Breaking barriers and overcoming challenges

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how staying curious and always seeking out more knowledge guided Susi Batista to found LIRA. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth meets one of the founders of Latinos in Roofing Associated (LIRA), Susi Lee Massey Batista, about breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. But the challenges Susi has overcome began far before joining the roofing industry, she explained, “I'm the second oldest of 12 children and one thing a lot of people don't know is that I was raised in a cult. We weren't allowed to be taught to read or educated as women or go to college or anything like that.”  

But she didn’t let that slow her down, she taught herself what others wouldn’t and started her industry journey in a small family business. From there, she tackled every challenge that hit her and took as many opportunities as she could get. Looking back, Susi described her journey, “It's a male-dominated industry, yes, I have heard some nasty things. Who hasn't? We all have. But the overwhelming majority have been mentors, have been people who have encouraged me and that's why I love this industry so much.” Now, with her work with LIRA, Susi wants to offer that helping hand and mentorship to other women and Latinos wanting to advance in the industry.  

Beyond her own personal experience, Susi wants to highlight diversity at all levels of the industry. Currently, 80-90% of the labor in the field is represented by Latinos, but there is a disparity when you look at the executives, directors and others making decisions for the industry. Overcoming this disparity is where Susi and LIRA’s mission lies. She cites organizations like National Women in Roofing and the effect they have had on breaking barriers for women as inspiration for what LIRA’s goals look like for Latinos. Susi elaborated on LIRA’s goal, saying, “Our mission is to empower the Latino roofing community through education, advocacy and community.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the full episode in order to learn more about diversity in the industry and how LIRA is breaking barriers.