Nerea Uri Carreño
INTERVIEW
Over the past few years, there have been several changes to the Board of YWPDK. As a result, we want to extend our gratitude to the members who have led the network in these recent years. Through this series of interviews, we aim to highlight the individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the network into what it is today.
In this edition, we are pleased to introduce Nerea Uri Carreño, who has played a pivotal role in advancing the network. Nerea has been a member since 2014 and has made invaluable contributions to organizing our events, national conferences, development of the strategy and various activities.
We sincerely thank Nerea for her dedication and significant contributions to the network. On behalf of everyone in the network, we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
“Working in the network exposed me to people with different backgrounds and skills, it allowed me to meet people that became true career role models for me, people that inspired me, from whom I have learned a lot.”
What motivated you to join the YWPDK network? And when did you join the network?
I joined back in 2014, right at the beginning. I think I saw a post on LinkedIn saying they were looking for people interested in helping create a new network for young people in the water sector. I was very young back then, and knew very few people in Denmark. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to meet people who shared my interests and possibly meet new friends. I had no idea I would end up meeting some of my best friends in the network.
What led you to run for a position as a board member?
After I joined the first board, I became a normal member for years, I felt I was too young and inexperienced to be in that position. It wasn’t until 2019, because I knew they were in need of some extra hands, that I decided it was time to give back to the network from a different position. I had been an active members for years and I had benefitted from the events and activities, it was the right time for me to bring in the effort and help provide the same experiences and opportunities to others.
What was your role and how you “grow” during the past years within the organization?
My role when I joined the board for the second time was as secretary. As secretary, my role was mostly to ensure that the organization ran smoothly. I remember I had a lot of energy and I wanted to introduce many changes, I wanted to introduce new communication channels, to use new digital tools, to use the “digital” world to get closer to our members.
How has your professional life changed being a member of the network?
Working in the network exposed me to people with different backgrounds and skills, it allowed me to meet people that became true career role models for me, people that inspired me, from whom I have learned a lot.
The network also allowed me to develop professionally in ways my daily job didn’t. My role at my utility at the time was more that of a specialist, very technical. For me, the most exciting part about working in the network was always that it felt like we were running a small company, and we had to take care of the whole process. It did allow me to explore a more creative or entrepreneurial side of me. It also taught me many skills: from leading a team of people, developing and implementing strategy, communication skills, the list is never ending. I don’t think I would have ever started my own company if it hadn’t been for the experience and inspiration I gained from the network.
“I don’t think I would have ever started my own company if it hadn’t been for the experience and inspiration I gained from the network.”
“The network is a living being that changes over time, adapts to the new environment, challenges and opportunities. They have the exciting task and opportunity to redefine what YWPDK is to Denmark and the world in the future.”
Which challenges did you face while working at the network?
The network can be incredibly time-demanding at times… You always get to decide how much you want to contribute to it, but once you are in the key leadership positions, the amount of tasks and responsibilities increase. That can be challenging at times, even if you enjoy the work.
Will you recommend joining the YWPDK to other people? Why?
Absolutely. The network will bring something different for everybody, it can also bring you different things at different times in your career. At a minimum, you will make new friends and will be exposed to industry trends. From there, only you decide how much you want to get involved, and who knows, it might change the course of your life or your career!
One particular memory from the network?
As a member, the conferences. The annual conference was a highlight of my year. I got to meet new and old friends from all over the country that I wouldn’t otherwise. As a board member and Chair, the team building and strategy weekends were absolutely my highlight. Having the chance to be in the same room with people who you spend so much time every week working through a screen. Magic happens when people are together in a room.
What are your future plans within the Danish water sector?
Interesting question! I wish I knew the answer myself. I am in a bit a of a transitional period, having started my own company very recently. However, I do hope that I can continue to support the Danish water sector in being a worldwide role model in sustainability and innovation.
How do you envision the future activities and the progression of the role of YWPDK nationally and internationally?
I have only hope and excitement for what the new leadership team will be able to achieve. Having worked with almost all of them, I can’t wait to see where they continue to bring YWPDK. After the hard work of organizing the first YWP European Conference, they all deserve some well deserved rest, to process all that happened and to be able to revise where is the network today and where it needs to go, but there is also momentum to be leveraged. The network is a living being that changes over time, adapts to the new environment, challenges and opportunities. They have the exciting task and opportunity to redefine what YWPDK is to Denmark and the world in the future.
