Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusion

The phrase “meteoric rise” refers to a very rapid, spectacular and sudden increase in success fame or popularity.

And that phrase is exactly what I would use to describe ASA’s Women in Industry Division and its annual ELEVATE national conference.

In the span of just over a decade, ELEVATE has gone from modest but successful beginnings at a Chicago hotel to a conference that now regularly draws more than 400 women from all job descriptions in ASA-member wholesaler, manufacturer and rep firms.

This year’s ELEVATE event in Boston ‘s Seaport District continued the group’s great momentum, offering its most robust program yet that mixed education sessions, best practices sharing and plenty of networking opportunities throughout the two-plus days.

It was an honor to address the group and give them a quick snapshot of all the great things going on with the association. I also have to admit, it was a pretty big thrill seeing my daughter, Meagan Owen, at the podium as the chairwoman of the ASA Women in Industry Advisory Group.

But, ASA’s Women in Industry Division is more than just the annual ELEVATE conference. The group produces programming throughout the year that helps connect female professionals in the PHCP-PVF supply chain to network and leverage educational opportunities to advance their careers.

Simply put, the ASA Women in Industry division delivers far-reaching value that extends beyond individual participants to influence the overall strength, resilience and reputation of our industry. While its foundational purpose is to support and elevate women, its broader impact is organizational and economic.

At a structural level, groups such as ASA’s Women in Industry Division help address systemic gaps that have historically limited access to advancement. By offering formal networking events like ELEVATE, educational and sponsorship opportunities, and leadership pathways, they create clearer routes for career progression. This is especially important in industries where women may be underrepresented in senior or technical roles. Events such as leadership and networking events, workshops, and speaker series provide both skill-building and visibility — two critical factors in professional advancement.

Beyond development, these initiatives play a key role in shaping workplace culture. A dedicated Women in Industry Division signals that inclusion is not an afterthought, but a strategic priority. Over time, these cultural shifts contribute to higher employee satisfaction and stronger retention across the board — not just for women.

Another often-overlooked benefit is data and insight generation. Through events, surveys and community engagement, these divisions like ASA’s Women in Industry gather valuable information about workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities. This data can inform better decision-making at both the organizational and industry levels.

Finally, the sense of community fostered through events like ELEVATE cannot be understated. Professional isolation can be a barrier to success; creating spaces where women feel supported, heard, and empowered leads to greater confidence and participation. That energy often translates into stronger leadership, more active engagement, and a willingness to drive change from within.

The ASA Women in Industry Division is a dynamic and growing force, dedicated to elevating the visibility and impact of women professionals in the PHCP-PVF industry. The division offers a platform for connecting with driven women, fostering networking opportunities, and leveraging educational resources to achieve personal and professional goals.

ASA’s Women in Industry Division is not simply a support network — it is a catalyst for cultural transformation, talent optimization, and long-term industry growth. Companies can benefit from ongoing membership and active participation in the Women in Industry Division. Is your company an ASA Women in Industry member?If your company is not yet signed up to be a part of this exciting group, visit www.asa.net and see how you can engage the women in your company. For one extremely affordable fee, all women in your company are eligible to participate in ASA Women in Industry programming throughout the year and attend ELEVATE at the ASA Women in Industry Division member rate.

If your company is not a Women in Industry member or you are unsure, contact ASA’s Leah Lopes at llopes@asa.net.

Connect with other female professionals who've taken the step forward in the PHCP and industrial PVF supply chain to network and leverage educational opportunities to advance their careers. Make unique connections and learn skills in order to reach your potential.