Entering into the rooms of many industry conferences and summits during this month of November, there was an eagerness of sorts in the air. The often considered faux pas small-talk subject of politics was one that even the farthest from politicos could not ignore. And, it seemed that most discussions were not about picking sides, but instead about passions for ideals and beliefs.

One such belief that Americans made clear at the polls during this mid-term election is the desire for a more diverse and inclusive body of political representatives. Women were at the forefront of this change. TIME reported that in this election, the country saw its: youngest woman elected to Congress; first Native American women elected to Congress; first Muslim women elected to Congress; first Hispanic women elected to Texas’ Congressional seats; South Dakota’s first woman governor; Guam’s first woman governor; and the first black Congresswoman from Massachusetts.

In 2018, women candidates broke the record for the number of candidates for governor, the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Often, what starts at the top trickles down. One can hope that the wave of women in government extends to an increase in women holding leadership roles across markets and sectors. Elections in our industry, such as Carol Johnson’s recent appointment as the first woman president of The American Society of Plumbing Engineers, give basis to that hope.

PHCPPros is pleased to announce that in April 2019 the “Industry Leading Ladies” special feature will return across our print and digital platforms to spotlight sheroes shaking up the plumbing, heating, cooling, and piping trades. Nominations are being accepted on a rolling basis at ashlei@tmbpublishing.com.

Additionally, PHCPPros is lining up its 2019 women’s spotlights for this monthly newsletter. Those submissions are also received on a rolling basis at ashlei@tmbpublishing.com.

Photo Credit: Huffington Post