On July 13, LIXIL hosted a hands-on industrial design and engineering workshop in New York City for summer camp participants of Tools & Tiaras, as part of its sponsorship of the nonprofit organization. During the workshop, girls of 6-14 years of age learned about the design and engineering elements of plumbing and designed their own showerheads using modeling clay. Campers also worked in teams with LIXIL designers and engineers to assemble a faucet together. LIXIL team members spoke to the girls about their experience in their fields and how they found their place in a male-dominated industry.

"The plumbing industry faces a severe labor shortage, as well as an overwhelming gender gap. In the U.S., in 2020, only 2.3% of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were women. While we have a ways to go, I am continuously inspired by the good work happening across the U.S. in tackling gender inequality. And I can think of no better partner than Tools & Tiaras to help collectively drive more awareness and passion among women in pursuing fulfilling careers in plumbing," said Debbie Drury, leader, communications and corporate responsibility, LIXIL Americas. "At LIXIL, we are committed to empowering ambitious girls with the confidence to break down the social barriers that stand in their way, and equip them with the hands-on design, engineering and plumbing experience to get there."

Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, tradeswoman activist, and founder and chief visionary officer, Tools & Tiaras Inc., added, "LIXIL has been a long-time partner, supporter, and friend of Tools & Tiaras Inc. Debbie Drury and her amazing team always bring their A-game for our girls, and they completely knocked it out of the park with today's plumbing workshop that focused on industrial design and engineering. Our girls got to learn that the fixtures they use in their homes every day — like faucets and shower heads — start with ideas and designs that make them both functional and beautiful. Our girls loved this workshop because they were the creative driving forces, using their imaginations to come up with colors, finishes, and designs. With hands-on components from start to finish, the girls got to take their ideas and bring them to life with modeling clay, which was so cool. I am grateful to the inspiring and talented all-women team of LIXIL designers and engineers who led this workshop and helped our girls see all of the STEM-based careers they can pursue in my favorite field... plumbing."  

About LIXIL & Tools & Tiaras Partnership

• The plumbing industry is in a labor shortage crisis. As of 2022, the industry is short of 425, 160 plumbers which is not only impacting the construction industry but the overall economy. Moreover, the labor demographics is heavily skewed towards men. Based on 2020 industry numbers, only 2.3% of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the U.S. were women.
• LIXIL is a proud sponsor of Tools & Tiaras, and our hope is that this partnership helps to move the needle in getting more women and young girls interested in a plumbing career and break down the social barriers that may stand in their way in achieving their goals. This collaboration is a part of our larger effort to address the labor shortage and lack of diversity in the plumbing industry. 
• Our skill building program, Trade Up, is dedicated to inspire more people including women to pursue plumbing as a viable career path. We also work with like-minded organizations such as Plumbing Manufacturers International to raise awareness about labor shortage in the plumbing industry.