Originally Published as: We’re Here: Beyond the Stereotypes: Women in Roofing
Upcoming NWIR Events
September 29: Table Talks, Western States Roofing Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Join fellow National Women in Roofing members for a fun Table Talks breakfast during the 2026 Western States Roofing Expo. In this engaging round-robin format, we’ll chat about leadership, building industry relationships, and other topics that apply to you as a professional woman in the roofing industry.
February 28-March 1, 2027: NWIR Days, Nashville, Tennessee.
National Women in Roofing will be hosting its 2027 Annual Event – NWIR Days – at a time/location separate from the International Roofing Expo. After learning how challenging back-to-back attendance at both events was for many of our members, we surveyed all stakeholders and the result was overwhelmingly in favor of a separate, stand-alone event! (NWIR will still be involved in IRE, with an NWIR mixer as well as a booth to meet and greet.)
“Women? In roofing? Really?”
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that response after telling someone where I work, National Women in Roofing (https://www.nationalwomeninroofing.org/) might have its next sponsorship secured.
The reaction is almost always the same. A pause. A look of surprise. And occasionally a follow-up question: “How many women could there possibly be in roofing?”
The answer is simple.
A lot.
We’re here.
That realization sparked a recent series of social media posts built around those two simple words. On the surface, “We’re Here” is a statement. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it’s also a response—to assumptions, stereotypes, and the outdated notion that roofing is a place where women don’t belong.
The truth is that women have always been part of this industry.
We’re here on rooftops, in warehouses, and in distribution centers. We’re here in sales meetings, estimating projects, managing operations, leading crews, running companies, developing products, and training the next generation. We’re here serving customers, building relationships, solving problems, and strengthening businesses.
And while the industry continues to evolve, the role women play in roofing continues to grow—not because we’re asking for permission to participate, but because we’re contributing value every single day.
The “We’re Here” campaign isn’t about demanding attention. It’s about acknowledging reality.
It’s about recognizing the women who have spent decades building successful careers in roofing, often without much visibility. It’s about encouraging those who are new to the industry to see a place for themselves. And, it’s about helping others understand that roofing talent comes in many forms.
At National Women in Roofing, we see these stories every day. We see women launching businesses, earning promotions, mentoring others, volunteering in their communities, and making lasting impacts on the industry they love.
The roofing industry is stronger because of the diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents of the people who make it work.
So, the next time someone asks, “Women in roofing? Really?” our answer remains the same.
Yes.
We’re here.
We’ve been here.
And we’re helping shape the future of roofing.
Katie Bodiford is the Executive Director of National Women in Roofing. Having worked in association management for nearly 30 years, Katie has spent a majority of that time focusing on helping those in the lumber and building materials industry. In addition to her current role at NWIR, she previously worked for the Construction Suppliers Association, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association as well as several other groups in non-construction industries.
