Women in HVACR - Experts & Thought Leaders

Women in HVACR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, has teamed up with Carrier Global Corporation, a pioneer in the HVACR industry, to award 11 scholarships to outstanding female students blazing paths in the skilled trades. The scholarships, presented during the 2025 Women in HVACR Conference in Las Vegas, celebrate the next generation of women advancing in an industry historically underrepresented by female professionals. Each recipient received $5,000 in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the skilled trades. Five additional scholarship awards Six students received scholarships directly from Women in HVACR, while five additional scholarship awards were presented by Carrier in partnership with the nonprofit organization for a total of $55,000. “These scholarships represent more than financial assistance; they are an investment in the future of our industry,” said Women in HVACR President, Kristin Gallup, adding “Each recipient has shown the drive, talent and vision to lead the future of HVACR, and their contributions will help shape the next generation of innovators in the field.” The 11 recipients are: Kristine Berg: Berg transitioned into HVAC after a career in maintenance and facilities work. In addition to attending Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota, she’s gained hands-on experience in both residential and commercial settings with a goal to give back by mentoring young women in the trades. Hannah Dearman-So: A recent graduate of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, with a degree in general engineering, Dearman-So has launched her career as a mechanical engineer specializing in HVACR and plumbing design. Ashley Haynes: A non-traditional student, Phi Theta Kappa member at Coastal Alabama Community College and mother of five, Haynes is pursuing a career in HVACR to empower women and inspire others that it’s never too late to follow their dreams. Sarah Kitchen: Kitchen is an HVACR student driven by a passion for problem-solving and breaking barriers in the skilled trades. Inspired by her daughters, her goal is to earn her HVACR and electrical licenses and one day teach the next generation of female technicians. Beyonca Mack: Inspired by her family’s legacy in HVAC, Mack is determined to break barriers and promote energy-efficient practices while creating job opportunities for others. Her ultimate goal is to own her own HVAC company and inspire more women to enter the skilled trades. Alerry McCarthy: Raised in Broward County, Florida, McCarthy is studying construction management at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is passionate about using HVACR systems to help create affordable, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities. Aya Morgan: From Science Olympiad to HVAC project engineering, Morgan has combined her love for problem-solving with her passion for sustainability. She’s interned with Legrand North America and Pacific Rim Mechanical and aspires to lead projects focused on equitable design and sustainable housing. Samantha Murphy: After 12 years as a commercial driver, Murphy transitioned into the HVAC industry, drawn by the field’s technical and sustainable focus. She is enrolled at Lincoln Tech in Mahwah, New Jersey, and plans to pursue an associate degree. Mahek Parvez: A computer engineering student at Purdue University, Parvez invented “SunHarvested CoolRooms,” an electricity-free cooling system that preserves farm produce. Her work has been recognized globally, and she continues to merge sustainability with technology to empower women and improve communities. Lila Tychsen: Inspired by her uncle who runs an HVAC company, Tychsen plans to become a sheet metal fabricator. A hands-on learner, she discovered her passion for fabrication through technical training and home renovation projects with her family. Sophia Valenzuela: An EPA-certified HVAC student and president of Riverside (California) City College’s HVACR Student Union, Valenzuela is a first-generation college student passionate about breaking industry norms. She’s working toward becoming a commercial service technician and eventually starting her own business. Nation’s infrastructure and sustainability goals “By investing in education and mentorship, Women in HVACR and Carrier are helping create pathways for women to excel in technical careers that are essential to the nation’s infrastructure and sustainability goals,” Gallup said. “By empowering women to lead and innovate within the HVACR industry, we strengthen its foundation and ensure it continues to evolve, adapt and thrive.”

