LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities."
- Michele Jennae
It seems like this year has been overwhelming with in-person events, conferences, and parties--each one overlapping with another. Everyone is beaming with excitement to make up for lost time due to the craziness that has been with the pandemic. At one of these recent events, I was reminded of the importance of networking, even when it’s uncomfortable.
At NWiR, one of our four pillars is networking—to provide opportunities to interact with and learn from women in the roofing industry, creating long-lasting and supportive networks with each other and through strategic alliances with other organizations. I’ve seen this play out in my life many times since joining NWiR. Industry colleagues become friends, a need arises and one friend introduces another to solve a problem. Solutions that never would have happened without networking.
I can remember the first “networking” event I ever attended. I knew a total of 1 other person in attendance, and they had driven with me to the event. As an introvert, I was simultaneously scared no one would talk to me and scared that someone actually would! Luckily, I found another wallflower who was willing to strike up a quiet conversation, and we were then greeted by an extrovert that swept us around the room to introduce us to anyone and everyone who was willing to listen. Through that event (and the boldness provided by my new extroverted friend), I met a few contacts who are now friends today that I seek out at similar events to this day.
Part of the benefit to membership with National Women in Roofing is these networking events, a chance to meet other members and industry (future) friends. So, the next time you have the opportunity to network, find the person sitting alone in the corner and strike up a conversation. You never know if they will become a lifelong friend. I just so happen to be headed out to dinner tonight with a friend that I met from…guess what…networking! If you need help finding an event near you, a link to upcoming events can be found here.
See you at the next event!
Michelle Boykin, Rackley Roofing
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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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Save the Date Announcements & More!
Upcoming Webinar!
The DEI Committee is excited to announce the upcoming webinar, “Building Solutions for Increasing Heat Equity” on August 18, 2022, at 3 PM ET. This webinar will be a panel discussion on the social implications of heat inequity specific to low-income communities and communities of color. Join us as we continue the conversation on cool roofs and heat islands. Register here!
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Real Roofing DEI Program Cohort #2 is Up & Running!
The second cohort of REAL Roofing is off to a great start! The daily lessons in this program feature concepts that are intentionally accessible and foundational. The idea is that in just 20 minutes a day for one month, we can create a solid and shared understanding of DEI Essentials. This program is designed to establish for some, and reinforce for others, the fundamental principles for getting started with DEI. We thank all the participants of this second cohort and look forward to launching the program soon – more details to follow!
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Together We Can Save Lives: Construction Suicide Prevention Week
Suicide Prevention Week is coming up beginning on Labor Day, 9/5 through Friday, 9/9.
The construction industry has the HIGHEST suicide rates in America. We urge you and your company to register and participate in this important initiative. Participating companies will receive an OSHA-recognized, industry-endorsed certificate of participation and a badge you can display on your website and social media. Get more information and register 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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Books & Bubbly
August 23, 2022
7:00 PM – 08:00 PM – ET
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
by Angela Duckworth
Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing. Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference.
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Breakfast & Mimosa at WSRCA EXPO
Join NWiR on Monday, September 25, 2022, at 7 AM for a breakfast conversation with the women of the WSRCA board.
Have your questions ready about how they utilized networking, found allies, and the personal growth to earn their positions in their companies as well as board members! We’ll be serving breakfast and mimosas; space is limited so register today!
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 MEMBERSHIP
Kathleen Howard, Tremco; NWiR Membership Co Chair
Brenna Driver, Owens Corning; NWiR Membership Co Chair
Jae Horbacz, Kemper System America; NWiR Membership Vice Chair
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Welcoming New Members
Jackie Hart had the pleasure again of meeting new members during the Membership Committee Stand Up call on July 18, 2022.
New members included: Susan Deaton from Carlisle joining the Central Texas Council with 21 years of experience in the industry, Jessica Bakhasi an Architectural Representative who has joined NWiR and the Dallas Council, Susan Smith also an Architectural Rep living in Alberta, Canada who is looking forward to finding a good fit with the council, Paula Samberg from Beacon Sales a Distribution Company with offices and warehouses all over the USA and Tina DeLaive from TLC Construction Industries who has just opened another branch office in Melbourne, Florida and is a wonderful addition to our Orlando Council.
WELCOME LADIES! We hope we all get to meet you in Dallas next Spring on NWiR Day!
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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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Short vs. Long Term Goals
Join the Mentoring Committee as they talk about short vs. long-term goals.
Some of the questions to be discussed are:
– How do you get there?
– Do you have a mentor?
– Do your growth goals align with your company goals?
August 18, 2022 at 6:00 PM ET
Register here!
