Marla Smith-Nilson

Marla Smith-Nilson is the founder and Executive Director of Water 1st, a Seattle-based non-profit devoted to helping the world’s poor meet their needs for safe water. She has overseen the implementation of over 600 community water projects in Latin America, Asia and Africa benefiting 250,000 people.
Avatar photo

Women, water and what it means to ‘have it all’

by Marla Smith-Nilson
For millions of women and girls in poor countries, collecting water for their families each day is not just a chore—it’s a symbol of gender oppression.
Mar 22, 2013

What international aid can learn from Zappos

by Marla Smith-Nilson
After 10 years of wear, I finally had to admit that my favorite Merrell clogs needed replacing. So I went online to Zappos.com to find a new pair. I am a big fan of Zappos, and not just because they have flattered me with a VIP membership. I can sort by size, color, brand, even […]
Apr 16, 2012