Taima Kayali and Gwen Rodriguez Named 2025-26 Miller Founders’ Award Winners
(RALEIGH, NC – June 22, 2026) – Hazen’s Taima Kayali and Gwen Rodriguez were recently named 2025-26 winners of the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award.
Taima was recognized for her exceptional dedication and leadership in coordinating the Florida Section American Water Works Association (AWWA) Region III Wine for Water silent auction from 2022 to 2025. During this time, she devoted countless hours to organizing the event, building relationships with local vendors, and securing a wide range of donated items that made the auction a success year after year. Taima led a team of volunteers through both the extensive preparation and the day-of event logistics, ensuring everything ran smoothly and seamlessly. Her commitment, organization, and ability to motivate others helped deliver Region III’s largest silent auction event and significantly contributed to the overall success of the Wine for Water series of events.
"Water For People matters to me because it takes a tangible and sustainable approach to providing one of the most basic human rights: access to safe, reliable water and sanitation to communities in need. When communities have dependable, sustainable water systems, children are more likely to stay in school, families can concentrate on building stable livelihoods, and overall quality of life is improved. Getting involved with Water For People is a meaningful way to volunteer in support of a resource that many people often take for granted," explained Taima.
Gwen has been involved with Hazen’s Workplace Giving Committee since its inception, and her commitment to Water For People has never wavered. From the earliest days of the committee, she has been a steady and passionate advocate for Water For People’s mission, helping to build not only a successful employee donation program, but a lasting culture of service across the firm. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and generosity have inspired colleagues firmwide to engage, contribute, and believe that even small efforts can create lasting change.
"Water For People is deeply meaningful to me because it brings together people across geographies and industries, unifying communities, partners and volunteers around an issue that will always require thoughtful stewardship: access to clean water. This organization has given me the opportunity to help raise awareness, contribute to real change, and support one of the planet’s most precious and finite resources. It is also a powerful reminder that each of us can play a role in addressing the water crisis, creating impact one ripple at a time through authentic, local actions that can ultimately drive meaningful change at scale,” shared Gwen.
Water For People is an international nonprofit working across Latin America, Asia, and Africa to bring safe water and sanitation to underserved populations. Established in 2001, the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award honors outstanding champions for their service and leadership in the advancement of the Water For People mission. This year’s awards were presented on June 9, 2026, during a virtual award ceremony. The winners will also be celebrated in person at Water for People's Social Splash event on June 22, 2026 at the AWWA Conference (ACE) in Washington, DC.
