LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
 “In my friend, I find a second self.” – Isabel Norton
Do you have those friends that can go weeks or months without seeing each other, but when you are together, it’s like no time has passed?
I was reminded of this at our recent board meeting in Dallas. As we walked into the room, most of us were hugging and catching up on our personal and business lives before we formally started our meetings. Laughter and smiles filled the room. Everyone was full of energy and excitement. At dinner, Lee Lipniskis was discussing the awe of our “tribe” of women at NWiR, and how we love, care about, and empower each other as a group. She said that while she loves her “friend-friends”, her roofing friends hold a special place in her heart. I couldn’t agree more! The friends I’ve made at National Women in Roofing have a strong, unshakeable bond. There are ladies that I can call anytime, day or night, to have a friendly conversation, to walk through a problem, to gain wisdom and advice, or to cry with. As a group, we have a unique perspective on the world, that those on the “outside” of roofing just wouldn’t understand. NWiR is a place without judgment, where we can bring our true selves and celebrate each other.
As NWiR Members, we have an amazing opportunity to connect with women in the roofing industry and create lifelong friendships. I implore you to invite a member to coffee or lunch and begin a conversation. You may gain a lasting friendship! Another great way to gain friends in the industry is to attend NWiR Day 2023 on March 5th in Dallas, TX. While you are there, strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know, talk to one of the speakers after a breakout session, and find a fun table to sit with at lunch. Our Day 2 event is another way to meet friends, with Yoga, a Book Club Discussion, and Brunch. We hope you can attend.
See you soon, friend!
Michelle Boykin, Rackley Roofing
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 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Susan DeGrassi, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing; NWiR Community Service Committee Chair
Dawn Holsinger, Delta Rep Group; NWiR Community Service Committee Vice Chair
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Member with Big Hearts
 NWiR members have BIG hearts and are focused across the country on service in their communities supporting women, girls & their families! Every day during the month of November we’ll be sharing those stories catching our members DOING GOOD!
The Community Service Committee focused much of its time this year gathering these stories…and we ALWAYS want more…from individual members, their companies, and your councils. Special shout-outs go to Kathy Schoch, Hayley Bohmer, Dawn Holsinger, Mikell Bolinger, Genesis Diaz, Jennifer Trapane & Susan DeGrassi for their contributions all year! Here is one story from Colorado...
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How to Help Victims of Disasters
 How many of us have asked how we might help those affected by natural disasters? A home fire? The Ukraine crisis? The American Red Cross is a trusted non-profit with an international presence supported by thousands of volunteers responding to a crisis – at the worst moment in someone’s life.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic damage. We have NWIR colleagues and their families in Florida struggling today and for months to come. Did you know that 1,000 trained Red Cross disaster workers are supporting this relief effort – and hundreds more are on the way. Before the storm, the Red Cross mobilized 83 truckloads of cots, blankets, and comfort kits, along with tens of thousands of relief supplies, to be prepared to help as many as 60,000 people. The Red Cross also sent several hundred blood products to ensure blood is available for patients in areas impacted by the storm.
As conditions slowly improve over the coming days, response efforts will expand as emergency shelters develop more robust services. Learn more about how the Red Cross prepared for Ian in this video and on their website.
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 DIVERSITY, EQUITY &
INCLUSION
Rae July, Chinook Roofing; NWiR DEI Committee Chair
Jess Cress, SRS Distribution Inc.; NWiR DEI Committee Vice Chair
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Gratitude & Celebration
Happy November and Fall to all!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the DEI committee will be publishing posts of Diverse Women throughout the industry highlighting their Gratitude. After finishing up this past cohort of the REAL Roofing program, as a committee we would like to be first. We are thankful for an association that focuses time and attention on DEI issues and training within our industry. Thank you NWIR!
With that being said, we would also like to spend time this month celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month we will feature Native American people within the industry and what this month means to them. Please visit this website to learn more about this month and its importance as we celebrate our women. Read more here...
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 EDUCATION
Maureen Greeves, Tremco; NWiR Education Committee Chair
Erica Faver, Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.; NWiR Education Committee Vice Chair
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 OSHA 10 en Español, Technical Education Guru, the Business of Roofing
By the time the newsletter is sent out the Education Committee will have run close to 40 folks through OSHA 10-hour En Espanol!
¡Una iniciativa que esperamos repetir anualmente! An initiative we hope to repeat annually! Lorna Rojas delivered the training, with the help of Manaya Robertson. Now the attendee names will be submitted to OSHA so those who completed the course can be certified and issued their official OSHA 10 card. I would like to thank Lorna and Manaya for their dedication to safety and the Spanish-speaking community. Read more here...
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 EVENTS
Brittany Wimbish, Fields Roof Service; NWiR Events Committee Chair
Lee Lipniskis, Levello Construction; NWiR Events Committee Vice Chair
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NWiR at Best of Success
Join NWIR at the Best of Success Conference on December 4, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona as we talk with powerhouse women who have paved their own paths and become true leaders in our industry. These women will discuss proven methods to not only lead yourself but lead others and lead a successful organization. Come talk to them, listen to their story, and learn more about what it takes to succeed in this great industry. #BOSConf
Register here!
