Audrey Monell, president of Forrest Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (Forrest Anderson), a family-owned business in the Phoenix area since 1961, will be honored at the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2019 Outstanding Women in Business event. The annual event, now in its 18^th year, recognizes remarkable women who are trailblazing the Valley’s business community as mentors and visionaries.

“It is an honor to be included with so many talented leaders representing so many different industries,” said Monell, who is the only woman from the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning industry to be recognized in this year’s awards. “Mechanical industries such as plumbing and air conditioning tend to be male dominated, which inherently create increased boundaries and challenges for female leaders.  Hopefully my inclusion in this esteemed list will encourage more women to consider a career and leadership role in traditionally male dominated fields.”

Monell is proud to serve as a role model and help other women find opportunities in her industry, as well as in any career field. Monell often speaks to young women about the opportunities for a good career in the plumbing/HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry that does not require an expensive college degree and can lead to business ownership in a short time. Monell also serves as the vice president/president elect for Executive Women’s International Phoenix Chapter, a global women’s organization with an equal focus on connections, careers and community that raises scholarships for young women. Additionally, she frequently spends time volunteering with women and children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or are living with special needs.

Monell’s list of recent accomplishments include the 2018 The NEWS Top 40 Under 40; 2018 Athena Young Professional Finalist; 2018 Better Business Bureau of Greater Arizona Torch Award for Ethics Finalist; 2018 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business, AZ Business Magazine; 2018 Largest Phoenix-Area Mechanical Contractor List, Phoenix Business Journal; 2018 Largest Phoenix-Area Women-Owned Business, Phoenix Business Journal; 2017 Family-Owned Business List, Phoenix Business Journal; 2017 Top Mechanical Contractors List, Phoenix Business Journal; and 2016 Top 25 Mechanical Contractors, Phoenix Business Journal.

Monell is one of 25 business women from the Phoenix region who have made significant contributions to their professions and to their communities during the past who will be honored at the Women in Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Information on the awards luncheon and the additional honorees is available at www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/event/163204/2019/outstanding-women-in-business.