Margarita Hortensia Colmenares

Born: 1957

Country of Birth: USA

Nationality: USA

Ethnicity: Hispanic

California State University no degree; Stanford University BS Civil Engineering 1981;

"“I am an engineer, a businesswoman, and now a public servant. But I am also a mentor, a role model, and an educator for the next generation. Their success is my success, which reminds me of a Malaysian education saying: ‘Those who know a lot must teach those who know less. And those who know less must teach those who know nothing.'” (blog.adafruit.com); “I learned early on that the community colleges could be an important stepping stone to my dreams,” Colmenares wrote in Hispanic Engineer magazine. “I found a supportive learning environment, a concerned faculty, guidance for scholarships and mentors from both the University of California, Davis and California State University, Sacramento, and related work experience that convinced me that I could succeed in my chosen field.” (cccco.edu); "

— Margarita Hortensia Colmenares

Field of Study: Environmental Engineer

Institution/Corporation: Chevron; White House Fellows Foundation & Association; Stanford University

Degrees & Memberships: Member: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, White House Fellows Foundation & Association, Board member Latino STEM Association Inc (2013-16), Board Member Environmental Council of Sacramento (2007-17)

Awards: 1991 White House Fellowship; 1991 Pioneer Award, Hispanic Engineer;1989 Community Service Award, Hispanic Engineer;1989 National Hispana Leadership Initiative; 1989 Outstanding Hispanic Woman of the Year, Hispanic magazine; 1990 & 1992 100 Most Influential Hispanics, Hispanic Business; Outstanding Alumni Award, California Community College League

Achievements: headed a major environmental cleanup at the Chevron El Segundo plant; 1996 was Director of Corporate Liaison at the US Dept of Education; at Chevron, she worked on a project to replace underground tanks to prevent leakage of harmful chemicals throughout Northern California, Idaho and Utah; in Southern California, led a multi-million effort to remove hydrocarbons from the groundwater at the one of the largest refineries; worked to reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants; is skilled at leading transformative efforts, paradigm shifts, and innovative strategies; expertise is engaging stakeholders, policy-makers and government officials, in support of a mission; founding team member of Global Water Farm, Inc (2015-2017) an early-stage, privately-held company whose mission is to cultivate water independence while maintaining and restoring environmental health, vitality and resilience;