Cool roofs and bright futures

By The Cool Roof Rating Council.

Stacey Weister's reflection on volunteering with the SMART Girls Program.

In July 2025, Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) Senior Technical Manager Stacey Weister had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for the SMART Girls program at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, Ohio. She shared about her career journey and led the girls in completing the CRRC Cool Surfaces Lesson Plan. Below, Stacey shares her reflections on the experience.

Sharing my career journey — a path from the factory floor to a senior technical role — taught me that the best lessons in life are the ones you both teach and learn. This past July, I had the opportunity to mentor for the SMART Girls Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, Ohio. This social-emotional learning initiative is designed to boost confidence and encourage healthy lifestyles among young women. I felt privileged to serve as a female role model for them for the day.

My main goal was to inspire these young women by sharing my unconventional career journey: From factory worker to mother, college graduate and ultimately the senior technical manager at the CRRC. I highlighted the importance of passion and perseverance, encouraging them to aim high and never give up, even in male-dominated fields.

To help the girls better understand the CRRC's work, I presented our Cool Surfaces Lesson Plan. We conducted an experiment to learn how a building’s surface properties can impact indoor temperatures, and we discussed how cool surfaces, such as cool roofs and cool exterior walls, can help combat the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Seven groups of girls ranging in age from first graders to high school seniors were genuinely engaged. Their insightful questions and contagious enthusiasm showed me just how ready the next generation is to tackle important issues and create a more sustainable future.

I went in hoping to inspire them, but I left with something even more meaningful. After a day of connection, learning and sharing, I was overwhelmed by their heartfelt thanks and hugs. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship. These bright, passionate, and determined young women inspired me just as much as I hoped to inspire them. This experience strengthened my belief in the value of mentorship and the importance of demonstrating to young girls what they can achieve. It's a day I will always treasure.