Ask the Expert

Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 Women in Restoration Award!

Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing the wonderful women in the industry

It’s that time of year again – to celebrate women in restoration! I am excited to share the nominations for R&R’s 2025 Women in Restoration Award are now open. Please visit this page to learn more about the award and submit a nomination for a leading woman in restoration.

Important Information Regarding Award Nominations:

Submission Information/Criteria:

The submission deadline is Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Women must have at least 10 years of experience in the restoration industry.
Women can nominate themselves and/or be nominated by a colleague.
Women from any position in the restoration industry can be nominated.
Past runners-up may enter again.
Past winners of the Women in Restoration Award are not eligible.
Eligibility is limited to companies operating in the United States and Canada.
We will present the award to the winner at The Experience Conference and Exhibition on April 8 – 10, 2025 in Punta Gorda, Florida at the Charlotte Harbor Convention and Event Center. The winner and runners-up will also be featured in the special edition of R&R Magazine and show guide for The Experience.

Judging Information/Criteria:

Thoroughness of the entry
Supporting documentation (images, references, etc.)
Journey and experience in the industry
Job growth and future reach
Worthiness of recognition
Industry awards and certifications

Since its creation, more than 300 women have been nominated, and we intend to keep building upon that number.

The restoration industry, much like the broader construction industry, is predominantly male-dominated. While women make up 57.3% of the entire U.S. labor force, they comprise just 10.8% of the construction workforce, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By shining a spotlight on outstanding women in restoration, we hope to encourage and empower more women to join and advance in this great industry. Staffing remains the top challenge for restoration businesses.

R&R is honored and eager to formally celebrate women making strides within their organizations and the restoration industry for the 10th consecutive year.

Don’t forget to nominate a deserving woman, or women, in restoration by January 11! Additional details and the nomination form can be found here.

Best,

Kayla McGowan

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Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.