2025 WiMI
Conference

June 16-18, 2025
Kansas City, MO
Loews Kansas City Hotel

1515 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108

ROOM RATE:
$269/night + taxes

REGISTRATION:
$950/person

Days
Monday
June 16th
Tuesday
June 17th
Wednesday
June 18th
1:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Registration

3:00 p.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Opening General Session

Join us for an empowering and interactive session designed to help women in mechanical contracting take charge of their careers. Led by industry leaders Shaabini Alford and Amanda Comunale, this workshop will explore the unique challenges women face in the MEP industry—from imposter syndrome to workplace representation.

Through engaging discussions and real-world strategies, we’ll uncover ways to overcome barriers, build confidence, and create leadership pathways. Expect a dynamic format featuring interactive multiple-choice survey questions, table discussions, and actionable takeaways to help you advocate for yourself, seize new opportunities, and drive change in your career.

Whether you’re looking to break into leadership, strengthen your network, or gain new insights, this session—proudly sponsored by Dewalt Industrial Tool—will provide the tools and inspiration to win at work.

Let’s shift the mindset, own our success, and shape the future of mechanical contracting—together!

  • Wendy Glauber
    Vice President, Human Resources & General Counsel | MCAA WiMI Committee Chair
    John W. Danforth Company
  • Amanda Comunale
    VP of Construction Technology and End-user Engagement
    ASC Engineered Solutions
  • Shaabini Alford
    Director
    Maxim Consulting Group
  • David Young
    Vice President and co-leader of the National Sports Vertical
    JE Dunn Construction
  • Kedra Burcham
    Project Manager
    JE Dunn Construction
5:30 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception

Start the evening with a lively Opening Reception on the Event Lawn, proudly sponsored by Dewalt Industrial Tool. Enjoy great company, delicious bites, and refreshing drinks as we create space for meaningful conversations and new connections. Relax and unwind in a vibrant outdoor setting while we honor five years of progress, partnership, and the power of women in the mechanical industry.

Light refreshments will be served.

7:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Registration

7:15 a.m.– 8:15 a.m.

Breakfast

8:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.

General Session: Ripples Beyond and Within

Your actions carry impact—on others and yourself. In this interactive workshop, we’ll use hands-on scenarios and LEGO simulations to explore workplace dynamics, uncover the effects of everyday decisions, and share practical strategies for navigating them with intention and clarity.

  • Kristina Henkai
    Founder
    SoBuilt
  • Wendy Glauber
    Vice President, Human Resources & General Counsel | MCAA WiMI Committee Chair
    John W. Danforth Company
10:30 a.m.– 10:45 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:45 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.

Education Session: Using Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) to Improve Performance

This interactive session offers an in-depth exploration of your individual Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI). We’ll discuss the 16 distinct personality types, examining their core traits, preferences, and behavioral tendencies. Our discussion will focus on practical applications of MBTI in personal growth, communication, team dynamics, leadership, and conflict resolution. By the end of the session, participants will have a greater understanding of their own personality type and how it influences their interactions with others.

  • Kristy Willis
    Associate Professor in Residence in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department
    Bradley University
10:45 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.

Education Session: The Presentation Transformation

In today’s fast-paced industry, the ability to communicate effectively is critical to leadership and career growth. Join renowned speaker and communications expert Gerry Sandusky, presenting with his daughter Katy Sandusky, for an engaging professional development session designed to help you refine your personal brand, sharpen your speaking skills, and become a more confident, nimble communicator. Whether you’re leading a meeting, presenting to clients, or navigating workplace conversations, this session will equip you with techniques to speak with clarity, adapt to your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your voice and enhance your presence in any professional setting.

  • Gerry Sandusky
    3x Emmy and 2x Edward R. Award Winning Broadcaster, Best Selling Author & Sports Director
    Sandusky Group
  • Katy Sandusky
    Communications, Marketing, and Community Engagement Expert
    Sandusky Group
10:45 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.

Education Session: Successful Sister - Coffee in One Hand, Confidence in the Other

Join us for an inspiring discussion on the art of finding fulfillment in our work and lives. Industry insider/ Author Alicia shares her journey in writing Successful Sister and explores what success truly means—both within the mechanical industry and beyond. Gain insights on passion, purpose, and redefining achievement on your own terms.

  • Alicia Robinson
    Steamfitter, CAD/VDC Coordinator & Chair for UA Local 469’s Women’s Committee
    Arizona Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
12:30 p.m.– 1:30 p.m.

Lunch

1:45 p.m.– 3:15 p.m.

Education Session: Using Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) to Improve Performance

This interactive session offers an in-depth exploration of your individual Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI). We’ll discuss the 16 distinct personality types, examining their core traits, preferences, and behavioral tendencies. Our discussion will focus on practical applications of MBTI in personal growth, communication, team dynamics, leadership, and conflict resolution. By the end of the session, participants will have a greater understanding of their own personality type and how it influences their interactions with others.

