Women of Xylem Series
For our industry to thrive and evolve, we need strong, diverse teams leading it. We need to represent the diverse communities we serve and encourage great people from all backgrounds to get excited about joining us. This series features women across Xylem in various stages of their careers. Through it, we hope to pull the curtain back on who does what at our organization and inspire the next generation of female leaders.


In our first post of the series, we are proud to spotlight three employees as they share their perspectives on women making their mark in the workplace, how they draw professional inspiration and more.

  • Emily Hodges, Director of Finance, Sensus Investments
  • Tauheedah Williams, Trade Compliance Specialist
  • Kayce Collier, Vice President, Global Financial Planning & Analysis

Emily Hodges, Director of Finance, Sensus Investments

Emily Hodges

Q: How long have you worked at Xylem and what is your current role?
A: I have been with the company for one and a half years. I am the financial business partner to R&D, Marketing, and Product Management. I strive to help our organization make profitable investments that will create value for our customers.

Q: How can women in the workplace make their mark?
A: I think it’s so important for women to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. Early in my career I would edit myself, whether that meant not speaking up in meetings or agonizing over how to phrase something in an email.  Women can make their mark by being themselves. Let’s break down the stereotypes of how women “should” act or communicate in the workplace. No two women are the same!

Q: What advice do you have for women as it relates to their careers?
A: You learn the most when you are uncomfortable, so get uncomfortable! Be open to taking on a new role or assignment in your current role that will stretch you. Those experiences will add up.

Q: Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
A: I’ve been fortunate to have worked for some really smart, pragmatic women that have demonstrated how to navigate careers in male-dominated industries.  It goes back to being assertive, confident in your own abilities, and comfortable asking questions.

Q: What do you think allies can do to help women in the workplace?
A: If you know of a role or growth opportunity that would be a good fit for a female colleague, encourage her to go after it – she may never have considered it for herself. When you hear a good idea from a female colleague, be sure to give her credit.  These small acts of encouragement and validation can go a long way.

Tauheedah Williams, Trade Compliance Specialist

Tauheedah Williams

Q: How long have you worked at Xylem and what is your current role?
A: I have been with the company for more than two and a half years. Currently, I support the business in maintaining and training on the company’s Trade Compliance policies and procedures.

Q: How can women in the workplace make their mark?
A: By having the courage to be themselves!

Q: How do you expect the workplace to change in the next 5-10 years for women?
A: I expect to see more women in leadership roles.

Q: What advice do you have for women as it relates to their careers?
A: My advice is to always be authentically you. Bring 100% of your true self to everything you do and your career will benefit from it.

Q: What do you think allies can do to help women in the workplace?
A: I think allies can help by supporting everyone in being who they are in the workplace. Whatever that may look like.

Kayce Collier, Vice President, Global Financial Planning & Analysis

Kayce Collier

Q: How long have you worked at Xylem and what is your current role?
A: I have been with the company for three and a half years. I currently lead the Measurement & Control Solutions (M&CS) financial budgeting, reporting and analysis function.

Q: How can women in the workplace make their mark?
A: First, always be authentic. Find what inspires, motivates and drives you – making your mark will naturally follow.

Q: How do you expect the workplace to change in the next 5-10 years for women?
A: I am so inspired by the conversations and actions surrounding equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I expect that these will be issues in the future.

Q: Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
A: I’ve taken pieces of inspiration from lots of different people – not just women. Here at Xylem, I have really found inspiration and strength from the members of the Women’s Network. It is so powerful to have such a diverse group of people from through out the company come together.

Q: What do you think allies can do to help women in the workplace?
A: Give women the authority and responsibility to make decisions/drive change.


The RTP Chapter of the Xylem Women’s Network fosters an environment of belonging, education, and support by building a culture of growth and opportunity for women in the organization and beyond, through diversity of thought and experience that will create continued opportunities in leadership and enhance Xylem’s competitive advantage.

Learn more about the Xylem Women’s Network and our commitment to creating an open dialogue to raise awareness and identify ways to advance diversity and inclusion here.