She Builds: The Leaf Home Committee Empowers Women in Home Improvement

By Christine Horvath, Klarrisa Marenitch,?and Hannah?Oblisk ?

The Women's Committee at Leaf Home is?on a mission to bridge the gender gap in the home improvement industry, a field in which a mere 20% of U.S. home improvement contractors are women. The committee is fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment, for the industry’s women in skilled trades and business operations, creating a supportive network where they can learn, share experiences, and build lasting connections that fuel both personal and professional growth.?

From Social Events to Powerful Advocacy: The Journey?

The Women's Committee at Leaf Home began with the simple desire for connection among a handful of women employees, they sought to create a network for support and interaction.?

What started as a social network supporting causes like Girls on the Run and Dress for Success took an unexpected turn. As the pandemic intensified work-life pressures, the committee pivoted to become a vital support network. It tackled issues like imposter syndrome, provided mentorship, and promoted employee well-being, especially crucial for new remote hires fostering a strong sense of community.?

The committee's influence then extended beyond social support. Working alongside HR and Legal, they championed critical issues for women, including access to resources for reproductive rights and essential sanitary products. Notably, they played a key role in shaping the company's health benefits to support women's reproductive health access.?

Championing Parental Leave and Building a Network of Support?

The Women’s Committee is in large part responsible for securing paid maternity and paternity leave for Leaf Home employees, ensuring both parents have the resources they need to care for their families. Recognizing the lack of dedicated spaces for nursing mothers, the committee spearheaded the creation of comfortable and well-equipped mother's rooms across Leaf Home offices and in the field. ?

Looking Forward: Expanding Opportunities and Shattering Stigmas?

The Women's Committee at Leaf Home is focused on empowering women in 2024 by equipping them?with the skills, mentorship, and resources to break glass ceilings and pursue leadership roles. These efforts will directly address pay equity and ensure equal opportunities for all. The group also aims to boost female representation in field positions like technicians and installers, while advocating for and addressing the specific needs of these women in skilled trades.