Men have dominated the facility solutions industry for decades, but that landscape is changing. More women are stepping into leadership roles, driving innovation, and reshaping the future of the field.
During a recent webinar entitled Masterclass Women in Action: Advancing Careers and Leadership in Facility Solutions, hosted by the Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities program, five accomplished women shared their journeys, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the lessons they’ve learned.
Moderated by Rachel Patt, strategic account manager at Hospeco, the panel included:
- April Diaz, vice president of Human Resources at BradyPLUS
- Mandy Copeland, director of Research and Development at GOJO
- Laura Arbore, corporate account manager of Heritage Bag, part of Novolex
- Kiki Katz, chief commercial officer at Aramsco
Their discussion was more than just professional advice—it was a testament to the resilience, strategy, and sheer determination required to thrive in a male-dominated industry.
Finding a path in an unexpected industry
None of these women started their careers expecting to work in facility solutions. Opportunity, ambition, and an openness to the unexpected shaped their paths.
Arbore admitted that she had never planned for this industry, but looking back, she couldn’t imagine being elsewhere. “Relationships have driven my journey,” she said. “It’s what I love most about this industry—the people.” Her advice? Stay curious, ask questions, and be willing to learn. “No one has all the answers,” she added. “You just have to keep asking the right questions.”
Diaz’s journey began in a far less glamorous way. Fresh out of college, she was looking for a management role, but as a 23-year-old woman, she struggled to find a company willing to take a chance on her. When a friend told her about a building service contractor opening, she took it—scrubbing toilets and waxing floors on a military base. It was grueling work, but she learned the industry from the ground up. “I worked my way into HR,” she said, “but that drive, that determination—it never left me.”
Copeland’s story took a different route. With a background in analytical chemistry, she found herself on the third shift at GOJO, testing batches of hand sanitizer and soap. It wasn’t glamorous, but she quickly realized what she was doing was important. Healthcare workers used these products 50 to 100 times a shift—she wanted to improve them. Her work eventually led her into research and development, where she now creates products that keep frontline workers safe. But to get there, she had to step beyond her technical skills and into something less familiar: active listening. “The best solutions don’t come from sitting in a meeting room,” she explained. “They come from getting out there, talking to the people who use our products, and understanding their needs.”
Katz, now a chief commercial officer, also hadn’t set out for this industry. What drew her in was the tangible impact of the work. “I love being in an environment where what I do adds real value,” she said. “This industry makes the world function.” Her career has been a series of leaps—embracing change, adapting to new roles, and seeing each challenge as an opportunity for growth.
Breaking through in a male-dominated industry
One theme echoed throughout the conversation: the challenge of being a woman in an industry where men have historically made the decisions.
Arbore has spent years walking into conference rooms as the only woman. At first, it was intimidating, but she learned a simple truth—confidence is everything. “It’s not about being the only woman in the room,” she said. “It’s about standing out for the right reasons—being prepared, knowing your stuff, and speaking with confidence.”
Katz agreed, adding that authenticity is a woman’s greatest strength. “You don’t need to act like a man to succeed,” she insisted. “Women bring something unique—our ability to connect, to think strategically, to foster relationships. That’s what moves companies forward.”
Beyond confidence, the panelists stressed the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. “Relationships matter,” Diaz said. “Having someone—man or woman—who advocates for you, who opens doors when you’re not in the room, that’s how careers are built.”
Work-life balance
Balancing career ambitions with personal life is challenging, particularly in leadership roles. The panelists were honest about work-life balance struggles, especially in a demanding industry like facility solutions.
Katz has made it a priority to set clear boundaries, something she had to learn the hard way. “I tell my team, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., I’m with my daughter. I’ll be available after that, but those hours are for my family.” Even her CEO respects that time, waiting to call her until she’s back online. “You have to lead by example,” she stated. “If I don’t set boundaries, how can I expect my team to?”
Diaz, a mother of three young children, follows a similar approach. “I try not to work between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. so I can be present for my family,” she explained. “But it’s a goal, not a rule. Some days, you have to make sacrifices. And that’s okay.” The key, she explained, is flexibility—knowing that work-life balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about priorities.
Mentorship: Lift as you climb
The most important takeaway from the discussion was the power of mentorship. Women, the panelists agreed, must support each other, advocate for one another, and create pathways for future leaders.
Copeland has seen firsthand how a strong mentor can change a career trajectory. “I’ve been lucky to have people who lifted me up,” she said. “Mentors aren’t just people who guide you—they help you see what you’re capable of before you even realize it yourself.”
Diaz argued that people shouldn’t leave mentorship to chance. She suggested companies need to make mentorship a structured part of leadership development. Too often, these relationships happen informally, leaving talented but less-connected women without the guidance they need.
Hygieia’s mentoring program bridges that gap by providing structured opportunities for women to connect with mentors inside and outside their organizations. It’s one way the industry is actively working to elevate more women into leadership roles.
The future of women in facility solutions
As the discussion came to a close, the panelists reflected on how far women have come in the industry—and where they are headed next.
“When I go to ISSA shows now, I don’t see just a sea of men anymore,” Patt said. “Women are here. We’re making an impact. And that’s only going to grow.”
Copeland agreed. “We’re not just filling seats,” she said. “We’re leading. We’re innovating. We’re changing the game.”
And that, perhaps, is the real story of women in facility solutions—not just breaking barriers but rewriting the rules entirely.
The Hygieia Network offers resources, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities for those looking to advance in the industry. Click here to learn more.
