Building the future: National Women in Roofing paves the way

By Jesse Sanchez.

An empowering discussion reveals how women are transforming the roofing industry, one step at a time.

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) has been a game-changer for female-identifying professionals in the roofing industry since it’s inception in 2016. In this Coffee Conversations hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, an inspiring panel of industry leaders shared insights on how NWIR is continuing to make waves in a traditionally male-dominated field. The panel included Katie Bodiford, NWIR’s executive director; Jamie Treglio, marketing leader for Johns Manville; Christee Roberson, owner of Graham Roofing and incoming NWIR chair and Minnie Robles, chair of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee for NWIR and from Johns Manville. Together, these panelists reflected on NWIR’s role in fostering connections, promoting education and advancing diversity within the industry.

"National Women in Roofing has been a huge part of being able to advance my career and to learn a lot more," said Minnie. Since its founding in 2016, NWIR has grown exponentially, now boasting nearly 2,500 members. Katie highlighted the organization’s inclusive mission: “I love how supportive these women are of each other at NWIR. There’s no competitiveness, that everything’s put aside and we champion each other.”

The conversation shone a spotlight on the transformative impact NWIR has on careers. Jamie reflected on her journey, sharing, "I’ve been in roofing about five years and I came from out of the industry, so I had so much to learn and I learned it through connections that I made at National Women in Roofing. So to me, this is near and dear. It helped me figure out what was what, what actually went on a roof and I could ask people questions that weren’t going to judge that I didn’t bring that knowledge with me."

NWIR Days, the organization’s flagship event, has become a pivotal platform for fostering education and connection. This year’s event, themed “Focus,” will take place in San Antonio, Texas, on February 16-17, 2025. "We are going to be in San Antonio this year, which if you've ever been to San Antonio is such a fun place to be," shared Katie Bodiford. She accentuated the event’s diverse offerings, including keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.  

NWIR has supported women across all stages of their careers, even in regions where representation has lagged. Reflecting on her experience, Christee shared, "When I started in National Women in Roofing... I walked in and was so inspired and it was like I found my people. People that know what we deal with day to day."

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to discover more about NWIR’s transformative initiatives and how they are reshaping the roofing industry!