  • Kristy Willis
    Associate Professor in Residence in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department
    Bradley University
1:45 p.m.– 3:15 p.m.

Education Session: The Presentation Transformation

In today’s fast-paced industry, the ability to communicate effectively is critical to leadership and career growth. Join renowned speaker and communications expert Gerry Sandusky, presenting with his daughter Katy Sandusky, for an engaging professional development session designed to help you refine your personal brand, sharpen your speaking skills, and become a more confident, nimble communicator. Whether you’re leading a meeting, presenting to clients, or navigating workplace conversations, this session will equip you with techniques to speak with clarity, adapt to your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your voice and enhance your presence in any professional setting.

  • Gerry Sandusky
    3x Emmy and 2x Edward R. Award Winning Broadcaster, Best Selling Author & Sports Director
    Sandusky Group
  • Katy Sandusky
    Communications, Marketing, and Community Engagement Expert
    Sandusky Group
1:45 p.m.– 3:15 p.m.

Education Session: Successful Sister - Coffee in One Hand, Confidence in the Other

Join us for an inspiring discussion on the art of finding fulfillment in our work and lives. Industry insider/ Author Alicia shares her journey in writing Successful Sister and explores what success truly means—both within the mechanical industry and beyond. Gain insights on passion, purpose, and redefining achievement on your own terms.

  • Alicia Robinson
    Steamfitter, CAD/VDC Coordinator & Chair for UA Local 469’s Women’s Committee
    Arizona Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Refreshment Break

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Bridging the Gap Between Field and Office

In today’s fast-paced construction and engineering environments, seamless communication between the field and the office is more important than ever. This roundtable discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities in aligning field operations with office-based planning, decision-making, and support.

Join industry professionals as we delve into strategies for improving transparency, building mutual trust, and leveraging technology to ensure both sides are working toward shared goals. Topics will include effective communication practices, aligning expectations, data sharing tools, and how leadership can foster a culture of collaboration across teams.

Whether you’re in the field or in the office—or managing both—this discussion will offer practical insights to enhance productivity, reduce conflict, and deliver better project outcomes.

  • Laura Loziuk
    National Director of Technical Servies
    McWane Plumbing Group
  • Stephanie Miner
    VP of sales
    Acorn Engineering, a division of Morris Group International (MGI)
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Navigating the Future of HVAC & Plumbing Service Administration

This roundtable will explore the critical and evolving role of service administrators as the HVAC and plumbing industry faces a wave of innovation and change. From AI integration and dispatch optimization to regulatory compliance and rising customer expectations, administrators are key to driving efficiency and delivering exceptional service. Join this interactive discussion to gain actionable insights, share challenges, and explore forward-thinking strategies to lead successfully in 2025 and beyond.

  • Christina Schafer
    Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Residential Divisions Lead
    Integrated Facility Services
  • Michelle Thrailkill
    President and CEO
    Denali Construction Services, LLC
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Human Resources

Working in the Mechanical Industry presents distinct challenges and opportunities for those in people-focused roles. This HR Roundtable is tailored for women professionals—HR leaders, managers, supervisors, and others guiding people and culture within their organizations. Join us for an open and engaging discussion where participants will share real-world experiences, address ongoing challenges, and celebrate career successes.

  • Maryetta Delahanty
    Director of Member Services and Accounting
    Mechanical & Service Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Finance

Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion on navigating the financial and accounting landscape within the mechanical industry. This session will bring together women from multiple levels of accounting to share insights, challenges, and strategies for effective financial management. This roundtable is a participant led session that will offer a collaborative space to exchange best practices, ask questions, and strengthen your financial acumen on topics that are of importance to the group.

  • Elisabeth Howard
    Chief Financial Officer
    Postler & Jaeckle
  • Sheri Learmonth
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Project Management

Please join us for a project management roundtable that promotes discussion on the challenges and opportunities of navigating a male-dominated industry. Topics will include self-advocacy, career advancement, effective management and leadership styles for women, and the importance of mentorship and support networks.

  • Stacy Johnson
    President and CEO
    Auburn Mechanical Inc.
  • Kori Gormley-Huppert
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like an imposter, or are you curious about how to overcome it? Join us for an engaging discussion on Imposter Syndrome, which is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite evident success, those experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.

  • Clare Shropshire
    National Labor Manager
    Total Facility Solutions
  • Mindy Rocha
    Owner and Founder
    CJ Industries
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable Topic: What MCAA Does for You

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), along with your local MCA office, represents a strong network dedicated to supporting professionals in the mechanical and plumbing industry.

Our resources are built by industry members who have faced — and solved — many of the same challenges you’re encountering today. From guidance on writing effective change orders to navigating the complexities of modern contracts and insurance requirements, MCAA offers tools and insights that can help you and your team succeed.

We invite you to explore how the MCAA can be a valuable partner in educating and empowering your workforce.

  • Charlotte Flesher
    Project Director
    AMS Industries
  • Frank Wall
    Director of Operations
    MCAA
5:45 p.m.

