At the 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando, the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) hosted a pivotal panel discussion titled “Stronger Together: How Male Allies Help Advance Women in HVAC” on February 10, 2025. The session featured a diverse group of industry leaders who shared personal experiences and strategies to promote gender equity within the HVAC sector. The conversation delved into the challenges women face in the industry and underscored the essential role of male allies in fostering inclusive workplaces.

Panelists included:

  • Colleen Keyworth – Director of Sales & Marketing at Online Access
  • Kristin Gallup – Director of Product Management at Carrier Enterprises
  • Madi Sakandé – President at U-3ARC
  • Marco Buoni – Former President w/ International Affairs at AREA Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association; Director at Centro Studi Galileo
  • Angie Snow– Principle Industry Advisor Service Titan
  • Steve Gil – Founder and Secretariat at World Refrigeration Day
  • Yosr Allouche – Director General at International Institute of Refrigeration

Attendees engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, gaining actionable insights on effective allyship and learning about opportunities to support INWIC’s mission of advancing women in HVAC. The panel emphasized that collaborative efforts between male and female professionals are crucial for driving meaningful change and ensuring a diverse and equitable industry landscape.