Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) Elects Four New Board Members
April 9, 2024 - Dalton, GA— Women in the Flooring Industry (WIFI), a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit that attracts, educates, and empowers women in the flooring industry, announced four flooring professionals have been elected WIFI’s board of directors at the January board meeting: Amie Gilmore, show director for ICRE and The International Surface Event (TISE); Ellie Priester, senior director, public affairs and brand strategy, HMTX; Allyson Rawlings, creative director, Rawlings Flooring America; and Reva Revis, vice president of strategy and business development, Fuse Alliance.
“Amie, Ellie, Allyson and Reva will help WIFI expand its reach in the flooring industry,” said WIFI Board Chair Emily Finkell. “They are extraordinary leaders, and their experience and expertise will support our mission educating, attracting and empowering women in flooring.”
“After being part of the floor covering industry through TISE, I've seen the positive movement that women have made throughout the years,” Gilmore said. “It is exciting to see the impact that WIFI has had and I'm excited to be part of this great group!”
“The amount of creativity, intelligence, and grit shown by the Women in our industry is remarkable – but what really sets Women in the Floor Covering Industry apart is our commitment to raising each other up,” Priester said. “I have never met so many women who support and propel each other forward. I am honored to serve on the board of an organization whose commitment is elevating, supporting, and highlighting the genius women in this industry.”
"I'm passionate about encouraging women to thrive in the flooring and construction industry. It is a vibrant and every changing career path that evolves every day,” Rawlings said. “Joining the WIFI board, amongst other incredible women, is a chance to shape spaces and narratives, together."
“The pandemic highlighted the power of networking, education, and support groups, and WIFI is exactly what the flooring industry needs now,” Revis said. “As the flooring industry, and construction in general, embraces the incredible contributions of women, WIFI provides a vital space for connection, learning, and career development. I'm excited to contribute to WIFI's mission of fostering opportunities that empower women in the unique landscape of the flooring industry.”
Other WIFI board members include: Emily Finkell, EF Floors & Design; Amy Rush-Imber, Floor Covering Weekly; Laura Bartley, Mohawk Industries; Whitney LeGate, Mannington, Chanel Clifford, Cali; Brenda Knowles, Shaw Industries; Tanja Kern, Floor Trends & Installation Magazine; Terri Daniels, CCA Global Partners; Athena Walker, Industry Volunteer; Betsy Amoroso, Mannington, and Andrea Blackbourn, WFCA.
WIFI Event Calendar
April 17: WIFI Power Hour- The Gift of Coaching from 12:00 noon EST
Sign-up at womeninflooring.org/power-hour.
Are you pouring from an empty cup? This WIFI Power Hour is an opportunity to have your cup refilled as we explore the coaching experience. Do you feel stuck or frozen in an area of your life? Do you struggle to know what doors are closing and what doors are opening? Do you ultimately want to be one who pours into the lives of others? Have a notebook and pen ready as we engage in a coaching conversation that will leave you refreshed, recharged and refilled! Power Hours are free. Presenters incldue:
Danita High, VP of Culture and Employee Development at First Community Bank is a Certified LIFE Coach and Certified Christian Coach
Melissa Norris, Founder and CEO of Flourish Coaching and Consulting and has certifications in Executive Coaching, Performance Coaching and Personal Development Coaching.
April 18: Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand - NWFA Women’s Breakfast in NOLA from 8:00 – 9:30 AM CST
Register for the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo and the breakfast at nwfaexpo.org.
Laila Morcos Zissis, a media consultant, podcast host, and founder of LikeMinded Ladies, will inspire each of us to recognize our unique set of talents and knowledge. How are you sharing your brand within your organization and more broadly, either in the industry or where you live? Companies have a brand and so do you. Learn ways to put yourself into the mix as an expert and surround yourself with a community by doing so. The NWFA Women's Industry Network brings together women across the wood flooring supply chain, fostering connections, support, and shared learning experiences. WIFI board members will be there to update on our 2024 program offerings as well.
April 23: “Her Story” - WIFI Networking Event at Coverings in Atlanta from 4-5PM EST
Register at womeninflooring.org/gatherings.
Join WIFI for a powerful reception in the Coverings Galvanize Women’s Lounge and experience the best story a woman can tell – her own! Leaders in the flooring industry will share their career journey as we close out day two of the show!
Speakers: Crosby Hall, CAO of Louisville Tile Distributors and Emily Holle, Director of Design & Trends at MSI
Hosted by: WIFI Board Members: Amy Rush-Imber, FCW and Tanja Kern, Floor Trends & Installation
Room: B206, Georgia World Congress Center, Coverings, Galvanize Lounge
About Women in the Floorcovering Industry
Women in the Flooring Industry (WIFI) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit that attracts, educates, and empowers women in the flooring industry. WIFI offers scholarships for post-secondary and continuing education and presents educational trainings, professional development, and mentoring programs. To learn more about WIFI, to be a corporate donor, or become an individual donor society member, visit womeninflooring.org.
