley Harm, CNPPID
McKinley, the 2025 Rising Star Award recipient, has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a Civil Engineer and Deputy Dam Safety Engineer at the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. She has led creative, field‑tested solutions to infrastructure challenges—such as implementing a novel geo‑cell slope protection system to address erosion—while advancing a forward‑looking vision for integrated water‑energy management and resilient hydropower operations.
Be part of the next generation leading water power. Joining is simple.
Navigate to the National Hydropower Association portal, log in or create your profile with your work email address.
If you have been sent a FLOW meeting invitation, you probably already have a profile.
In the Portal Navigation menu, select ‘Committees & Councils’ to see the list of all NHA committees, councils, and roundtables.
Click ‘Join’ next to Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW).
If you have questions about an upcoming call or are unable to access NHA’s Portal, please reach out to Kelly Rogers ([email protected]) or Jenna Zabarah ([email protected]) to be added to the FLOW distribution list.
