Examining allyship, accountability and mental health in roofing

By The Coffee Shops®.

Panelists discussed challenging workplace bias, sponsoring women’s careers and creating a culture where employees feel supported.

At the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) Women in Roofing Day event in Tukwila, Washington, a panel of industry leaders had a conversation focused on recognizing unconscious bias, supporting women’s advancement and addressing mental health concerns throughout the construction industry. Moderated by Jennifer Stone of Tremco, the panel featured Justin Shirley of State Roofing, Donovan Gladstone of GAF, Eric Johnston of PABCO Roofing Products, Cody of Polyglass and Josh Wilson of Stoneway Building Supply.

Panelists began by examining assumptions they had encountered or held about women’s roles in the industry. Several noted that their early experiences in roofing and construction included few women outside office, administrative or sales positions. As more women entered installation, manufacturing and leadership roles, those experiences challenged outdated assumptions about what women could or wanted to do.

A recurring theme was the importance of remaining open-minded and avoiding assumptions about what someone can or cannot do. Rather than focusing on differences, the panelists emphasized evaluating individuals based on their abilities, goals and contributions.

The conversation then shifted to one of the event's most candid topics: the responsibility men have to challenge inappropriate comments, stereotypes and workplace behavior when women are not present. Panelists acknowledged that speaking up can be uncomfortable and, at times, carry professional risk. However, they agreed that creating meaningful change requires action rather than silence.

Several speakers shared personal experiences where they had witnessed inappropriate treatment toward women and questioned whether they had done enough in those moments. Their honesty highlighted a key takeaway from the discussion: allyship is not about having all the answers but being willing to listen, learn and take action when necessary.

The panel also explored the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. While mentors offer advice and guidance, sponsors actively help create opportunities by advocating for others, making introductions and encouraging individuals to pursue leadership roles. The speakers encouraged attendees to use their influence, regardless of title, to help others advance in their careers.

Workplace systems and policies were another focus. The panel discussed how flexibility, understanding family responsibilities and removing unnecessary barriers can create more opportunities for women to succeed. Several speakers noted that simple actions, such as listening to employees' needs and questioning outdated assumptions about productivity, can make a significant difference.

One of the most impactful portions of the discussion centered on mental health. Drawing attention to the construction industry's high rates of suicide, substance abuse and mental health challenges, the panelists shared personal stories about addiction, loss and recovery. The conversation emphasized that mental health affects everyone in the industry and that leaders must create environments where people feel safe asking for help.

The speakers encouraged companies to become more familiar with available resources, normalize conversations about mental health and train leaders to recognize warning signs. Most importantly, they stressed that meaningful support often begins with something simple: asking someone how they are doing and genuinely listening to the answer.

As the session concluded, the panel left attendees with a powerful reminder that leadership is rooted in empathy, curiosity and human connection. Whether supporting women in the workplace, mentoring future leaders or checking in on a struggling colleague, the small actions individuals take every day can have a lasting impact on the people around them and on the future of the roofing industry.

The discussion’s message was ultimately one of shared humanity: remain curious, challenge assumptions, use influence to create opportunities and take time to check on the people around you.