Leading the Charge

The HVAC industry is massive, employing more than 15 million people globally, yet women make up just 6% of that workforce. Most of us aren’t in technical roles, but are instead working in sales, marketing or management.

Why is this? It’s a combination of outdated gender stereotypes, a declining number of women entering STEM fields, and the fact that many people simply don’t know about the career opportunities HVAC offers. On top of that, the lack of female role models and existing hiring biases often limit women’s chances to grow and thrive in the industry.

That’s why I’m so passionate about the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC). INWIC was launched in 2022 to eliminate challenges and open the door for more women to enter the industry. Backed by 13 global partners, we’re working to increase female participation in the industry.

Women in HVAC: Where We Stand

As someone who’s spent years growing up and working in the HVAC industry, I’ve seen firsthand how underrepresented women are. Women make up only 6% of the workforce, even though globally, women represent nearly 40% of the paid workforce and approximately 49.5% of the total population on Earth. And most of the women in this industry are not in hands-on technical positions like servicing equipment or teaching vocational skills.

This gap is also clear in membership numbers for industry associations. Some groups, like AIRAH in Australia, have made progress — doubling their female membership in just five years. Similarly, Women in HVACR in the United States has seen consistent growth, now representing more than 1,500 members, showing the importance of targeted initiatives and community support.

Other groups around the world haven’t moved the needle much, with female representation staying between 5% and 20%. A big part of the problem is that many organizations lack dedicated spaces or initiatives to support and spotlight women, which makes it harder for women to find mentors, resources or even peers.

The problem starts long before women enter the workforce. Research shows that the number of girls and women studying STEM subjects steadily drops as they progress through school and into their careers. Without strong role models to look up to, it’s tough for women to see HVAC as a field where they belong. And even when they do join, many face hiring biases, limited training opportunities or even harassment. One study revealed that 41% of women in HVAC have experienced gender stereotyping, and 10% have faced sexual harassment. It’s no surprise that these challenges lead to lower job satisfaction and higher turnover rates for women in the industry.

But here’s the thing — HVAC is a field full of opportunity. It’s stable, pays well and offers job security even during economic downturns or global crises. That’s why groups like INWIC are so important. We’re here to help women navigate these challenges and create an HVAC industry that’s as diverse and inclusive as it is innovative.

What INWIC Stands For

When INWIC was founded in 2022, it had one mission: to break down barriers and help women succeed in HVAC. INWIC plays a vital role in connecting women’s groups from all over the globe and encouraging the formation of new groups in countries that don’t yet have them. By learning from the successes of established groups, we’re able to share best practices and create a stronger, more supportive network worldwide.

With the support of 13 global partners — including AIRAH (Australia), AREA (Europe), ASHRAE (United States), CAR (China), FAIAR (Latin America), IIR (International Institute of Refrigeration), IOR (United Kingdom), ISHRAE (India), JSRAE (Japan), U-3ARC (Africa), UNEP OzonAction (United Nations), Women in HVACR (United States), and WRD (World Refrigeration Day) — we’ve been working to improve visibility for women in the field, support career advancement, and offer mentorship opportunities.

Here’s what we focus on:

• Making Women Visible: Advocating for more women in HVAC and showcasing their achievements.

• Career Growth: Providing resources and mentorship to help women advance in their careers.

• Sustainability and Inclusivity: Promoting fair hiring practices and environmental best practices.

• Inspiring the Next Generation: Encouraging young women to see HVAC as a real and rewarding career option.

• Collaboration: Partnering with other organizations to amplify our message and share resources.

• The Formation of More Women’s Group: Helping areas of the world form their own local industry specific women’s groups for sustainable support.

Membership in INWIC is free and open to everyone, whether you’re a woman in HVAC, a male ally or an organization looking to support women in the field. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the stronger our impact will be.

My Journey as INWIC President

Over the past two years as INWIC’s President, I’ve had the privilege of leading this unique organization and witnessing the power of connection and mentorship. One of the highlights of my tenure has been traveling to and presenting in more than nine different countries — including Trinidad and Tobago, India, Italy, France, the UK, Germany and Mexico — to meet women who are making waves in the HVAC industry. Each story I’ve heard has been a reminder of why this work is so important.

I’ve also been struck by how different HVAC looks from country to country — not just in terms of the work itself, but in how women navigate the industry. In some places, the barriers are higher, and the challenges are tougher, often shaped by cultural and religious expectations. Obstacles like these are seldom encountered in the United States, where the focus is more on overcoming institutional biases and increasing visibility. But what’s universal is the impact of visibility. When women see others who look like them succeeding, it creates a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned as INWIC President is that advocacy and storytelling go hand in hand. Sharing real stories — both challenges and triumphs — is a powerful way to inspire change. That’s why one of INWIC’s primary goals is to amplify the voices of women in HVAC, showcasing their experiences and achievements.

In my travels, I’ve seen the difference that focused advocacy makes. For example, in India, a new women’s group emerged in the HVAC industry, spurred by women who wanted to support and mentor each other. Similarly, in Trinidad and Tobago, the women have started to connect more actively with each other locally and with others in neighboring Caribbean countries through online groups to support each other and share resources. These are small but impactful steps toward systemic change.

Another key part of my role has been working with men in the industry. Change can’t happen without their support, and I’ve been encouraged by the growing number of men who recognize the value of diversity and are stepping up as partners in this mission. Together, we’ve shared resources, launched mentorship programs and are even in the process of developing a corporate pledge to feature more women in recruitment materials. INWIC has grown into a platform that not only supports women but also challenges the industry to do better.

What’s Next for INWIC?

Looking ahead, INWIC is doubling down on its mission to create a more inclusive and empowering HVAC industry. We’re building stronger partnerships with stakeholders, supporting local women’s groups and encouraging collaboration across the industry.

Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Professional Development: Expanding resources and programs to help women grow their careers.

• Environmental Leadership: Promoting sustainable practices across the industry.

• Mentorship and Education: Launching new initiatives to guide and support women throughout their careers. In 2025, INWIC will be launching our online mentorship platform for members.

We’re also introducing a corporate pledge to feature more women in recruitment materials. To make this easier, we’re creating an online library of freely available images showcasing women in HVAC roles. This is all about showing young women that HVAC is a field where they can thrive.

At the end of the day, my goal — and INWIC’s goal — is simple: to inspire more women to join the HVAC industry and give them the tools they need to succeed. Together, we’re paving the way for a future that’s diverse, dynamic and full of opportunity for everyone. One day, I hope we’ll no longer need women’s groups in our industry because the barriers will be gone, and inclusion will be the norm. 

Visit www.INWIC.org to join and learn more.