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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
PNW Regional Women in Roofing Day
Have you attended NWIR Day, or maybe you and your team have missed out…
Join us at our Inaugural Regional WIR Day with the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington.
The NWiR Seattle Council and the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) have teamed up to bring you a day of dynamic speakers and networking opportunities. Read more...
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NWiR Tennessee Council
Business & Bowling
The NWiR Tennessee Council is kicking off monthly meetings with business and bowling. We enjoyed bowling, laughter, and networking at Pinewood Social on July 20, 2022. We introduced our new Chair, Megan Malone, and co-chair, Kim Schwind. During this meeting, we also met new members looking to join our group within the next few weeks! We are looking forward to our educational event in August. Keep a lookout for updates.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!
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NWiR Northern New Jersey Council
 Building with Habitat For Humanity
The NWiR Northern New Jersey Council partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County in Westwood, New Jersey to help with their latest build, a 3-bedroom home in Hillsdale, NJ. 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the Habitat organization of Bergen County where they have built or renovated 100 homes, housing over 200 family members.
Erica Sherman Council-Chair, Wendy Lucas Council Vice-Chair, and council members Bari Siano,
Christina H. Gleason, Sej Sorathia, and Kristina Pirozzi made up the drywall crew. Council Member Karen Sager of Micromesh Gutter Guards donated gutter guards for the project. Read more...
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NWiR Los Angeles Council
5th Annual Fun in the Sun Event at Alexandria House
The NWiR Los Angeles Council has supported Alexandria House for many years…handling roofing needs including rebuilding after a fire in one of the two houses. For the fifth year in a row, the NWiR Los Angeles Council hosted Fun in the Sun for the families who reside or previously resided at Alexandria House in Los Angeles. Alexandria House is a non-profit transitional home for women and children. Read more...
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 NWiR Dallas Fort Worth Council
July 2022
We had a great time at Corky’s at the end of the month in July! We spent our evening networking, laughing, and throwing axes. It is actually a little harder than it looks. Stay tuned in August to see details on our back to school drive and upcoming events.
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NWiR Cleveland Council
Aboard the Happy Hour Cruise
Join the NWiR Cleveland Council for a really good time (pun intended) for our 2nd Annual Happy Hour Harbor Cruise aboard the GOODTIME III!
On: Friday, August 26, 2022
The GOODTIME III boards at 5:45 PM and sets sail at 6:30 PM and continues around the harbor until 8 PM with happy-hour drink specials, prize giveaways, and fun music to put anyone in a great mood to begin the weekend. The Happy Hour Cruise is a top attraction and has been a Downtown Cleveland staple since 1984, and is always a huge hit. Weather is never a problem, as the cruise sails rain or shine. More information here...
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 NWiR Oregon Council
Back to School Fundraiser
The NWiR Oregon Council is collecting snacks and classroom supplies for Kindergarten students from August 1 – 24, 2022!
At Mill Park Elementary School, 77% of students are considered low-income and all students qualify for free breakfast and lunch services. All school supplies are provided to students at no cost. However, students are allotted one set of supplies and any additional expenses, including classroom décor, come out of the teacher’s pocket. Read more...
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NWiR Columbus Council
Columbus Clippers Game & Diaper Drive
The Columbus Clippers baseball team, Division 7 Roofing, and the NWiR Columbus Council teamed up for the councils’ July event to support Central Ohio families in need with the first ever Huntington Park Diaper Drive.
The Columbus Clippers promoted all attendees to bring in a donation of diapers to support the Columbus Diaper Coalition. In total, 1,008 diapers were collected! Thanks so much, Division 7 for sponsoring our event, we had a ball!
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North America Council
Virtual Wine Down Wednesday
The NWiR North America Virtual Council is proud to announce our first get-together. If you are NOT a member of a local council, this is your council.
Join us for Wine Down Wednesday on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 8 PM ET. Bring your wine glass filled with your favorite beverage. Get ready to meet other women in our industry who are here to support each other. Get ready to grow NWiR across the country.
Contact Shelly Higgins at shiggins@s-5.com or Lorna Rojas at lrojas@tremcoinc.com for the Zoom link.
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 SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS
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Polyglass U.S.A., INC.
Project Profile: Cypress Cove
Based in Fort Myers, Florida, CFS Roofing is one of the pre-eminent roofing companies for both residential and commercial roofs in the Florida area, having a proven reputation spanning more than 40 years. When CFS was contracted by the Cypress Cove residential community in Fort Myers to install new metal roofing throughout the 43-acre campus, Polyglass was their brand of choice for the roofing project’s underlayment. Read more...
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 SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Celebrating women and their accomplishments
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Ellie Deans at  Johns Manville
Some people may recognize Ellie Deans from NWiR Day a few years back as Anna and she modeled safety gear! Ellie has joined the Midwest Roofing Systems sales team as a Sales Representative in the Minnesota Area.
