Women in Stone introduced two new opportunities to promote the program’s efforts to support women in the stone industry, the Women in Stone Pioneer Award and the Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship.
The Women in Stone Pioneer Award will recognize an advocate within the stone industry for their role in recruiting, retaining and advancing women. The winner’s performance in promoting women should be exemplary, honorable and inspirational. “The Pioneer Award recognizes an individual who has ventured into the unknown to educate and empower women in our industry,” commented Women in Stone co-chair Allyson Humphries of M S International. Co-chair Kim Dumais of Miller Druck Specialty Contracting agrees, stating, “There are many individuals within our industry who go above and beyond to educate and elevate women. This award has been established to acknowledge those individuals and recognize them publicly for their efforts.”
The Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship will provide an MIA+BSI member with an all-expense paid trip to a 2017 industry event (TISE, Coverings, or an MIA+BSI study tour). The winner will also be able to shadow industry professionals during the event, in order to gain a better understanding of different sectors of the industry. Applicants should be a first-time attendee of the chosen event, and should have between 2-5 years of stone industry experience. Dumais remarked, “The Empowerment Scholarship is designed to provide an opportunity that otherwise may not be accessible to women in the industry. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity to be personally guided, mentored, and exposed to all aspects of our industry.” According to Humphries, “The scholarship is the perfect vehicle for the woman who needs a kick-start to her career and wants to learn more about our industry.”
Nominations for the Pioneer Award and applications for the Empowerment Scholarship must be received by Friday, September 9, 2016. Forms are available at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/womeninstone.
You may also be interested in the next MIA Stone Summit and other events listed on our calendar.