DuPont® encourages women to join National Women in Roofing (NWIR)

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS Partner.

Platinum sponsor, DuPont® encourages women to join NWIR and be active in their local community and nationally.

During this year’s NWIR Day, Maggie Abbey of DuPont wanted to do something special.  So, she partnered with RoofersCoffeeShop® to develop t-shirts that played off the Next Time You See A Roofer — Look Up To Them campaign while proudly displaying the Roofing Respect® logo on the sleeves.  She had a table set up and handed out over 220 t-shirts to the women attending this special day.

“I really wanted to create something that women would want to wear and would show the pride we have for our industry,” stated Maggie Abbey, marketing communication manager for Tyvek® Protec™.  “Everyone loved them.  It was the opportunity to bring the pride of the Coffee Shop with the enthusiasm of the NWIR ladies that made it so special.”

But Abbey wanted to do more.  So, she and the team at DuPont have made the t-shirts available to every women who signs up for membership in February and March.  “Simply state that DuPont referred you in the reference line and we will get you a t-shirt.  If you want to also note your size it would be great,” smiled Abbey.  “We want to encourage all women to be members of NWIR.  DuPont is deeply committed to diversity and especially the empowerment of women.  The NWIR is doing everything that we believe in.”

National Women in Roofing was launched in February of 2016 and after celebrating its third anniversary as an association and the second annually NWIR Day at this years IRE, the organization is stronger than ever.  “It is the four pillars of our organization that really keeps us moving in the right direction,” stated RCS Influencer Jennifer Stone, the 2019 NWIR Chair.  “Mentoring, Education, Networking and Recruitment give us our focus on what we need to keep doing to help empower women in roofing while also attracting new women to the trade.”

“NWIR is open to all women in roofing.  Contractors, distributors, manufacturers, technology and service companies are all invited to be a part of this group and it is not just for women,” continued Stone.  “We have many men who are members.  The movement for a strong, diverse and professional trade is not about one gender or type of professional.  It is up to all of us to make that difference that will attract more women and minorities to the industry.”

Membership is only $60 per year with half of the membership going to local councils.  “We have 36 councils and we are growing,” stated Stone.  “They are viral and everywhere across the country.  The membership fees not only help the councils, but they provide the funds to help our board of directors create programs that support our four pillars while empowering women throughout roofing.”

“DuPont is very proud to be a part of both RoofersCoffeeShop and NWIR,” concluded Abbey. “The fact that we can promote membership as part of our RCS partnership is a win-win for everyone.  I encourage both men and women to become a member and we will send everyone a t-shirt.”

To become a NWIR member visit www.nationalwomeninroofing.org/membership.  To learn more about Tyvek Protec visit here.