Javier Esquivel, PE, project manager for STV’s San Antonio water team, received the 2026 Emerging Leader Award from the South Texas Chapter of the Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA) and the Hill Country Chapter of the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT). The award recognizes early-career professionals who demonstrate exceptional technical ability, leadership and service to the water and wastewater industry.
Esquivel has spent the past decade advancing essential water and wastewater infrastructure across Texas with project experience spanning sanitary sewer and lift station design, water pipelines, asset condition analysis and Consent Decree program management. His work has supported utilities including the San Antonio Water System, the City of Houston, New Braunfels Utilities, Austin Water and the City of Kyle, helping to improve system capacity, reliability and water quality for communities statewide.
“Javier represents exactly the kind of emerging leadership our industry needs,” said Marisa Vergara, P.E., senior vice president at STV. “His technical rigor, commitment to our clients and passion for serving the community make him an exceptional engineer and colleague. We’re incredibly proud to see him recognized by TAWWA and WEAT.”
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Esquivel quickly distinguished himself as a technical leader upon joining STV, excelling in complex wastewater interceptor programs and system rehabilitation efforts. He has played a central role in tasks associated with major Consent Decree programs, most recently helping develop solutions to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and enhance wastewater service for rural neighborhoods within the City of Houston.
In addition to his technical contributions, Esquivel is deeply committed to industry service and workforce development. He currently serves as president of the WEAT San Antonio chapter after previous terms as vice president and secretary. Through WEAT, he helps lead charitable initiatives, scholarship fundraisers, technical seminars and community events, including efforts to introduce emerging engineers to the water profession.
