National Woman in Roofing, a volunteer-led organization whose mission is to empower women in the roofing industry, has created a partnership with the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association. NWiR was established in the U.S. in 2016.
“We are excited to be able to launch a council in Canada,” said Renae Bales, chair of NWiR and vice president, brand & risk at KPost Roofing & Waterproofing, Dallas. “After supporting the development of 40-plus councils in the U.S., a sister organization in New Zealand, and fielding inquiries from Mexico and Central America, we are so glad the Canadian women who work in the roofing industry are joining NWiR. Although we have always had Canadian women as members, this marks our first official council expansion from the U.S. into North America.”
The board of directors for the NWiR Canadian council has been established and will be led by Chairperson Lillianne Dunstall, who worked for Tremco for more than 17 years before retiring as vice president, North American Business Operations and Canadian Roofing. Dunstall has been involved with NWiR since its inception in 2016.
“From every corner of the roofing industry, the response to NWiR's launch in Canada has been instant and overwhelming,” Dunstall said. “Not only from contractors but from manufacturers, consultants and supply chain partners, the message has been loud and resoundingly clear: ‘We support you 100% in all your endeavours.’ Having this early support from the industry helps create the momentum needed to move forward with exciting speakers, programs and projects that will help women fulfill their career aspirations while offering a support system second to none.”
NWiR will start by launching NWiR Canada as a single council with members meeting remotely. Once it is safe to gather in person, NWiR Canada will plan gatherings in cities with a concentration of members. Eventually, NWiR plans to launch councils throughout Canada.
To learn more about NWiR, visit nationalwomeninroofing.org.