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 MENTORING
Kelley Caron, OMG Roofing Products; NWiR Mentoring Committee Chair
Kyrah Coker, National Roofing Partners; NWiR Mentoring Committee Vice Chair
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Group Mentoring
Join us for the next series in group mentoring!
The topic is Personal Improvement.
Time: 12:00 pm ET
Date: November 16, 2023
Register here via Zoom
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N.E.W.S. Conference Attendee Program
 NWIR is honored to offer for a fifth year the scholarship program for first-time contractor attendees to NWiR Day and the 2023 International Roofing Expo in Dallas, TX. The N.E.W.S. (Network of Educating Women Scholarship) Conference Attendee Program is designed to encourage first-time attendees who work for a contractor to experience the benefits of professional development in the roofing industry. Attendance at these events can influence one’s career trajectory and benefit not just the attendee, but her company/employer as well. NWiR is pleased to offer four scholarships for 2023.
Scholarship Package-
• Attendance at NWIR Day on March 5
• IRE Trade Show Expo Pass
• Super Pass to Education Sessions March 7-9
• Hotel accommodations (not to exceed $1,500)
• Roundtrip airfare (not to exceed ($800)
• Tailored agenda with host provided by NWIR Mentorship Committee
*Each attendee and her employer will be responsible for meals, ground transportation, and incidentals
More information here on applicant guidelines and instructions on how to apply.
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 COUNCILS
Christine Mockenhaupt, SRS Distribution Inc.; NWiR Councils Committee Chair
Mary Beth Reed, GAF; NWiR Councils Committee Vice Chair
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If you have been part of a successful council startup, consider joining the NWIR Councils committee. We meet regularly with councils across the country who are looking for guidance and support to get their own local councils established. Your insight and wisdom will go a long way toward helping others find success. If you are interested, please contact the Councils Committee Chairs at councils@nationalwomeninroofing.org.
Here’s what some of our councils have been up to lately:
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NWiR Seattle Council
Pacific Northwest Women in Roofing Day
 When the Seattle Chapter began planning a regional Women in Roofing event with the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington a little over a year ago, we were not sure how it was going to pan out, who would attend, and what would it even look like. After this weekend’s RCAW Annual Meeting led into our first-ever Pacific Northwest Women in Roofing Day, the majority consensus was that it ROCKED!
McKay Daniels, President of the NRCA joined us for our NWIR Networking event, and then was the Keynote speaker for our Friday evening with RCAW Members and NWiR attendees. We were so thankful for having him come out to Seattle and spend the evening with us. The audience had engaging questions regarding the labor force and heard from McKay that the NRCA was actively helping our industry change on the national and local levels.
Read more here...
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NWiR Oregon Council
Owens Corning Plant Tour
We had the opportunity to visit the Owens Corning plant in Portland at our last meeting. They gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how their shingles are made. It was helpful to learn more about the industry from the manufacturer's perspective. Thank you, Owens Corning, for your support!
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NWiR Dallas Fort Worth Council
Partnering with Genesis Women's Shelter
In September our NWiR Dallas Fort Worth Council fell in love with a charity called Genesis Women’s Shelter. Our council partnered with National Roofing Partners and hosted a lunch and learn for our council to learn more about domestic violence, how to prevent it, how to help someone suffering, and how to give back to Genesis.
Please join us on November 30, 2022, at 5 pm for our annual holiday party featuring a shop small event which will include dinner and drinks! It will also be held at National Roofing Partners in Coppell.
If you know someone suffering from domestic violence and needs help please have them call or text the 24-hour hotline at Genesis: (214) 946-4357
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NWiR Northern New Jersey Council
Sip 'N Swing!
 The NWiR Northern New Jersey Council gathered on October 11th at the driving range for a beautiful fall evening of driving golf balls and making new connections. Members new and familiar were able to enjoy some food and refreshments, the fall foliage, and learn about upcoming NWiR and Council events, along with leadership opportunities. Council Sponsor, Peter McQuaid of MCQ Sales, LLC, was able to attend and shared some golf tips along with his support for NWiR activities.
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NWiR Minnesota Council
The Role Marketing Plays in Business!
NWiR Minnesot a Council was finally able to meet after a long summer of hail storms and busy calendars. (A good problem to have in the roofing industry). We had the opportunity to hear and learn from one of our own members who work day in and day out with Marketing in the Roofing Industry. Brookley Wofford-Topel gave us all some major takeaways to use in business and our personal lives. A huge thank you to Brookley for presenting and a thank you to those who attended during yet still a very hectic time of year in MN. We appreciate you taking time out of your day to connect with other women and learn about the industry we serve.
