On the third-annual NWiR Day at the International Roofing Expo on Feb 2 in Dallas, Texas the women of National Women in Roofing (NWiR), an independent organization advocating for and supporting women in the roofing profession, gathered at the IRE. NWiR Day is an excellent opportunity for women to network, learn, and enjoy a full day together. As the roofing industry changes, the organization aims to sharpen existing skills and connect like-minded professionals.
The medley of break-out groups included hands-on installation demos, mentoring from industry experts, and sessions on business development, communications, roofing technology, and more.
NWiR knows awareness to women’s safety in these various industries is vital. One of the most popular events was a safety fashion show. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) historically has not been designed for women, so bringing awareness to this crucial issue was widely well- received.
Jennifer Stone, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, said, “We are focused on a purposeful movement highlighting the success of NWiR’s talented women. These women are working daily to transform the roofing industry to be more inclusive and balanced. Every speaker, every story is reflected in the event today, through the words of these women we saw the participants charged with a mission to speak their story with confidence.”
Ellen Thorp, Executive Director of NWiR, “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. 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.”
Popular brands Beacon Building Products, Johns Manville, Owens Corning, SRS Distribution INC, TAMKO, and Tremco provided significant support for the day as Diamond Sponsors of the association.
National Women in Roofing is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women roofing professionals. NWiR provides opportunities for mentoring, learning, and networking for professionals at all stages of their careers. They share the vision of elevating the roofing industry to a new level of professionalism and diversity by supporting female professionals.