b'Yes, roofing is a male-dominated industry, but much of the resistance from previous generations has softened. You learn to speak up to be respectedyour opinion matters, and we can all make a difference in the industry. Audrey Bourque, NWiR Communications Chairwomen who are considering a job in the roofing trade should re-ally become members of NWiRthere are so many advantages, she says. Things like mentoring from industry leaders who can provide guidance with career decisions, online training sessions to refine skills and stay current, networking sessions and recruitment channels, and of course, job opportunities.Bourque adds that, for women, a career in roofing can lead to a multitude of opportunities further down the road. Thats what happened to me. My early career involved working as an assistant branch manager, and that dovetailed into other jobs, she explains. I was lucky enough to be mentored and told about potential ca-reer advancement in the industry by a couple of important women who Id like to single out. They are Lillianne Dunstall, the past chair of NWiR, and Anne Marie Bourque from Enercorp, the current chair. They are amazing women and directly influenced my career and my decision to join the organization.Bourque also emphasizes that, while challenges still exist for women in the industry, things are improving every day. Before working in marketing I was in the field and I studied the behaviour of women in trades, and roofing specifically. It was very useful for me to have field experience, but it wasnt always easy, she says. Yes, roofing is a male-dominated industry, but much of the resistance from previous generations has softened. You learn to speak up to be respectedyour opinion matters, and we can all make a difference in the industry.We do see more women working in the industry, and we see positive changes from women in leadership positionsnot just in the field but also in the office. For NWiR, its all about working together, and thats why the association was created in the first placeto open doors, and ceilings! she concludes.ORN THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 2 202315'