Fransisca Sousa Braga
INTERVIEW
Over the past few years, there have been several changes to the Board of YWP DK. 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 Fransica Sousa Braga. She became a member in 2019 and soon after she decided to get envolved in planning events etc., before joining the YWP DK board in 2022 and becoming the Chair of the network in 2024.
We sincerely thank Fransisca 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.
“…For me, the natural next step was to find the courage to apply for a board position, so I could contribute more and dedicate even more of my time to the network.”
What motivated you to join the YWPDK network? And when did you join the network?
I joined the network in 2019. At that time, I was an international student pursuing my second master’s degree in Aalborg. During an internship at Wetsus in the Netherlands, I was introduced to the IWA. Through that, I discovered the YWP Denmark community and soon became a member. I then attended my first regional event in Aalborg, I believe it was the one held at Fjordparken.
What was your role in the network? And did you experience any personal growth while volunteering for the network?
I started on the board as Secretary, where I was mainly responsible for organizing and running board meetings, taking minutes, supporting the Chair with the annual report, and making sure our platforms, like the website and email, were up to date and running smoothly. I really enjoyed this role because I learned a lot about working with digital tools and making better use of our resources.
In 2024, I stepped into the Chair position, which felt like a big role to take on, especially after Nerea, from whom I learned a lot. As Chair, I grew a lot both professionally and personally. I learned how to balance my PhD with volunteer work, manage my time better, and set boundaries when needed. It also helped me understand that people work in different ways, and being flexible and open to that is really important when working as a team.
Overall, being part of the network helped me grow a lot, both in terms of skills and as a person.
What led you to run for a position as a board member?
I was very active in the network, contributing to the organization of events and mentoring initiatives such as the Next Generation Water Action programme. For me, the natural next step was to find the courage to apply for a board position, so I could contribute more and dedicate even more of my time to the network. During the 2022 national conference at Aarhus Vand, I joined the board as Secretary. In 2024, I became Chair of the network – a position I held until April this year (2026), when I stepped down.
How has your involvement in the YWP network affected your professional life?
I became more exposed to the Danish water sector, and at the same time, the sector started to recognise both me and the work we are doing within YWP. Many of the opportunities I’ve had along the way have definitely been influenced by the connections I built through the network.
“Many of the opportunities I’ve had along the way have definitely been influenced by the connections I built through the network.”
Do you have one particular memory or accomplishment from your time in the board that you want to highlight? If so, why?
If I can mention two moments that immediately come to mind, I would highlight two memories rather than just one. The first is the very first European YWP Conference. I think everyone who worked hard on the program and organization committees shares this memory—it was a long-standing dream of previous YWP DK board members that finally became a reality in 2022, and it brought a great sense of pride.
The second is my first board weekend as Chair. I had prepared the whole weekend, presenting the network, responsibilities, tasks, and strategy. It was also a really nice experience to spend a weekend together in a summer house, getting to know each other better and planning the year ahead as a team.
“At the national level, I think it’s important to focus more on regional activities, as these are really the backbone of the network.”
Which challenges did you face while working in the network? And how did you and the board handle those challenges?
One of the main challenges I experienced, especially as Chair, was realizing that not everyone had the same level of availability or dedication as I initially expected. Since the work is voluntary, people contribute their time alongside their jobs and personal commitments, and I sometimes found myself wanting more engagement than was realistically possible.
As a board, we handled this by becoming more mindful of everyone’s capacity and expectations. We had open discussions about workloads, responsibilities, and priorities, and worked on distributing tasks more fairly. Personally, it was also a big learning experience for me, I learned to adjust my expectations, appreciate different levels of contribution, and focus on creating a positive and supportive team environment rather than trying to push for more than people could give.
Can you give 3 specific reasons why you will recommend joining YWP DK to others?
I would recommend joining YWP DK for three main reasons. First, it’s a great way to build a strong network and connect with people across the water sector. Second, it gives you exposure to different perspectives and ways of working, both at the national and international level. And third, it’s a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional development – you learn new skills, grow in confidence, and gain experience beyond your day-to-day work.
How do you envision the future activities and the progression of the role of YWPDK nationally and internationally?
I see the future of YWP DK as continuing to grow both locally and internationally, while staying true to its core purpose. At the national level, I think it’s important to focus more on regional activities, as these are really the backbone of the network. Strengthening local engagement will help maintain momentum, keep members active, and make sure the network remains relevant and accessible across the country.
At the same time, YWP DK should continue to be a strong and recognised partner within the Danish water sector. Maintaining close collaboration with companies, utilities, and institutions is key to ensuring visibility and creating opportunities for members.
Internationally, I believe there is great potential to become even more visible again. This can be done by actively engaging with other YWP chapters, collaborating on events and initiatives, and contributing to global discussions within IWA. Strengthening these connections will not only increase visibility but also bring new perspectives and opportunities to the Danish network.
