As the Executive Director of NWiR, an aspect of my role is to build and maintain relationships with other trade associations and professional associations related to the roofing industry. Trade associations unite companies under a common product or service umbrella.  An example of a trade association is the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA); they represent manufacturers who make asphalt-based roofing products. Another example of a trade association is American Automobile Dealers Association; they represent companies that sell automobiles. On the flip side, professional associations center their focus on individual members. An example of a professional association is the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC); they represent people who work as building enclosure consultants and roof consultants. Another example of a professional association is the American Medical Association; they represent people who are doctors.

NWiR maintains relationships with all the trade associations and professional associations that are related and/or relevant to the roofing industry. This commitment materializes through biannual gatherings of executive leaders from these associations and serves as a forum for deliberating how best to advance and enhance the roofing sector collectively.  Sometimes we are also involved in each other’s associations in other ways too. For example, some of the staff of the Polyiso Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) are members of NWiR. On behalf of NWiR, I am a member of IIBEC and I also participate in some of the committees that are part of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Recently I had the chance to participate in several of the committee meetings in Chicago as part of the NRCA Midyear Committee Meetings. My role in attending these meetings is threefold:

  • Advocating for NWiR: To make sure that NWiR is known to all as a supporter of the NRCA, strengthening our stance as mutual supporters.
  • Showcasing NWiR’s value: To publicize NWiR’s contributions in terms of education and industry benefits, thereby enriching the roofing profession,
  • Facilitating Collaborative Synergy: To stay informed of the activities of the NRCA to identify areas for cooperation and support,

Specifically, I attended the Construction Management Schools Initiative and the Roofing Day Advisory Committee on behalf of NWiR. Being aware of construction management programs in universities across the U.S. may have the potential in the future to help with recruiting more women into the roofing industry. Additionally, we want to be aware of developments regarding Roofing Day so that we can communicate information to NWiR members and encourage participation.

By being present at the table of these committee discussions, I embrace a role that intertwines advocacy, promotion, and strategic alignment, all geared towards moving the roofing sector to a higher level of recognition and professionalism. More importantly, I bring the NWiR mission of empowering women in the roofing industry with me wherever I go.