This year in honor of Women’s History Month, Roofing Is Celebrating Women. Let’s not just celebrate the women who are written in the history books but let’s also celebrate ourselves. This month, you will see highlights of women to be celebrated within our industry.
Bianca Navarro Production Manager, Above Roofing
1. How did you get involved in the roofing industry?
I was living in Texas for a while and then moved to Michigan roughly 4 years ago. I used to work in the auto insurance industry, but the company I worked for wasn’t in the Grand Rapids area, or anywhere nearby. This resulted in me having to find a new job and then finding Above Roofing. I had never worked in the roofing industry but they took a chance on me and for that I am so grateful.
2. What is one of the key things you’ve learned about yourself that you wish you would’ve known when you first entered the roofing industry?
That I’m capable of so much more than I believe I am. Confidence isn’t always the easiest thing to have, but looking back now, I wish I would have known I GOT THIS!
3. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, who in your life has been an inspiring female figure that has helped you get to where you are today, physically, emotionally, intellectually and/or spiritually?
My Mother! She’s my inspiration for wanting to succeed. Growing up, I watched my mother work hard for everything we had and she took so much pride in it. No matter how tough times would get, she would stay strong and always keep a smile on her face. My mother is genuinely the strongest person I know in every way. Who wouldn’t want to be just like that?!
4. Who is one of your favorite Women in History?
Maya Angelou. There are many other Women in history that I believe are important, however, Maya Angelou always comes to mind first. She was so talented and had a great impact on social and racial justice!
5. As we know, many of the women in our industry are always juggling multiple responsibilities. How do you manage a work-life balance?
It’s definitely challenging. I find myself often coming in early and leaving late so I have to pay really close attention to my calendar throughout the week. I will often adjust my scheduling to either come in late one day, or leave early on another. I love my family and want to make sure I’m putting valuable time towards them so I’m always mindful of how much time I’m spending at work.
6. Share an example of a time when you realized you were one of the first women at your job, school, family, or social organization to do something that had a meaningful impact or caused a positive change?
When I first started in the roofing industry, I was an administrative assistant working in the front office. Fast forward about a year and half, we were in need of a new Production Manager. The previous Manager (Male) was the only Manager we had in the Production Department for the last 10 years. After some discussion with the leadership team, I decided to accept the position of Production Manager. Being new to the industry was going to be a challenge, but I knew being a young Female was also a challenge on its own. Fast forward to today (now almost 3 years in the industry), I have a great team that accepts me and we all work great together!
7. Share something that you have been a part of that other women can follow in your footsteps and pave new trails in the industry?
Sign up for special outings, trainings, seminars, etc. with anything that involves the industry! Don’t shy away just because it’s predominately men. In 2020 I joined an outing at a shooting range with one of our suppliers and ended up being the only Female there. It was a great experience and great way to network!
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