Restoration and Remediation Industry News

Nominations are Open for the 2026 Women in Restoration Award!

Image design by R&R Art Dept.

Wow, the year is almost gone and it’s that time of year again where we have the honor of celebrating the wonderful women in the restoration industry! The nominations for R&R’s 2026 Women in Restoration Award are officially open. To learn more about the award and submit a nomination or nominations visit this page.

It is a great pleasure to announce that we are awarding this year’s award winner at The Experience in Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel and Casino from September 9 – 11, 2026. In addition to announcing and awarding the winner, we are hosting a Women in Restoration Panel as a session, and this year’s recipient will have a seat on the panel.

Now, for the details. Below we have the key parameters, judging criteria and the deadline for this year’s award.

Submission Information/Criteria:

The submission deadline is Saturday, February 28, 2026.
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 between September 9-11, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV at the Paris Hotel and Casino. 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 the award's inception, more than 400 women have been nominated, and we know that number will continue to grow with the help of you all, nominating the hardworking women in the restoration industry.

The restoration industry, much like the broader construction industry, is predominantly male dominated. While women make up 47% of the total U.S. labor force, there are just 11.2% of the construction workforce in 2024, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other supplemental reports like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

By taking a moment to shine a spotlight on the amazing women in the restoration industry, we hope to encourage and empower more women to join and advance in this amazing industry.

R&R is honored and eager to formally celebrate women making strides within their organizations and the restoration industry for the 11th consecutive year.

Don’t forget to nominate a deserving woman, or women, in the restoration industry by February 28! Additional details and the nomination form can be found here.

Best,

Kayla McGowan

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Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.