Ellie graduated from Marian University with a degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and Management. She joined Johns Manville in 2017 and has held roles in Product and Program Marketing and as a Technical Representative covering the Wisconsin market.
She grew up in Mahtomedi, MN, and in her spare time, Ellie enjoys golfing, hiking with her dog, going to the lake, and coaching or playing hockey. This was a role that her late father, Bob Deans held many years ago.
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Promotions at Gulfeagle Supply
Inger Candler has been with Gulfeagle Supply for the past two years. She was promoted from her role as Office Administrator in Pensacola to her new role as Branch Manager of Birmingham. Inger is the happy mother of four wonderful young ladies. She is also a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina.
Adriana Ortega joined the Gulfeagle Supply team in 2008. Adriana was recently promoted from Inside Sales/Office Assistant in the Tampa branch to a well-deserved role as Assistant Branch Manager in Tampa.
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 The Eleven Percent
This FH series introduces readers to a few of the women who make up 11 percent of the construction workforce in the United States, spotlighting stories of their careers in the field.
Exterior contracting runs in Sarah Lechowich’s family. Though she loved to tinker in her dad’s shop as a kid, she hesitated following her father and grandfather into the trades as a career. 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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Save the Date: NWiR Day is March 5, 2023
We are hosting the sixth annual National Women in Roofing Day in Dallas, Texas on March 5th in advance of IRE. By attending, you will connect, discover, and cultivate new relationships with roofing professionals.
NWiR Day is the premier one-day 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. More information here...
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Call for Presentations for NWiR Day 2023
To create an energetic and intuitive agenda that is responsive to the needs of women in the roofing industry, we are looking for your suggestions and contributions on best practices and important issues to empower women in the roofing industry. NWiR Day is not just another professional development conference; it is a time for women to engage in education, networking, and mentoring for the purpose of growing their careers and strengthening their businesses.
Think about it this way, what do you wish you had known at the beginning or mid-point of your career? What topics are relevant in your life and your companies this year that we can share with a broader female audience? What is roofing to you?
We encourage the submission of general program topics and specific presentation proposals from women in all areas related to the roofing industry. Roofing contractors, building envelope consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, vendors, and service providers are all welcome to submit ideas. In addition, we are looking for live demos and hands-on training opportunities from professional trainers and/or field technical staff.
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NRCA
Mental Health Awareness in the Roofing Industry
NRCA will hold a free webinar, "Mental Health Awareness in the Roofing Industry," on August 10, 2022, at 12 PM CDT.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, construction workers have the highest suicide rates of all industries. During this webinar, you will learn about resources and solutions that emphasize mental health awareness and enhance job-site safety. For more information and to register, visit the NRCA website here.
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 IIBEC
Special Interface Issue on Roofing
Interface is the technical journal of IIBEC and the July edition was focused on roofing. There are articles on hail testing, best design practices, and a case study on lightning protection; but best of all is an article by NWiR member Elizabeth Grant, Ph.D., AIA about an experimental study on modular green roofs. Check it out here.
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Q2 2022 Market Index Survey for Reroofing Shows Increases in Project Contracts
The Q2 2022 Market Index Survey for Reroofing shows increasing project contracts but a decline in general confidence.
Respondents include both roofing contractors and roof consultants with the vast majority of respondents doing business on both steep-slope and low-slope roofs; about 12% of respondents do business on steep-slope only. Below are a few topline highlights of the recent survey. Read more here...
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EVENTS, WEBINARS &
MEETINGS
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Education Committee Meeting - August 10, 2022
NWiR Austin Council Monthly Luncheon - August 10, 2022
Part 2 Technical Webinar: Building Solutions for Increasing Heat Equity - August 18, 2022
Mentoring Session - August 18, 2022
Events + Education + WIRE Book Club - August 23, 2022
NWiR Central Florida Council - Grow Your Network - August 23, 2022
Being the "Only" in the Room: Blending in, Leaning in, & Stepping Up! - August 24, 2022
Community Service Committee Meeting - August 25, 2022
NWiR Austin Council Monthly Networking - August 25, 2022
NWiR Cleveland Council - 2nd Annual Happy Hour Harbor Cruise - August 26, 2022
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NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
Ellen Thorp, M.A., CAE; NWiR Executive Director
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I think most of us agree that the roofing industry is a pretty great place to work. But just like any workplace, sometimes bad things happen. Nobody should ever feel like they don’t have any options when they are in a work-related situation and another person is harassing them.
Several of us put our heads together and outlined the options that any person can pursue if they are facing harassment, assault, or hostility in the workplace. More information here...
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