Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) has launched Women of PMI, a new initiative designed to celebrate, honor and support women members within the plumbing manufacturing industry. The program offers valuable networking opportunities, resources to build career and leadership skills, and a platform to recognize the achievements of women across PMI member companies.

Women of PMI builds on the success of the PMI Women’s Breakfast held at the annual PMI Manufacturing Success Conference, to be held this year from Nov. 3-6 in Chicago. This year, Shelley Paxton, former chief marketing officer of Harley-Davidson, will lead the Women of PMI Breakfast. She will share how she walked away from her corporate job and into her “soulbbatical.” Her presentation will focus on redefining greatness and beating burnout.

PMI Director of Programs and Administration Jodi Stuhrberg, who manages the initiative, said, “We’re excited to deliver this program to our women members, many of whom have expressed appreciation for our annual women’s breakfast and interest in a broader program. It’s another way that PMI celebrates multiple approaches and points of view that drive innovation to help member companies grow.”

When Denise Dougherty, global regulatory manager for PMI member Sloan, helped put together the first women’s breakfast in 2023, she shared her enthusiasm and support for connecting women PMI members with each other. “I think a more informed group makes for a more powerful and successful group. By bringing women in the plumbing industry together, I hope our message is heard that we need more women to be involved to get the work done—from the hands that complete installations to those that write the codes and standards,” she said. Dougherty also noted how important it is for women to step into leadership roles in the industry.