On September 24th, Synergy hosted the first-ever Women in Synergy discussion group, bringing together 48 women from across the country who are shaping the future of the commercial HVAC industry. This virtual gathering marked a pivotal moment for Synergy, as the organization continues its mission to connect, empower, and elevate its members through collaboration and support.
Julie Bishop, Synergy’s executive director, kicked off the meeting by welcoming participants and introducing the Synergy team members Allison and Kathy. Julie shared an overview of Synergy’s culture, which is built on commitment, humility, accountability, fun, integrity, and innovation. She then explained how the Women in Synergy group came to life, originally initiated by Melissa Monte (Warwick Mechanical Group) and later expanded through discussions with leaders like Lisa Cassaday (Vital Mechanical Service), Lori Cline (Vital Mechanical Service), and Lisa Oneto (Western Allied Mechanical). The group is designed to offer women in similar roles the opportunity to connect, share, and support one another in navigating the unique challenges of a male-dominated industry.
One of the key themes discussed was handling tense conversations with empathy and confidence. Participants broke into small groups to exchange strategies and experiences about managing difficult workplace interactions. The importance of vulnerability, empathy, and finding confidence in your voice were emphasized during these discussions. Feedback from members provided insightful coaching on how to disagree without offending, as an essential quality for growth and leadership.
This gathering wasn’t just about conversation. It also laid the foundation for future structure, with Julie proposing the formation of a steering committee to help guide the group’s discussions moving forward. A poll conducted during the meeting gathered valuable insights from attendees about the topics and formats they’d like to see, including a suggestion for a future panel discussion featuring successful women in the industry. Julie concluded the event by encouraging attendees to provide further feedback, ensuring that the voices of all participants are integral to shaping the direction of this important initiative.
Feedback from the participants reflected the need for this group within the industry. One attendee shared that it was “refreshing to create a community to support each other and share experiences,” while another appreciated the opportunity to discuss difficult conversations with others who’ve faced similar challenges. Many felt that simply hearing other women’s experiences reassured them that they are not alone in this industry. The discussion reaffirmed that women can be successful leaders and professionals while maintaining empathy and confidence.
This meeting is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing how Women in Synergy continues to evolve, supporting the growth of women in leadership roles across the mechanical industry.
