The award honors the late Alice Martin of Nibco Inc. and was created to recognize women in the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping (PHCP), and pipe, valves, and fittings (PVF) industry who have a record of significant accomplishment and embody the character of Martin, and who embrace education and encourage inventive ideas, promote and mentor women in the industry, inspire others through their work and example, participate in ASA Women in Industry Division activities, and are bold leaders that others emulate.

Falish embodies those qualities and more as a leader, a mentor and a champion for women, an ASA press release said. Falish is a former ASA Women in Industry Division chairwoman (and a founding member of the division), a former member of the ASA executive committee and board of directors, chairwoman of the ASA’s Workforce Development Strategic Council, and a member of the ASA Northeast Advisory Council. Her service to the industry includes volunteer roles outside ASA, the press release said.

“Rebecca has been such a great influence in my career,” said 2024 ASA Women in Industry Division advisory council chairwoman Kala McDonald, of The Collins Cos. “A few years back, she asked me to chair Women in Industry after her term, and I was beyond intimidated. I do not like public speaking and I wasn’t sure I was up to the task, but she assured me I was. She gave me a pep talk and sold me on the concept, and then she said she would have my back and she did. Over the years, I have witnessed Rebecca mentor and elevate so many people, both men and women, to get them to see their own potential. She is a true leader in this industry and a great example for all women going forward.”

Past award recipients are Ashley Martin (Nibco), Katie Poehling Seymour (First Supply), Robyn Brookhart (Liberty Pumps), Suzanne Chreene (Delta Faucet), and Karla Neupert Hockley (Consolidated Supply).

“I am so thrilled Rebecca is being honored with this award,” said Seymour, the 2024 ASA chairwoman and Women in Industry Division co-founder. “In the true spirit of Alice, Rebecca has been behind the scenes of the Women in Industry Division since its inception. Like Alice, she has simply done the work and made things happen for the organization without a lot of fanfare. She is a friend, a partner and has been a role model for my journey in this industry.”