Leadership, Partnership, and Legacy: Meet the 2026 IWSH Award Recipients

The 2026 IWSH Awards honor three people who put their plumbing expertise to work for underserved communities in Canada and South Africa.  

Two of this year’s recipients, Mike Gordon and Alanna Marklund of UA Canada, have helped expand IWSH WASH impact across Canada.  

The third award honors the memory of Junitha Kgatla, a founding member of WASSUP (the Water and Sanitation Services Upgrade Program) in South Africa. The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH®) first connected with Junitha in 2016, through an IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge®.

Mike Gordon: Opening Doors for IWSH in Canada 

Mike Gordon of UA Canada, seen here on the right, has served IWSH as a trusted advisor, strategic partner, and advocate for expanding the Foundation’s reach in Canada. Through his leadership, IWSH gained recognition and visibility at SkillsCanada 2026, creating new opportunities to show how plumbing advances public health and community well-being.

Mike guided the design, promotion, and long-term direction of the IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge on Walpole Island First Nation project. He continues to help shape future collaborations between IWSH and SkillsCanada. 

Mike’s contributions show how one industry leader’s guidance and connections can extend IWSH’s work into new regions and bring in partners who share the mission.

Alanna Marklund: From Walpole Island to Calgary

Alanna Marklund of UA Canada, seen here on the right, played a central role in developing the first IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge on Walpole Island First Nation. She secured support from industry sponsors and coordinated volunteers from three UA Locals to complete the project. 

Her work continued after the project ended. Alanna has helped shape long-term partnerships, develop future initiatives on Walpole Island, and strengthen IWSH’s collaboration with SkillsCanada.

Watch Alanna talk about the IWSH Walpole Island Project:

Alanna is now leading efforts to coordinate a future IWSH project in Calgary, bringing together local UA unions, First Nations partners, and SkillsCanada. 

IWSH designs each IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge as a blueprint for future work. Alanna’s efforts show that model in practice: the first WASH project on Walpole Island scaled to future initiatives across Canada. 

In Memoriam: Junitha Kgatla, WASSUP Diepsloot, South Africa

Junitha Kgatla passed away unexpectedly in July 2026. This IWSH Award is dedicated posthumously to her, in recognition of her impact on lives in Diepsloot. 

Junitha was a founding member of WASSUP (Water and Sanitation Services Upgrade Program) in Diepsloot township, outside Johannesburg. IWSH first connected with WASSUP in 2016, the year IWSH was founded.  

As IWSH marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, its work with WASSUP and Junitha spans the full decade. During that time, Junitha earned further professional qualifications with the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) and was honored by the South African Women In Plumbing Trades program. 

We extend our condolences to Junitha’s family, her WASSUP colleagues, and the Diepsloot community. 

Why These Stories Matter

IWSH presents these awards annually to recognize contributions that expand access to clean water and safe sanitation through skilled labor. The 2026 IWSH Award recipients show what it takes to expand access to clean water and safe sanitation: plumbing expertise, leadership, collaboration, and long-term commitment to the communities served.  

Together, they reflect what it means to mobilize the plumbing industry for good. IWSH is grateful to every volunteer and partner who brings their time and skill to this mission.