National Women in Roofing’s theme for its annual NWIR Days couldn’t be more on point. By rearranging schedules and having a venue to truly call their own, the “Focus” on empowering women in the industry has never been stronger.

This year’s event format was turned on its head. Traditionally, attendees enjoy a half day of events following the full day of sessions and networking held the day prior to the International Roofing Expo. This year, NWIR took attendees on an adventure deep into the heart of Texas — literally — on Feb. 16. 

After a day of mindfulness thanks to some book club discussions and yoga, women from around the country had the opportunity to enjoy a “Dinner in the Caverns” event. Those taking part explored the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest cavern by volume in Texas and located 180 feet at the deepest part where tours are led. Descending 18 stories into the caves for a half-mile tour, the novice spelunkers later enjoyed a buffet dinner in the Hidden Wonders Ballroom.

A full day of 32 educational sessions, networking opportunities and hands-on demos followed on Feb. 17. Not only did this year’s event change its order of operations, NWIR hosted the event at the Grand Hyatt River Walk near the Henry B. González Convention Center. Having its own space apart from the IRE’s venue opened up new opportunities for members.

“There’s something special about this year’s NWIR Days,” Executive Director Katie Bodiford said. “Because we are housed at a hotel and not the convention center, the whole vibe of the meeting will feel more intimate and the opportunities to mingle and make new connections will be much easier. “NWIR members are a force and it’s a joy to witness them all together under one roof.”

More of these members were under this year's roof. About 500 people attended this year's event, and membership continues to grow. To kick off the conference, incoming NWIR Chair Christee Roberson and outgoing NWIR Chair Anna Anderson shared some positive news regarding the organization from the past year, including a new website, dedicated employees to facilitate operations and growing membership.

"In October of 2024, we had 2,191 members. That's a lot of women in roofing and amazing allies that have come to the table," Anderson said. "Today, we are 2,602."

This year’s programming began with keynote speaker Katie Goodman, a comedian who both entertained and informed with her presentation titled, “Improv for the Spirit: How to Focus on Leading a Courageous and Spontaneous Life.” The international comedian and writer showed how to use the skills gained from improv comedy in all aspects of life with an interactive presentation.

NWIR members listen during one of the afternoon breakout sessions at the 2025 NWIR Days. Photo by Bilaal Khan

From there, members went to breakout sessions covering all aspects of working in roofing, from leadership and marketing advice to talks on products like solar, metal and adhesives. Returning this year were sessions presented in Spanish that touched on being a Latina in roofing and work-life balance.

Jessica Anderson, a territory sales rep for Architectural Reps of Texas representing the Holcim brands, returned to NWIR Days after having to miss the previous two years, and found the sessions she attended on visualization and financial management to be relevant in both her personal and professional lives.

"I always have ideas storming in my head and never know how to go about making them happen, and one of the key focus areas they gave us was visualize what you're doing and manifest it," Anderson said. "It dawned on me [I have] a business opportunity that I'm trying to give myself, and how I can't focus on always giving it attention, so breaking it down into small segments and doing little things at a time to get an end result was very helpful."

The Award Goes to…

The event culminated with an awards ceremony, where NWIR named its WORLD Award Veteran and Rising Star. Since 2019, NWIR has recognized members with its WORLD (Woman of Outstanding Roofing Leadership Distinction) Award Veteran for their governance, commitment to the industry and creating opportunities for others.

This year’s winner is Rachel Garcia, director of contractor services for Malarkey Roofing. She began her career in 2012 as a marketing events manager before moving up to manager of contractor services in 2023, earning her newest position as of this year. In addition to her responsibilities, Garcia has served as chair of the NWIR Council in Oregon since 2020. She has helped elevate the roofing industry as a whole with positions on the advisory councils of both the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and Western States Roofing Contractors Association. Outside of roofing, she’s served as an associate board member of the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Joining her on the awards stage this year as NWIR’s Rising Star was Sarah Sutton-Shouse, service manager at Raincoat Roofing in Chicago. The Rising Star award recognizes what NWIR says are young professionals who exhibit outstanding leadership in the roofing industry and innovate and inspire others. 

Having been with Raincoat Roofing since 2019, Sutton-Shouse is a founding leader and chair of NWIR’s Northern Illinois Council. In 2022, she received National Roofing Partners’ Spirit Award for her “hard work, dedication and positive attitude,” the NRP said on social media.

For the first time, NWIR recognized specific regional councils for their efforts, whether it was community outreach, leadership or coordinating successful events. The awards and councils were:

• Community Impact: Dallas-Fort Worth Council
• Emerging Excellence: Kansas City, Mo. Council
• Leading the Way: Northern New Jersey Council
• Education Gold Star: Minnesota Council
• Outstanding Event: Washington, D.C. Council
• Council of Distinction: Central Florida Council