2025 WiMI Conference Recap: The Ripple Effect

The 2025 Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference took place June 16–19 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, marking another powerful year of connection, inspiration, and progress. With a record-breaking 352 attendees, this year’s event reflected the growing momentum of the WiMI initiative and its mission to empower women across the mechanical industry.

Centered around the theme “The Ripple Effect,” the conference emphasized the lasting impact women are having on the industry through innovation, leadership, and organizational change. From the opening session to the final keynote, attendees were reminded that every step forward creates waves that shape the industry’s future.

The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Stacy Zerr, Executive Director of MCA of Kansas City, and Mindy Rocha, Chair of the MCA of Kansas City WiMI Committee. They highlighted Kansas City’s rich industrial history and introduced Kedra Burcham and David Young of JE Dunn, who shared insights into the construction of the CPKC Stadium, the site of Tuesday’s networking reception.

Led by Amanda Comunale and Shaabini Alford, the Opening Session featured live polling via Mentimeter and interactive roundtable discussions. These activities brought attendees together to share their demographics, challenges, and strategies—offering a clear picture of the evolving landscape for women in the mechanical trades.

Day Two began with the celebration of the 2025 WiMI Scholarship winners, proudly sponsored by Ferguson. Following the recognition, MCAA President Brian Hughes delivered a compelling address on the importance of diversity and the power of perseverance. His words encouraged attendees to continue breaking barriers and building inclusive workplaces.

Keynote speaker Kristina Henkai, founder of SoBuilt, delivered a hands-on, engaging session that used everyday objects like pencils, LEGOs, and candy to help participants tackle workplace challenges. Her creative approach inspired attendees to think differently, collaborate more effectively, and lean into problem-solving with empathy and imagination.

The final day began with an update from Laura Ceja, UA Special Representative for Training and Outreach, followed by an unforgettable keynote from Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes. Her message, “Success is a Journey, Not a Destination,” traced her path from elite gymnast to business owner and advocate, highlighting resilience as the key to long-term growth.

Breakout education sessions gave attendees tools and insights to thrive in their careers. Katy and Gerry Sandusky of The Sandusky Group led a session on transforming presentations. Kristy Willis, a member of the WiMI Committee, guided attendees through understanding and applying the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI). Alicia Robinson energized the room with her session, “Successful Sister: Coffee in One Hand, Confidence in the Other.”

In addition to the formal sessions, seven peer-to-peer roundtables facilitated focused conversations on critical topics such as navigating the future of HVAC and plumbing service administration, bridging the gap between the field and office, and approaches to effective project management.

With its largest turnout yet and an agenda filled with insight, connection, and celebration, the 2025 WiMI Conference was a true reflection of The Ripple Effect—where every voice, every story, and every effort contributes to a stronger, more inclusive industry.

MCAA thanks our sponsors—the MCA of Kansas City, DEWALT, and Morris Group International—for helping make the event a success.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the 2026 WiMI Conference, June 8 – 10, 2026 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, CA.