Women in ASHRAE: Strategies for success

ASHRAE has released the technical program for the Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium, being held in Chicago, Illinois from September 26–27, 2024.

Aimed at aspiring and current leaders in the HVACR industry, ASHRAE says the event will be a “career-changing experience”.

“The Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium is a platform for attendees to learn from women leaders in HVAC&R, to foster encouragement and connectivity, and to help navigate an industry where we are still, all too often, the only woman in the room,” says Nancy Kohout, chair of the symposium.

“This symposium will explore meaningful actions and tangible initiatives we can undertake to expand and grow leadership roles for women in engineering, to improve the experience of women interns and entry-level professionals, to strengthen retention rates over the course of a career, and to provide a needed voice and perspective for how engineers can help drive organisational and cultural change.”

What’s in store

The event promises:

• Candid conversations about the challenges and triumphs unique to women in HVAC&R
• Valuable insights with actionable tools, guidelines, and lessons for success
• Connections with mentors who can guide your journey and amplify your impact
• Lessons in how to be an effective ally and sponsor, turning advocacy into action
• Strategies for handling tough situations with grace and confidence.

Kohout says a pivotal way for engineering culture to help close its well-documented gender gap is for more women to emerge as organisational leaders and mentors for the next generation of engineering professionals.

Keynote speakers and presentations include:

• Ignite Your Leadership: Engineering a Sustainable Future: Erin McConahey
• Leadership Dualities: Guiding Professionals and Volunteers in Engineering Environments: Ginger Scoggins.

The full program is available to download here. More information is available via the ASHRAE website.