Shuttles Depart to Offsite Reception

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Offsite Reception at KC Current Stadium

Join us for a remarkable evening at CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current, as we come together to celebrate and support the incredible women in the mechanical industry! Sponsored by MCA of Kansas City, this special event offers a fantastic opportunity to network, share experiences, and strengthen connections in a dynamic setting.

Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere while taking in stunning views of the field at this world-class venue. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging professional, or a dedicated advocate, this reception is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry peers and champion the advancement of women in mechanical contracting.

7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Registration

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Bridging the Gap Between Field and Office

In today’s fast-paced construction and engineering environments, seamless communication between the field and the office is more important than ever. This roundtable discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities in aligning field operations with office-based planning, decision-making, and support.

Join industry professionals as we delve into strategies for improving transparency, building mutual trust, and leveraging technology to ensure both sides are working toward shared goals. Topics will include effective communication practices, aligning expectations, data sharing tools, and how leadership can foster a culture of collaboration across teams.

Whether you’re in the field or in the office—or managing both—this discussion will offer practical insights to enhance productivity, reduce conflict, and deliver better project outcomes.

  • Laura Loziuk
    National Director of Technical Servies
    McWane Plumbing Group
  • Stephanie Miner
    VP of sales
    Acorn Engineering, a division of Morris Group International (MGI)
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Navigating the Future of HVAC & Plumbing Service Administration

This roundtable will explore the critical and evolving role of service administrators as the HVAC and plumbing industry faces a wave of innovation and change. From AI integration and dispatch optimization to regulatory compliance and rising customer expectations, administrators are key to driving efficiency and delivering exceptional service. Join this interactive discussion to gain actionable insights, share challenges, and explore forward-thinking strategies to lead successfully in 2025 and beyond.

  • Christina Schafer
    Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Residential Divisions Lead
    Integrated Facility Services
  • Michelle Thrailkill
    President and CEO
    Denali Construction Services, LLC
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Human Resources

Working in the Mechanical Industry presents distinct challenges and opportunities for those in people-focused roles. This HR Roundtable is tailored for women professionals—HR leaders, managers, supervisors, and others guiding people and culture within their organizations. Join us for an open and engaging discussion where participants will share real-world experiences, address ongoing challenges, and celebrate career successes.

  • Maryetta Delahanty
    Director of Member Services and Accounting
    Mechanical & Service Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Finance

Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion on navigating the financial and accounting landscape within the mechanical industry. This session will bring together women from multiple levels of accounting to share insights, challenges, and strategies for effective financial management. This roundtable is a participant led session that will offer a collaborative space to exchange best practices, ask questions, and strengthen your financial acumen on topics that are of importance to the group.

  • Elisabeth Howard
    Chief Financial Officer
    Postler & Jaeckle
  • Sheri Learmonth
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Project Management

Please join us for a project management roundtable that promotes discussion on the challenges and opportunities of navigating a male-dominated industry. Topics will include self-advocacy, career advancement, effective management and leadership styles for women, and the importance of mentorship and support networks.

  • Stacy Johnson
    President and CEO
    Auburn Mechanical Inc.
  • Kori Gormley-Huppert
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like an imposter, or are you curious about how to overcome it? Join us for an engaging discussion on Imposter Syndrome, which is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite evident success, those experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.

  • Clare Shropshire
    National Labor Manager
    Total Facility Solutions
  • Mindy Rocha
    Owner and Founder
    CJ Industries
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Roundtable Topic: What MCAA Does for You

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), along with your local MCA office, represents a strong network dedicated to supporting professionals in the mechanical and plumbing industry.

Our resources are built by industry members who have faced — and solved — many of the same challenges you’re encountering today. From guidance on writing effective change orders to navigating the complexities of modern contracts and insurance requirements, MCAA offers tools and insights that can help you and your team succeed.

We invite you to explore how the MCAA can be a valuable partner in educating and empowering your workforce.

  • Charlotte Flesher
    Project Director
    AMS Industries
  • Frank Wall
    Director of Operations
    MCAA
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Closing General Session

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold. But, for her, success is so much more than medals and accolades: it’s something she worked hard to achieve everyday en route to Olympic glory. Today she shares her personal and professional philosophy with audiences across the country. Called “D-3” – Determination, Dedication, Desire – it’s what gave her the strength and confidence to handle the professional and personal challenges in her life, to persevere amidst defeat and triumph in victory. In emotionally uplifting presentations, Dawes shows audiences how to use D-3 to reformulate negative situations into positive ones and turn obstacles into victories – all while clearly demonstrating that success is a journey, not a destination.

  • Dominique Dawes
    Owner & Olympian
    Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies

Join us in Kansas City!

Kansas City, MO, is an underrated gem with a mix of vibrant culture, rich history, and mouthwatering food. Known as the “City of Fountains” (it has more than Rome!), KC is famous for its world-class barbecue, lively jazz scene, and thriving arts districts.

Thank You Sponsors