Empowerment, Connection, and Insight at WIFI’s Mastermind Morning @ NWFA Expo
On Wednesday, April 16, the Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) community convened at the NWFA Expo in Charlotte for a dynamic and inspiring Mastermind Morning. This breakfast event, led by WIFI Vice-Chair Amy Rush-Imber from Floor Covering Weekly, and Libby Johnson from NWFA, provided an intimate setting for women across the flooring industry to network, share, and grow through roundtable discussions centered on the topics that matter most.
Each table dove into core themes—Technology & AI, Growing in Place, The Balancing Act, and Staying in Front of Trends—creating space for honest conversations, creative problem-solving, and supportive storytelling. Thank you to table hosts: Elizabeth Baldwin, Metropolitan Hardwood Floors; Rachel Bilchak, Palo Duro Hardwoods/Lägler; Brenda Cashion, UCX; Jessica Hickman Fresch, Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring; Julie Russell, Gemini Industries; and Renee Tester, Kährs.
A major highlight was the buzz around AI and technology. Participants shared real-world examples of using tools like ChatGPT to write policies, brainstorm outlines, and streamline project management. While AI was applauded as a time-saving editor and organizational aid, the group emphasized using it responsibly—augmenting, not replacing, human creativity and judgment
Equally powerful were the reflections on navigating the flooring industry as women. From managing job site dynamics to handling leadership situations where their voices are overlooked, attendees opened up about their unique perspectives of working as a woman in the flooring industry. The conversations reinforced the importance of knowledge, confidence, and persistence—and the need to continue advocating for equality and inclusion.
Balancing professional ambition with personal life was another central theme. Some participants spoke about giving themselves grace amidst the chaos of motherhood or caregiving, reminding each other that “it’s okay if the laundry’s still in the dryer.” Others expressed how sometimes, achieving success means going “all in”—tuning out distractions and staying laser-focused. These differing but complementary views underscored a shared understanding: balance looks different for everyone, and both rest and drive are valid.
Throughout the morning, WIFI’s mission to attract, educate, and empower women in flooring was front and center. Attendees were encouraged to engage in ongoing opportunities like the mentoring program and scholarships, which continue to fuel professional development across the industry.
Mastermind Morning closed with a sense of camaraderie and purpose. Attendees didn’t just leave with new ideas—they left feeling seen, heard, and energized to lead. As WIFI continues to build spaces like these, it’s clear that the future of the floorcovering industry is brighter—and stronger—because of the women shaping it. Visit https://www.womeninflooring.org/give to support WIFI by joining Friends of WIFI, a donor circle.