Women’s Leadership Events in March 2024

Women in the Flooring Industry (WIFI), a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit that attracts, educates, and empowers women in the flooring industry, kicked off 2024 with a full roster of educational events. If you haven’t already participated in a WIFI event, make this the year you do.

Starting at the International Surface Event (TISE), show organizers hosted the annual Women’s Leadership Conference where WIFI hosted a panel discussion “5 Tips to Level Up” where five industry leaders took the stage to impart wisdom for life and careers in flooring.

Mohawk also hosted a WIFI gathering during TISE 2024 where board members provided an update on what is in store for WIFI in 2024.

At the event, WIFI also announced the first recipients of its WIFI Scholarship program, which funded $24,000 to women pursuing secondary education, continuing education, and industry-accredited certifications.

Congratulations to Shelley Frank, certified process training manager, Louisville Tile; Julie Borgognoni, marketing manager of Mannington Commercial; Cydney Bish, human resources manager trainee, Shaw Industries; Charity Adeoti, a coach at Grace Academy; Eileen Zelazny, VP national accounts, The Dixie Group; Stephanie Vega, project coordinator, Floor Interior Services; and Jennifer Gathman, district manager, Mannington Commercial. Learn more here.

March is Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history, and there are a lot of flooring-related events happening for women.

On March 3, the Alliance Flooring Convention and WIFI will host the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Flooring Retail. This session will include a panel of women who own retail flooring stores who will share about their journey taking over a generational business – the challenges, how they are putting their mark on the business, and what it takes to lead their team. Learn more here.

On March 5 is the Beyond Balance Women's Leadership Conference hosted by Shaw Industries’ Women’s Innovation Network and WIFI at theConvention Center in Dalton, Georgia. Listen to the podcast here.

“We recognize the challenges that women face today can be overwhelming, and it takes more than hard work, dedication, and willpower to achieve a balance between a successful career and a fulfilling personal life,” noted Danielle Lancianese, Shaw Industries director of tile and stone and Chair of WiN.

Brenda Knowles, vice president of customer experience for the Shaw Industries commercial division and WIFI board member, shared, “While the women’s leadership conference is designed with the focus of women who work in the flooring industry as the main participants, it is also open to women who work in other industries, and in their communities through leading and volunteering with non-profits. The event is about broadening support for women and how women navigate success in the multi-faceted roles we play in an evolving work environment and world.”

Attendees will enjoy a full day of educational sessions and networking, including a keynote by women's leadership speaker Tara Renze. Renze has a proven track record as a top national sales leader at CareerBuilder.com where she successfully managed multi-million-dollar sales teams and provided valuable leadership consulting nationwide. Through her inspiring message in her book, "Be Who You Came to Be," Renze shares secrets to empowering women to create the life they deserve and desire, making sure their voices are heard, and taking ownership of their vision and career paths.

A pre-conference networking reception will be held the evening of March 4, 2024, at Shaw Industries in Dalton.

There are virtual and in-person options to participate. Learn more here.