Small & Gutsy Features Surge for Water

In this episode, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Shilpa Alva, Founder of Surge for Water, to discuss how a childhood moment of witnessing inequality in Mumbai sparked a lifelong mission to bring clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to underserved communities worldwide. Shilpa shares her journey from the corporate world to founding an organization that operates on a revolutionary model: women-led, community-owned development that breaks the cycle of poverty. Through candid conversation, she reveals how listening to communities—truly listening—transforms the effectiveness of international aid work. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED The Power of Childhood Witnessing How Shilpa's observations as a seven-year-old in Mumbai planted the seeds for her life's work The difference between recognizing privilege and understanding injustice From Corporate to Calling Shilpa's journey climbing the corporate ladder while feeling unfulfilled How she heard her inner voice calling her back to purpose Why she took six years to transition from corporate work to full-time nonprofit leadership The Education-Water Connection Why 120 of 150 students didn't show up to school in rural India How water scarcity directly impacts educational access The health consequences of unsafe water on children's ability to learn Learning From Mentorship in Haiti The transformative lessons from living with a local partner organization leader The cautionary tale of millions spent on beautiful houses with no infrastructure How "staying with locals, listening, and learning" became the foundation of Surge's model Surge for Water's Women-Led, Community-Owned Model What makes Surge different from traditional international aid organizations The three core values: Equity, Respect, and Stewardship Why community ownership isn't just ethical—it's essential for sustainability Water Plus: A Comprehensive Approach Water access goes beyond wells—it includes sanitation and hygiene How Surge teaches communities to make their own soap, creating women-run enterprises The critical role of menstrual health education in girls' empowerment and school attendance Geographic Strategy and Intentional Depth Why Surge reduced from 12 countries to 3 (Uganda, Haiti, Indonesia) Working in remote, rural areas where other NGOs don't operate Building partnerships with local government and community-based organizations Cultural Humility and Gender Dynamics Navigating patriarchal societies without imposing Western values How Shilpa meets women in kitchens and under mango trees—safe spaces for real conversation Respecting cultural context while amplifying women's voices The difference between cultural respect and tolerance for harm Partnership Over Colonialism Why Surge works through local partners, not directly with governments How trust-building with community leaders comes before government engagement The importance of pilots and data alongside relationship-building Recent Evolution and Future Vision The exciting new model of supporting smaller women-led organizations to scale How Surge is thinking about creating a "feeder system" of partners The expansion happening in Uganda this week ABOUT SURGE FOR WATER Surge for Water is a movement led by women and owned by communities. The organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions through an investment in women-led, community-owned models that create lasting change and break the cycle of poverty. Currently operating in Uganda, Haiti, and Indonesia, Surge works in remote, rural communities—often described as "forgotten lands"—where other international NGOs don't operate. Their comprehensive Water Plus approach addresses not just water access but the interconnected challenges of sanitation, hygiene education, and menstrual health. Surge for Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the United States with headquarters in Chicago and a branch in Dubai. ABOUT SHILPA ALVA Shilpa Alva is the Founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water. Her passion for global equity and community empowerment began at age seven during a visit to Mumbai, India. After earning her degree and working in the corporate sector, she felt called to dedicate her life to international development work. Shilpa's approach is rooted in cultural humility, genuine partnership, and a deep belief that communities hold the solutions to their own challenges. She has lived and worked extensively in Haiti, Uganda, and Indonesia, learning firsthand the importance of staying with locals, listening, and building trust-based partnerships. RESOURCES & LINKS Visit Surge for Water: www.surgeforwater.org Follow Surge for Water on Social Media: @SurgeForWater (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X) Connect with Shilpa Alva on LinkedIn: Search "Shilpa Alva" WHAT MAKES SURGE GUTSY? According to Shilpa, Surge is gutsy because: They dare to dream and follow through, refusing to take ...