New talent, new voices and new innovations

By Jessica Bravo.  

Our industry can help fill the gaps in labor by providing financial support and encouraging a more diverse population to pursue a career in roofing!  

National Women in Roofing (NWIR), an organization that supports and advances the careers of female-identifying roofing professionals, and S-5!, the global leader in metal roof attachments, are dedicated to empowering women pursuing education opportunities in the skilled trades. This year, the two have come together to further their pursuit by offering a scholarship to women attending vocational school and entering the trades. 

In a recent conversation, Kimberly Reichert from S-5! discussed the NWIR & S-5! Scholarship, which aims to identify individuals who align with the vision and support their educational and professional aspirations. Kimberly believes it is very important to “[fill] in the gaps in labor,” prompting her to ask, “How do we connect women with what we do?” 

Kimberly wants to encourage more women to become leaders in the trade. In a male-dominated industry, it is crucial to provide women with the opportunity to excel. Along with the financial support through this scholarship, National Women in Roofing is committed to introducing women to the trade, encouraging them to get involved, network and share their stories. As Kimberly describes, “A lot of the women I've encountered in [NWIR] and in this industry have a very wavy path that leads them into roofing. None of them ever thought they would be in roofing because they all started somewhere else and then met somebody.” 

National Women in Roofing exists to empower women in the roofing industry. Kimberly highlights the support the organization provides, saying, “We try to push workplace assistance to teach individuals how to interact and have tough conversations with others, help educate on information about actual roofing materials and provide assistance with job-searching and networking. NWIR helps makes those connections with the job and with other women, so they can say, ‘Well, my experience is actually similar to yours’ and then you have those conversations and you have that comradery.” 

What is the scholarship? 

Receive $2,500 to apply to the trade school of your choice, along with a one-year membership with NWIR (valued at $125) and a career mentor appointed by NWIR. 

Who is eligible? 

To qualify for the NWIR & S-5! Scholarship, applicants must be female-identifying, currently employed in the roofing industry or demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a roofing career and be United States citizens of reputable character. Additionally, they must: 

• Be accepted to a trade school and provide proof of that acceptance or enrollment. 
• Submit two written recommendations from a high school counselor, teacher, supervisor or mentor who can attest to their achievements and potential. 
• Complete a scholarship application. 
• Write a brief essay. 
• Attend two Zoom meetings during the scholarship year to report on their progress and maintain communication with NWIR. 

How to submit the application? 

Do you have someone in mind for the scholarship or are you interested in applying for yourself? 

Please email the completed application to kreichert@s-5.com by December 1, 2024. 

Download the application to get started!