National Women in Roofing conference headed to Dallas
The sixth annual National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Day conference is slated for March 5 in Dallas, Texas.
The mission of the NWiR is to empower women in the roofing industry and the theme of this year’s event is Follow Your Path.
“We are focused on a purposeful movement highlighting the success of NWiR's talented members,” said Michelle Boykin, chair of the board of directors and executive committee for NWiR. “These women (and our allied male members) are working daily to transform the roofing industry to be more inclusive and balanced. We are honored to have a slate of such gifted speakers who represent the very best of our industry.”
In preparation for NWiR Day, the NWiR Mentoring Committee continued the N.E.W.S. (Network of Educating Women Scholarship) Conference Attendee Program for women who own or work for roofing contracting companies.
With over 25 applicants, four women have been selected to receive a NWiR mentor, sponsored travel expenses, and registration fees to NWiR Day and the International Roofing Expo.
“We are thrilled with the caliber of these roofing contractors who are also first-time attendees to NWiR Day and the IRE,” said Kelley Caron, chair of the mentoring committee. “Research indicates that attendance at these events can influence one's career trajectory and benefit not just the attendee, but her company/employer as well.”
Additionally, the WORLD Award will be presented at the event. The award honors women in roofing industry who have demonstrated service to NWiR. A Rising Star Award will also be presented in recognition of the achievements of emerging talent in the roofing industry and NWiR who represent the next generation of leaders. The winners have been nominated by their peers, selected by a committee, and will be announced at NWiR Day.
“We are seeing a significant movement not just in the roofing industry but in all of the skilled trades and construction-related industries towards the inclusion of women and also recognition of the valuable contributions of women to these industries,” said Ellen Thorp, executive director of NWiR. “Not only can women fulfill a need to help the labor shortage, but they also bring unique skills and assets to the organizations in which they work. National Women in Roofing Day is a way to recognize these valuable contributions of women and also to continue in raising the level of professionalism in the roofing industry by providing education.”
NWiR Day is held in conjunction with the International Roofing Expo, sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
The NWiR pointed out that major sponsors of the event and the association include Beacon Building Products, CertainTeed, GAF, Johns Manville, Owens Corning, SRS Distribution Inc, TAMKO, and Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance.