In June, women from across the mechanical contracting industry gathered in Kansas City for the 2025 MCAA Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMi) Conference. Among them were several team members from U.S. Engineering, joining peers from all over the country to talk about leadership, professional growth, and the future of the industry.

From keynote speakers to breakout sessions, one theme kept showing up: that while each person’s path may be different, many of our challenges are shared.

“Recognizing that we as women in this industry (no matter the location, position, title, or size of company) all face the same or similar challenges, and we’re not alone, was a powerful reminder,” said Maria Gonzales, Contract Coordinator with USE Service. “Being around like-minded women who share the same passion for overcoming obstacles and growing in their careers made the experience especially refreshing.”

The conference offered sessions on a range of topics, from service trends and imposter syndrome to project management and the evolving relationship between office and field. Attendees also explored tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and learned strategies to sharpen their communication and presentation skills.

For Anna Ford, Project Coordinator I with USE Construction, the most memorable moment came during a keynote from broadcaster Gerry Sandusky.

“He unexpectedly called me up in front of the group. It completely pulled me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way,” said Ford. “He shared tips on public speaking that made it feel much more accessible. My biggest takeaway? Growth happens outside your comfort zone.”

For others, the takeaway was about the strength of relationships and the long-term impact of showing up for one another.

“I learned that there is a difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Asking for a seat at the table must start with the first step which is asking the right people,” said Holly Lewandoski, Sales Account Manager at USE Service. “Learning to ask for what you need and advocating for yourself in a culture that supports you will help you find the right seats at the right tables. We will always be stronger and excel further together side by side than ahead or behind.”

Thank you to the U.S. Engineering team members who took time to attend, connect, and bring insights back to our teams. Conferences like WiMi work to expand the landscape of mechanical contracting and help professionals leave a legacy that extends beyond their singular roles.