With the encouragement of Todd Demonte, then-President of Therma-Stor, I became a Certified RESNET Home Energy Rater and pursued ACCA Manual J courses, followed by numerous building science and ACCA certifications.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?

The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the opportunity to pursue my curiosity, foster a passion for lifelong learning, and share knowledge to advance the industry. Every conference presentation, webinar, podcast, interview, and article has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, deepen my expertise, and educate others. I am deeply grateful to my mentor, Ken Gehring, president emeritus of Therma-Stor and a pioneer of innovative industry solutions, for inspiring this approach.

Receiving calls and emails from individuals who have engaged with my webinars or podcasts, seeking guidance on their projects, is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that my contributions help others succeed reinforces my commitment to this work and drives my passion for the HVACR industry.

Describe the proudest moment in your career.

Besides this incredible recognition from The ACHR NEWS, my proudest career moment was presenting on Sensible Heat Ratios for Ultra-Low Load Homes: Challenges for High-Efficiency Equipment at the 2018 ASHRAE Annual Conference alongside esteemed industry icons and my mentors Kimberly Llewellyn, Kristof Irwin, and Robert Bean. Sharing the stage with such distinguished professionals was a defining milestone in my career.

How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?

We need to get girls excited about the trades when they’re young. There’s so much opportunity in HVACR — whether it’s being a technician, sales professional, system designer, or in manufacturing. Girls need to see women thriving in these roles and loving what they do. Organizations like the GRIT Foundation are doing incredible work to inspire the next generation. They’re all about giving kids the tools and opportunities to succeed in skilled trades, and we need to support efforts like theirs to show girls what’s possible.

What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?

I’d love to join the board of an organization like the Change the Air Foundation, which is all about helping people breathe healthier indoor air. Their mission — “to give every person the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve better health by breathing safe indoor air” — is so important. Working with families who have loved ones struggling with health issues has shown me how life-changing safe, clean air can be, and I’m passionate about making a bigger impact by helping shape initiatives that tackle indoor air quality challenges head-on. I also want to pay it forward by mentoring more women in this industry, helping them find their place and thrive in HVACR.

What advice do you have for women who are considering entering the HVACR field?

Seek mentors: Connect with other women who can offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and guide you through industry challenges. Invest in lifelong learning: Take advantage of classes, webinars, and articles to continuously expand your knowledge and skills. Find your niche: Identify an area of HVACR that excites you and dive in with full commitment. Build a strong network: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in community networking opportunities to forge lifelong friendships and advance your career.