What a year it’s been. I started off 2017 by saying, “women can be transcendent when we empower each other,” and ladies, we have certainly risen to the occasion.

My goal was simple, really. I aimed to talk to leading women in the industry each month and promised to share their stories, thoughts and insights with all of you.

This newsletter after all, is geared specifically to women professionals in the PHCP/PVF industries, and was meant to serve as the platform to share tips on career advancements, networking opportunities, and industry-relevant news. It was meant to be your voice – our voice – to learn and grow together.

I’d say that I not only met my goals, but I met some incredible, inspiring women along the way, too.

In the first installment of Women in PHCP, Eva-Marie Fox told us, “It’s not your father’s career!” She shared why — and how — women can succeed in the plumbing industry, and encouraged both employers and job seekers to look at it through a different lens.  

The following month, I talked to Sue Jacobs, who assured me, and all of us, “Plumbing is a woman’s job!” Sue is the only woman in a fifth-generation family of Master Plumbers.

Soon after, Renee Joseph shared how she went from “wanderer to leader” on a dare. Without any working knowledge or experience in HVACR industry, Renee worked her way up to vice president of Global Customer and Sales Enablement for Johnson Controls.  

Next, Melissa Coolidge talked about how she created her own path to success. From an early age, she was encouraged to work hard and “figure it out.” Today, she sits as the eastern region sales manager for Matco-Norca.

The next month, Mary Phelps told us that she, “wasn’t afraid of the devil.” Her journey led her to break down barriers and set high expectations for herself, and today, she’s the strategic accounts manager, health care leader at Sloan.   

In the next month, Maribel Miceli Maza talked to us about the challenges women around the world face, and overcome. She shared the experiences of women in the construction trades in Mexico and shed light on the fact that it doesn’t vary much from women around the world.

I had an opportunity to talk to Barbara C. Higgens. She told me her recruiter once told her, “They’d never hire a woman.” She showed them how a woman could transform an industry and leave a lasting impact to boot.

I also talked to Laurie Crigler, who took her teaching skills and transferred them to leading opportunities as the PHCC 2017-2018 president.

The Women in HVACR took charge of their own legacy and continue to make it a point to lead the way for others to follow. And the Women of ASPE joined together and extended an arm to the men in the industry because they knew working together could lead to more success.

All of these women shared their experiences and voices with me, and by extension, with you. If you’ve not had a chance to read their stories, I encourage you to do so now. One common theme throughout was the need, and desire, to encourage one another. As I said earlier this year, and again in this column, when we empower each other, we can be transcendent.

This month’s featured woman is also PHC News’ 2017 Contractor of the Year. Susan Roberts Frew is a small-business champion and heart-driven leader who makes a very visible difference in her community. Her story is not only inspiring, but unique.

I’m honored to have shared with you the journeys of all these amazing women in the PHCP community, along with the news of all the promotions and advancements of women in the industry.

I also want to take a minute to remember a great loss in the industry. Alice A. Martin, chief revenue officer, of NIBCO passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Dec. 10 after a courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.  

Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to take a minute to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. I hope 2018 brings continued success, and as it does, please reach out and share it with us!

As always, my continued goal is to talk to leading women in the industry each month and share their stories, thoughts and insights. That will continue into the next year, so, if you know a woman, or are a woman who should be featured, let me know. 

Happy New Year!!! <3