United States
Connecting women across the industry through networking, mentoring and education.
In 2002, two women met for breakfast during the AHR Expo in Chicago and discussed a growing reality: more women were entering HVACR, yet there was no dedicated network through which they could support one another.
That conversation between Ruth King and Gwen Hoskins sparked what would become Women in HVACR (WHVACR), an organisation now serving more than 1,200 members.
Their vision was simple: create a community where women could connect, exchange knowledge, mentor one another and grow professionally. More than two decades later, that vision continues to support women across technical, commercial, educational, leadership and ownership roles throughout the industry.
From conversation to action
The idea gained momentum in 2003 when a panel discussion at Comfortech in Dallas attracted approximately 40 participants. By 2004, the organisation had surpassed 100 members and was addressing subjects including leadership, earning respect in a predominately male industry, sales and career development.
The challenges women faced were real, but the message was encouraging: HVACR offered opportunities, and no woman needed to navigate her career alone.
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Growing across the industry
WHVACR supports women throughout the industry. Its membership includes technicians, contractors, distributors, manufacturers, educators, business owners, suppliers and human resources professionals. Its work centres on three foundations: networking, mentoring and education.
Membership has grown from approximately 600 in 2020 to more than 1,200. The organisation attributes its recent growth to expanded educational opportunities, stronger mentoring programmes and greater awareness of careers in the skilled trades.
Its annual conference has grown alongside that community. Attendance increased from approximately 120 participants at its first standalone conference in 2017 to more than 500 in both 2025 and 2026.
Today, the conference brings together women at different career stages to share knowledge, develop professionally and build relationships across the industry.
Turning education into opportunity
WHVACR’s scholarship programme helps women enter and advance within HVACR by supporting trade-school education and engineering and business qualifications connected with the sector.
In each of 2025 and 2026, the organisation awarded 11 scholarships through partnerships with sponsors including Carrier, Synchrony, Aprilaire and ProIAQ.
Founder Ruth King also provided the seed donation for the WHVACR Endowment, which the organisation projects will reach $500,000 in 2026. Its purpose is to provide continuing support for future scholarships.
Recipients include both students preparing for their first career and women changing direction. Recent scholarship recipients have moved towards field-based HVACR roles from nursing, transportation and facilities management.
Mentoring through career change
Education opens doors, but support remains important once women enter the industry.
WHVACR’s Navigator Mentorship Program connects women with experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance, encouragement and perspective. For someone who may be the only woman in her role or workplace, that relationship can provide a valuable connection beyond her immediate surroundings.
The programme has tripled in size and is approaching 170 participants. In 2026, WHVACR introduced a six-part mentor development programme to strengthen mentoring skills and create a pathway for mentees who wish to become mentors themselves. The organisation plans to seek certification for the programme in 2027.
Haley Yancey, CEO of Pillar Heating & Cooling, describes what that support meant during a turning point in her career:
“During a season of uncertainty in my career, it would have been easy to step away from the HVACR industry altogether. Instead, because of the mentorship, encouragement, and relationships I found through WHVACR, I chose to stay, grow, and build something of my own within this industry.”
Making careers and achievements visible
Many women and girls remain unaware of the variety of careers available within HVACR. WHVACR’s Ambassador Program addresses this through outreach to schools, colleges, trade schools, career fairs and industry events.
Meeting women already working successfully in the sector helps make those possibilities visible and relatable. In 2026, the programme became a major organisational priority, reaching both young women exploring their options and adults considering a career change.
WHVACR also shares women’s experiences through its annual conference, Empowered magazine, monthly mastermind discussions, newsletters and the Behind the Title video series.
Its awards recognise different stages of contribution. The Pillar Award celebrates established leaders, while Women to Watch recognises emerging professionals helping to shape the industry’s future.
Connecting beyond borders
In 2022, WHVACR became a founding partner of the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC), supporting women’s participation in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps worldwide.
This relationship creates opportunities to share experience with organisations working in different countries and professional settings, while learning from their approaches to common challenges.
The next conversation
WHVACR began with a conversation. Its future will be shaped by many more—in classrooms, workplaces, conferences, mentoring meetings and local communities.
Jane Sidebottom, WHVACR’s 2026 President, explains the commitment behind that work:
“I have spent a large portion of my career in HVACR and have personally benefited from great mentorship and sponsorship. I want every young woman, or woman looking for a new-collar career, to know that WHVACR is here to support their success. Women are making a tremendous impact across our industry, and I love showcasing that impact every chance I get.”
More than two decades after that first breakfast, WHVACR continues to create opportunities for women to connect, learn and lead—and to help other women do the same.
Find out more: Women in HVACR
This feature forms part of Global HVACR Women Week, 25–31 October 2026, sharing the stories of organisations supporting women across the industry.
Local voices. Global connections. One HVACR community.
