Celebrating the Women Shaping HVACR’s Future
NOMINATIONS OPEN: Nominations are open through Thursday, July 9, for The ACHR News’ 2026 Top Women in HVAC awards program.
Nominations are now open for The ACHR News’ 2026 Top Women in HVAC program, which recognizes women making a lasting impact across the industry.
Women account for approximately 2% to 3% of HVACR field technicians in the United States, according to analyses of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, making HVACR one of the nation’s most male-dominated skilled trades. Representation is higher across the broader HVACR industry when positions such as engineering, sales, distribution, management, manufacturing, and ownership are included, though estimates vary depending on how organizations define the workforce.
The program, which was created in 2021, highlights women leaders who are advancing innovation, mentoring the next generation, and helping address workforce challenges throughout HVACR.
What makes award winners stand out? Promoting skilled trades careers to young women; expanding mentorship and training opportunities; driving innovation across energy efficiency; building companies and teams; strengthening workforce development efforts; and demonstrating leadership in the field and across executive roles.
Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, July 9, via achrnews.com/women-in-hvac-contest.
The 2025 Top Women in HVAC program honored 12 industry leaders for their contributions to HVACR through innovation, leadership, mentorship, and workforce development.
The honorees were Holly Beck, Bhavana Depuru Guru, Katy Higgins, Angela Rubino Hines, Samantha Houchin, Nikki Krueger, Jennifer Manzo, Megan McIntosh, Leilani Orr, Apurva Vijay Pitale, Stephanie Postell, and Brandy Powell.
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Representing a wide range of roles across field service, engineering, manufacturing, education, and business leadership, these women were recognized for helping advance the industry while inspiring and supporting the next generation of HVACR professionals.
The ACHR News celebrates the professionals shaping HVACR’s future. Top Women in HVAC honorees will be featured in a special September issue and recognized at the Women in HVACR annual conference, while additional coverage throughout the year will highlight standout technicians, educators, mentors, content creators, and others.
The Top Women in HVAC program is part of The ACHR News’ broader awards initiative, which celebrates excellence across every segment of the industry. Additional recognition programs include the HVAC All-Star Awards, honoring outstanding people, products, businesses, influencers, and training organizations; the Top 40 Under 40 program, recognizing emerging industry leaders; and the Champions of Distribution Awards, spotlighting excellence in HVACR distribution.
Together, these programs showcase the people and organizations shaping the future of HVACR through leadership, innovation, and workforce development.
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