This month the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will be celebrating Black History Month with features of strong black women within our industry. Let us all celebrate the achievements and vital roles of our Black Women in Roofing!
1. How did you get involved in the roofing industry?
Two years ago I decided to update my resume on Linked In. I wanted to see if there were any opportunities that would allow me to capitalize on utilizing my top 3 skills- Spanish fluency, Educating and Sales. I was not looking for anything in particular. The same day the opportunity came into my inbox. It peaked my interest so I pursued the opportunity although I was comfortable with being in the tobacco industry the past 10 years. I had a good strong positive feeling about making a change. Although I was out of my comfort zone, I went from selling “sticks” to shingles. I got involved in the roofing industry by sheer accident. The opportunity literally fell in my lap. It has allowed me to share and enhance my skills while learning a whole new industry. It has taught me not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone no matter where you are in your career.
2. Use 3 words to describe yourself.
Trustworthy, Dependable, Positive
3. What is a fun fact about you?
I love karaoke whether it is performing or observing!
4. What are the pros and cons of being a Black woman in the roofing industry?
It is simultaneously a pro and a con to be one of the few Black women in the roofing industry. The pro is being an example and an inspiration to other Black women to think outside of the box to pursue a different career path. The con is being judged like a book by its cover which adds the pressure of having to prove yourself for not only being a woman, but a Black woman in a male- dominated industry.
5. What do you hope to see change for women of color in roofing in the future?
In the future, I hope to see the roofing industry put initiatives in place to reach out more to women of color to create awareness as an option for a lucrative career path. This would help with a more fair representation of women of color in the roofing industry.