While stereotypes and traditional gender roles have long perpetuated the notion that plumbing is a man's job, women are challenging these norms and reshaping the landscape of the industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.
The skilled trades have been facing a labor shortage for years, and it doesn’t make sense to ignore half of the population because of their gender. One of the main barriers women face in entering the plumbing industry is societal perception. From a young age, girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields like plumbing, with societal expectations nudging them towards more "feminine" career paths. Consequently, the lack of female representation in plumbing perpetuates the belief that it is not a suitable profession for women.
These women are challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that gender is not a determinant of skill or capability in this industry. Representation is more important than ever, and each of the women below shares the value of a career in the trades as well as ideas on how to attract more women into the plumbing industry.
KATIE BYRD
CLARKSBURG PLUMBING
ALAYNA CHAVEZ
PARKER & SONS
TRACY GAWECKI
OATEY
AMY HART
CONTINENETAL PLUMBING SERVICES
LISA LYON
NIBCO
DEIDRA MCELROY
MAGNOLIA PLUMBING, HEATING, AND COOLING
KATE OLINGER
UPONOR
ERICA SULLIVAN
ERICA'S PLUMBING, AIR CONDITIONING & RESTORATION
DEVYNN THOMPSON
THOMPSON FAMILY PLUMBING
ANGIE TIMM
RESIDEO
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