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NWiR Denver Council
 Chili, Advocates for Children CASA, and Axe Throwing
October was a great month for the Denver & Northern Colorado Council! They represented their local council at the CSL West Chili Cook-Off on a “chili” fall day. This great event brought industry peers together in support of Advocates for Children CASA and they raised a total of $11,000. Their NWiR team also took home 3rd place. They also hosted a fun Fall Social Event at Bad Axe Throwing sponsored by Beacon Building Products. What better way to get together than throwing axes while enjoying some beverages & charcuterie?!
Thank you to all who attended and they look forward to seeing everyone at their Holiday Party on December 9th!
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NWiR Oklah oma Council
Lunch & Learn with Tamko
The NWiR Oklahoma Council had a great time at October’s meeting! Angela Anderson with Tamko showed us new Tamko products and did the Titian Tough experiment. Big thanks to TAMKO for sponsoring our meeting! It’s so great to learn and network with those in our industry!
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Build My Future OKC
Build My Future OKC was a success! We were able to talk to so many high school students about what their future career paths could look like in the industry!
Thank you to Malarkey Roofing Products for being our booth sponsor and Scott Curry with Malarkey for teaching the kids to shingle a roof. Thanks to Dave Laizure of Whirlwind Roofing and Construction, for building our roof demo/display, and of course thank you to the wonderful volunteers who made this day so great!
To volunteer at Build My Future Tulsa on November 10th, 2022 please email council@nwirok.com.
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 SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Celebrating women and their accomplishments
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Volunteer of the Year!
This month we had the opportunity to celebrate our very own Community Outreach Chair, Stephanie Baird of Bliss Roofing, Inc., as she was honored by the Home Builders Foundation as Volunteer of the Year! Her ability to bring people together and coordinate all of the moving pieces of the service projects she undertakes, is a true talent. We are all so grateful she is part of the leadership team on the NWiR Oregon Council, we don’t know what we’d do without her. She is instrumental in our community and we all thank her for her continued dedication to our council.
Stephanie is the General Manager of Bliss Roofing, Inc. located in Clackamas, OR where she has been employed for 28 years. Bliss Roofing is a second-generation family-owned roofing contractor specializing in pitched residential roofing. Stephanie oversees all operations including safety, HR, scheduling, purchasing, and everything in between. She is the first one there and is often the last one to leave. Read more...
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Please submit your recent job promotion or job change and share your joy with us. Send these items to info@nationalwomeninroofing.org
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 NWiR DAY
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NWiR Day 2023: March 5th Dallas, Texas
National Women in Roofing (NWIR) is hosting a one-day conference in Dallas, Texas on March 5th in advance of IRE. By attending, you will connect, discover, and cultivate new relationships with roofing professionals.
The sixth annual NWiR Day is the premier conference for multidisciplinary women professionals in the roofing industry to get together to learn about the latest business strategies and tactics and share their secrets to success. Connect with professional, like-minded, good-spirited women from all facets of the roofing industry and experience insight, inspiration, and fun.
The mission of NWiR is to empower women in the roofing industry. The content of NWiR Day will continue to be focused on the needs of women; we invite everyone to attend and join us to listen and learn from the lived experience of women in the roofing industry. For those who cannot attend for the full day, we encourage them to register for our evening reception to celebrate the end of a successful NWiR Day.
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Nominations Open for the 2023 WORLD Award Veteran & Rising Star Awards
Nominations for the 2023 WORLD Award Veteran & Rising Star awards open on Monday, October 3rd. Learn more about each award and submit your nominations here. Nominations close on December 2nd, 2022.
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IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in Milwaukee Nov. 14-15
The IIBEC BES is scheduled for November 14-15, 2022 in Milwaukee, WI.
We are so excited to see you at the IIBEC BES. Be sure to stop by the NWiR Booth 16 and say hi, meet other NWiR members and pick up some NWiR collateral! Together, IIBEC and AEI will provide the best cross-functional education for our members and the vendor community in one place this November in Milwaukee! Read more and register online here.
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REAL Roofing Launches January 2023!
We are ready to launch our REAL Roofing DEI program and couldn’t be more excited! Our launch date is Monday, January 16th in honor of Martin Luther King Day!
What is REAL Roofing? Gla d you asked! REAL Roofing is an educational program designed to move the roofing industry forward with diversity, equity, and inclusion – also known as DEI. National Women in Roofing prides itself on being innovators and change-makers in the industry, and we are so proud to launch this program and create REAL change within the roofing community.
We’re all on different journeys when it comes to DEI and this course offers a solid foundational program for understanding what key terms mean and how to utilize them within the workplace and society.
Read more on how the course works here!
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EVENTS, WEBINARS &
MEETINGS
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NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
Ellen Thorp, M.A., CAE; NWiR Executive Director
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On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am so delighted to share with you the brand new Annual Report of National Women in Roofing. Covering the approximate time period of June 2021 – August 2022, this report is hot off the press and showcases the accomplishments and future goals of NWiR.
It is a real labor of love to publish such a dense annual report like this one. There are many people involved in the contributions and it is exciting to look at the updated statistics and see how much we’ve grown!
Please read and enjoy!
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