Women in Weatherization

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Location: Empire C (Level 2)

CE: 1 CEU credits

CEU Type(s): BPI, BSI, INTERNACHI, NARI, RESNET

Kerrielynn S. Beard

Housing Director
R6 Regional Council
RIchfield, Utah
Carolyn J. Hill (she/her/hers)

Deputy Director of Weatherization
Community & Economic Development Association of Cook County
Chicago, Illinois
Suzanne Harmelink

Director of Training and Technical Services
Slipstream
Madison, Wisconsin
Michelle Hughes

Weatherization Coordinator
DeSoto Parish Police Jury/Office of Community Services
Mansfield, Louisiana

According to the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report, the energy workforce is 74% male compared to the U.S. workforce average, which is 53% male. Surveys of weatherization workers have also shown low numbers of women in occupations such as Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector. Why are women underrepresented in energy careers, and what can we do to improve equity in the weatherization workforce? Join the panelists in discussing recruitment and retention strategies and creating pathways to clean energy careers. All are welcome to attend, participate in the discussion, and network with weatherization workers identifying as women and non-binary and their allies, including representatives from national organizations working to advance equity and justice.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, attendees will:

Identify barriers to entering the weatherization workforce and strategies for addressing
Discuss promotion opportunities within weatherization and to other green/clean energy careers.
Discuss available resources and support networks