Heidi J. Ellsworth to share the NWIR story with Raise the Roof

By The Coffee Shops.

From connection to leadership, the roundtable will explore the NWIR story and the future of women in roofing. 

Raise the Roof has become a leading voice for women in the U.K. roofing industry, bringing together professionals from across the sector to support career development, foster connections and champion greater diversity and inclusion. Through networking, education and advocacy, the organisation is helping create more opportunities for women while building a stronger future for roofing. That mission makes it a natural fit for a special roundtable discussion featuring Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops™ and a founding member and first chair of National Women in Roofing (NWIR). During the discussion, Heidi will share the story of NWIR's founding, the growth of the organisation and the work it continues to do today to recruit, mentor, educate and connect women across the roofing industry. 

As a founding member and the first chair of NWIR, Heidi has had a front-row seat to one of the most significant movements in modern roofing. What began as a small group of women looking for ways to connect and support one another has grown into an organisation that has helped transform opportunities for women across the industry. Today, NWIR continues to focus on its four pillars of recruitment, mentoring, networking and education while helping women advance into leadership positions throughout roofing. 

More than a presentation, the event will be an interactive conversation with the women of Raise the Roof as they discuss and visualise the future growth of their organisation. During the discussion, Heidi will share the story of NWIR's founding, the growth of the organisation and the work it continues to do today to recruit, mentor, educate and connect women across the roofing industry. By exploring both the successes and challenges experienced during NWIR's evolution, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and consider how those lessons might help shape Raise the Roof's next chapter. 

As a founding member and the first chair of NWIR, Heidi has had a front-row seat to one of the most significant movements in modern roofing. What began as a small group of women looking for ways to connect and support one another has grown into an organisation that has helped transform opportunities for women across the industry. Today, NWIR continues to focus on its four pillars of recruitment, mentoring, networking and education while helping women advance into leadership positions throughout roofing. 

A key theme of the discussion will be empowerment. Heidi believes that supporting women in roofing is not simply about creating opportunities for individual success. It is about helping women build confidence, develop leadership skillsand create opportunities for others. When women are empowered through education, mentoring and networking, entire companies and communities benefit. 

The discussion will also explore the remarkable growth of women in roofing. From company owners and executives to association leaders and entrepreneurs, more women are helping shape the future of the industry. Heidi will share her firsthand perspective on this transformation and discuss how organisations such as NWIR and Raise the Roof play an important role in creating pathways for future leaders. 

For Heidi, one of the most exciting aspects of the roundtable is the opportunity to connect with the women who have built and continue to build something special in the U.K. Through Raise the Roof, they have created a growing community dedicated to supporting, connecting and advancing women throughout the roofing industry. Heidi sees many of the same qualities that helped launch NWIR: vision, passion, collaboration and a commitment to helping others succeed. Together, participants will explore how strong communities, meaningful connections and intentional leadership can create lasting change for generations to come. 

“Connection creates change,” Heidi said. “When women come together to share experiences, support one another and invest in future leaders, they create opportunities that last for generations. That has been the story of NWIR, and it is exciting to see that same spirit growing through Raise the Roof.” 

As the roofing industry continues to evolve, organisations such as Raise the Roof and NWIR are demonstrating the value of community, mentorship and leadership. Through conversations like this roundtable, women across the globe are helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for roofing. 

The details of the session

Title: From Connection to Leadership: The NWIR Story and the Future of Women in Roofing 
Presenter: Heidi J. Ellsworth 
Date: October 19, 2026 
Hosted by: Raise the Roof, UK Women in Roofing