Candice Santana – President
Candice Santana is a millennial Caribbean leader in water, climate resilience, and sustainable development whose work is transforming the way water is managed across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. An accomplished Water Resources Management and Climate Resilience Specialist, she is also an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, poet, and soon-to-be author. Her leadership is defined by purpose, innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact for people, communities, and the environment.
Raised in the rural community of Tabaquite, on the doorstep of the iconic Navet Dam in Trinidad and Tobago, Candice developed an appreciation for the value of water from an early age. Inspired by the connection between natural resources, community well-being, and national development, she has dedicated more than two decades to advancing water resources management.
Candice holds qualifications in Water Resources Management and Technology, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Project Management. Her academic and professional expertise spans hydrology, hydrogeology, climate adaptation, groundwater management, water allocation, agricultural water management, integrated water resources management, and institutional strengthening. This multidisciplinary foundation has enabled her to bridge science, policy, and strategic decision-making while delivering practical solutions to complex water challenges.
As Manager, Water Resources at the Water Resources Agency (WRA), a division of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Candice provides strategic leadership for Trinidad and Tobago’s national hydrometeorological, hydrogeological, and hydroclimatic monitoring programmes. She is spearheading the modernization of water resources management through improved data systems, evidence-based planning, climate risk assessments, and innovative approaches that strengthen national water security and build resilience to climate change. Her leadership has contributed to shaping policies, strengthening institutional capacity, and advancing sustainable management of the country’s water resources for future generations.
Beyond Trinidad and Tobago, Candice is recognized as a respected regional leader driving collaboration and innovation across the Caribbean water sector. Through her leadership within the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), she has played an instrumental role in advancing regional dialogue on water security, climate adaptation and utility resilience. She has convened high-level forums for Ministers responsible for water, led the development of regional declarations and strategic initiatives, championed capacity-building programmes, and fostered partnerships that are helping Caribbean nations strengthen climate resilience and access international climate finance.
Widely regarded as a collaborative and visionary leader, Candice believes that sustainable development begins with empowered people. She is passionate about mentoring young professionals, strengthening institutional leadership, promoting gender equity, and creating opportunities for the next generation of Caribbean water professionals. Her ability to inspire teams, build partnerships, and translate technical knowledge into meaningful action has earned her recognition as an influential voice within the regional water and climate community.