LADWP CEO and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones and members of VALOR, LADWP’s employee resource group for military veterans proudly accept the CEAC award.
Los Angeles, CA (July 15, 2025) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recently received the 2025 Veterans Employer of the Year Award in the Government/Public Sector category by the California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC). The CEAC is a state-wide nonprofit organization that provides information and resources to employers on regulations, policies and pending legislation that impact workforce development issues. LADWP was recognized for its exemplary hiring, training, promotion, and retention of U.S. military veterans.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award from the CEAC,” said Janisse Quiñones, LADWP CEO and Chief Engineer – a veteran herself who recently retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. “LADWP is dedicated to hiring qualified veterans for their skills and dedication. Our numerous recruitment initiatives are part of our broader efforts to expand outreach and raise awareness about career opportunities to ensure that servicemembers have access to rewarding civilian careers and resources here at the Department.”
The CEAC has worked with the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) since 1980 to promote regulations, policies, and procedures that are business friendly. It serves as a link between employers, employee advisory councils, and the EDD at the local and state level.
“The CEAC Veterans Employer of the Year Awards are a prestigious recognition, and it was a profound honor to present this award to an organization deeply committed to supporting our veteran community,” said Tisha Snyder, CEAC President. “The impact of making a difference in the lives of veterans cannot be overstated and is truly commendable. By prioritizing the hiring of veterans, employers contribute to the well-being of those who have served our nation and strengthen their own workforce with dedicated and highly skilled individuals.”
LADWP actively recruits veterans for their unique expertise and invaluable skills. Their military training fosters discipline, leadership, and a robust work ethic that can seamlessly transfer to roles at LADWP. These strong qualities can help LADWP provide high-quality service to its customers.
LADWP supports veterans and all employees with benefits such as 100 percent tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules. This includes career counseling, and comprehensive professional development opportunities. LADWP also provides high-quality on-the-job training to help employees build new skills and stay current with industry advancements. Veterans are offered military time buyback opportunities that count towards their retirement. Employees still in the military reserves who get activated or deployed, will continue to receive their pay and their job is held so that they can easily transition back to civilian life.
In addition, LADWP recently established a veteran-focused Employee Resource Group in 2024. VALOR, (Veterans Alliance for Leadership, Outreach and Recognition) serves to promote a supportive workplace for veterans and their advocates through networking opportunities, mentorship, community service, and recruitment. Membership has swelled to nearly 200 members, with diverse backgrounds and a variety of job classifications which range from engineers to field utility workers.
LADWP will continue to participate in military recruitment events and actively collaborate with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and with local elected officials to ensure that servicemembers have access to rewarding civilian careers at LADWP.
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