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, recently hosted its Bet on Yourself conference in Las Vegas, where it introduced its new president, honored award recipients and presented the organization’s new annual magazine. Current Women in HVACR Executive Board Vice President, Jane Sidebottom was named as the group’s new President for the upcoming year. She is the President and Founder of Applied Marketing Knowledge, LLC, a marketing and management consulting company that works with manufacturers, distributors and service companies to grow their businesses. Build on the incredible momentum Outgoing Women in WHVACR President Kristin Gallup said as Vice President of the Organization throughout 2025, Sidebottom is uniquely prepared to lead the organization in 2026. “As Jane steps into the role of president, I’m confident she’ll continue to build on the incredible momentum we have experienced throughout 2025,” she said. “This momentum also culminated into a remarkable conference that was incredibly energizing. The caliber of speakers, the engaging workshops and the meaningful conversations throughout the exhibition hall exceeded expectations. This conference showed the power of women supporting women in this industry.” Three outstanding pioneers with inaugural Pillar Awards Women in HVACR also took the opportunity to celebrate three outstanding pioneers with its inaugural Pillar Awards. These awards recognize women who embody excellence in mentorship, education and networking within the industry: Stephanie Postell, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Anchor Heating & Air, was selected as the Mentorship Pillar Award winner for building her business around mentorship. Postell continually shares her expertise and empowers women to enter the trades while guiding entrepreneurs across the country to launch their businesses with confidence. Nasim Rahman, Senior Product Manager at Lennox, received the Education Pillar Award for her leadership in large-scale trainings, mentoring programs and advancements in electrification. Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at Rapid Locking Systems (RLS), earned the Network Pillar Award for her outstanding work fostering partnerships through live events, digital communities and national training initiatives. First-ever magazine The group also unveiled its first-ever magazine, “Empowered,” an annual publication celebrating women who are shaping the HVACR industry as mentors, market makers, boardroom pioneers and rising stars. The debut issue featured the Women to Watch recognition program, “Powering Progress: Influential Women in HVACR for 2025.” While the magazine was handed out at the conference, digital copies can be viewed at the website, and hard copies can be ordered from the organization’s Swag Store at the website. Impact of authenticity in the workplace Other highlights from the event include keynote speeches from Angela Gaffney, a leadership coach and the best-selling author of “Feel Good, Look Good, For Life” and Erin Hatzikostas, a recognized pioneer on the impact of authenticity in the workplace; a presentation honoring the ACHR News’ Top Women in HVAC; and a range of workshops and after-hour networking events.

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, announced that strong sponsor support is helping position its 2025 Bet on Yourself conference as one of the most impactful events in the organization’s 22-year run. Gratitude to incredible contributions “This group of sponsors has made the Bet on Yourself convention possible, and we want to extend our gratitude to their incredible contributions,” said Women in WHVACR President - Kristin Gallup, who also serves as Director of Product Management for Carrier Enterprise. She adds, “Their support empowers women to invest in themselves, build meaningful connections and grow as pioneers. We could not create such a powerful platform of education, networking and mentorship without their participation.” Engaging opportunities Avoca, an AI customer service and booking agent, is sponsoring the full three-day event The conference, which will be held October 6-8 at the Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, includes keynote speakers Angela Gaffney and Erin Hatzikkostas, educational conference sessions and after-hours events for attendees. The presenting partner, Avoca, an artificial intelligence (AI) customer service and booking agent, is sponsoring the full three-day event. Gallup said Avoca’s backing has allowed Women in HVACR to elevate the attendee's experience and provide more engaging opportunities. Other sponsorships include: Daikin Comfort Technologies, a global HVACR manufacturer and distributor, is sponsoring a mimosa bar at the event. iWallet, a technology-driven luxury brand specializing in secure, connected lifestyle accessories, is providing a La Dolce Vita lunch. Quietflex, the preferred ductwork provider for contractors and wholesalers nationwide, is providing the Sip & Celebrate Beverage Break. Resideo, a technology and smart solutions company providing smart home products, is sponsoring the Hats Off to a Winning Start Breakfast and the Coffee & Connections Breakfast on Oct. 7-8. Rheem Manufacturing, a global leader in heating, cooling and water heating solutions, is providing 36-ounce steel water bottles. Service Nation, the largest residential contracting group in the U.S., is sponsoring the Connection Crawl networking event on Oct. 6. Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, is sponsoring the Red, Rock & Roll Welcome Party on Oct. 6.  Trinity Warranty Solutions, a renowned extended warranty and facility management provider for the HVACR industry, is providing a High Roller Hydration Station. SWAG items The SWAG items in conference bags have been provided by: Arkema, Avoca, Daikin Comfort Technologies, Pink Lady Callers, Rheem Manufacturing, Synchrony, Trinity Warranty Solutions, and Women in HVACR. “The Bet on Yourself conference is a celebration of what’s possible when women believe in their own potential,” said Kristin Gallup, adding “From networking events to thoughtful touches like hydration stations, breakfast bars and welcome gifts, each sponsor’s contribution will make this conference a memorable experience for all our attendees.”

