Introduction

The National Hydropower Association’s (NHA) Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) presents the inaugural "Rising Star" Award, which recognizes an early-career professional not exceeding the age of 35, with 3 to 10 years of experience within the water power industry, who demonstrates not only ongoing leadership, but a commitment to grow their career and leadership roles within the water power industry. This award will be administered on a yearly basis. 

The Rising Star Award marks the beginning of a new chapter of recognition and advancement within the water power industry, as it looks to its growing pool of young professional leaders who will shape the future of the industry. The aging water power industry workforce faces a wave of retirement over the next decade, which will create a shift in workforce demographics. Those  currently involved in the water power industry are passionate about clean energy and finding creative solutions to energy, electricity, and the climate crisis. The Rising Star Award provides industry recognition and a reason to celebrate an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to  water power through their work to advance the industry. The award recipient will exhibit an eye for future growth opportunities. They will demonstrate dedication to growing interest in the water power industry and finding creative solutions to attract and retain young professionals. 

This award celebrates exemplary leadership and notable achievements demonstrated by early-career water power professionals. The Rising Star Award recipient will receive a complimentary registration to NHA’s Clean Currents Conference, alongside a physical award curated by NHA staff. Additionally, the awardee will be featured in the NHA's POWERHOUSE newsletter, showcased across the organization's social media platforms, and commemorated through a press release following the conference. 

Eligibility for this award requires a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 10 years in the water power industry, with applicants not exceeding the age of 35 at the time of application. The application is a self-nomination process, with nominations to be submitted electronically via NHA's application portal by the deadline of June 1, 2024, 8 PM ET. To apply, you must submit two recommendation letters, answer a series of short response questions, and upload a current resume. 

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a steering committee consisting of senior water power industry professionals and led by the FLOW leadership team. Up to five finalists will be selected and presented to the NHA’s Board of Directors for a final award recipient decision. Recipients and finalists will be notified well in advance of the conference to facilitate travel arrangements.  

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR 2024 RISING STAR NOMINATION

Timeline

• Rising Star Nominations are OPEN.  You can start your application now and save it to be completed later!
• The award ceremony will take place during the 2024 Clean Currents in Portland, OR October 7-10, 2024 

Criteria for Nominations

• Submit, in writing, why you deserve to be the Rising Star Award recipient;
  • You should succinctly (500 words or less per criteria) discuss how the person meets each of the criteria:
    • Dedication to hydropower as an energy technology;
    • Persistence in the face of institutional obstacles
• Provide your resume showing your 3-10 years of experience within the waterpower industry
• Include TWO Letters of Recommendation from individuals you have worked with during your time in the water power industry

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR 2024 RISING STAR NOMINATION