There is an enormous labor shortage in the skilled trades, and women have stepped up to assume many positions beyond office work alone. Throughout the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry, women are proving to be excellent technicians, service managers, sales people, marketers and more. Networking, mentoring, and education The increasing role of women in the HVACR industry is reflected in the rapid growth of Women in HVACR, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of its members by empowering women to succeed through networking, mentoring, and education. With a massive labor shortage, women make up a large untapped resource for a potential workforce to fill jobs Approximately 53% of the current skilled-trade workforce is 45 years or older. Estimates say that by 2022, 115,000 new jobs will be available. Currently only 4% of HVACR industry jobs are held by women, with only 1% of field technician jobs held by women. With a massive labor shortage, women make up a large untapped resource for a potential workforce to fill jobs. Members from virtually every sector of the HVACR field “Our organization has snowballed in growth, year over year, providing new avenues for networking, partnerships, collaboration and personal development,” says Danielle Putnam, 2019 Women in HVACR President. “For women excited about growing their careers in the HVACR industry, this organization supports each other and is unashamed to show vulnerability so we can better connect with each other to support and help.” The first international organization for women in the industry, Women in HVACR has 447 current members from virtually every sector of the HVACR field from technicians to contractors, distributors, wholesalers, manufacturers and more, at every level. The organization offers free student memberships as well. There are currently 79 participants in the mentorship program, and the Ambassador Program in 2019 has seven Ambassadors Mentorship programs Member benefits include scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, a member-only online directory by state, and bi-weekly Zoom video conference calls. Additional benefits include regular updates on Facebook and LinkedIn, an annual conference, and quarterly newsletters. Members can serve as an ambassador for WHVACR and can participate in member-only discussions through HVAC-Talk (a knowledge sharing website), Service Roundtable (a site sharing contractor tips), and HARDI (an organization of distributors). The organization has awarded $19,000 in HVACR Scholarships since 2015. Sponsorship and membership have grown. There are currently 79 participants in the mentorship program, and the brand-new Ambassador Program in 2019 has seven Ambassadors and five scheduled events. Member Involvement “One of our key initiatives for 2019 is member involvement,” says Putnam. “We are focusing on this by setting strategic goals within each board committee to better engage our members. Women love to multi-task and get involved – it is our nature – so we want to make sure the communication channels are open wide and everyone clearly understands how vital they are to the networking, education and mentoring within our organization.” “Women in HVACR is a name that so many want to get behind and support, get involved and be a part of something,” says Putnam. “Member involvement is huge.” Given the interest generated during the panel discussion, Ruth King applied for status as a non-profit organization under the name Women in HVACR Women in HVACR The organization’s growth comes from humble beginnings. In 2002 during the AHR Expo in Chicago, Ruth King and Gwen Hoskins began a discussion about the increased number of women joining the HVACR industry and the need for a way to share knowledge and experience through networking while encouraging and supporting one another. This conversation between two women was the catalyst for the organization. From this simple discussion, a panel discussion was hosted by Comfortech entitled: Women in The Industry during the 2003 conference held in Dallas in conjunction with the Contracting Business Woman of the Year breakfast. The panel consisted of four women within the HVACR industry and was attended by approximately 40 people. From there, given the interest generated during the panel discussion, by the end of the year Ruth King had applied for status as a non-profit organization under the name Women in HVACR. As so it began. Advice To Women We have many male members, and even one male Mentor in our Mentorship program"Currently there are 70 or so sponsors of the organization at various levels. Top-tier Diamond Sponsors are PROPARTS HVAC Parts and Supplies, Ingersoll Rand, Trane, American Standard, York, Johnson Controls, Allied Air Enterprises, Magi-Pak, COSCO and Armstrong Air. One misconception about the Women in HVACR organization is that it is a women-only group. “Though we are a group whose mission is to support women in the HVACR industry, there is no requirement that you be a woman to fulfill this role,” says Karen DeSousa, Women in HVACR Vice President. “We have many male members, and even one male Mentor in our Mentorship program.” What’s the organization’s advice to women entering the HVACR field? “Don’t give up!” says DeSousa. “Though you will experience setbacks and hurdles in many forms, this industry is worth the long hours, sometimes difficult working conditions, endless need for continuing education and more.”