ENGLEWOOD, Colorado - Women in HVACR, in collaboration with Carrier Global Corporation, has awarded $55,000 in scholarships to 11 exceptional female students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. This initiative highlights progress in an industry where women remain underrepresented and celebrates their role in shaping the future of HVACR.
The scholarships, each valued at $5,000, were presented during the 2025 Women in HVACR Conference in Las Vegas. Six scholarships were funded directly by Women in HVACR, while Carrier contributed to five additional awards in partnership with the nonprofit organization. The recipients were recognized for their academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to fostering diversity and innovation within the skilled trades.
"These scholarships represent more than financial assistance; they are an investment in the future of our industry", said Kristin Gallup, president of Women in HVACR. "Each recipient has shown the drive, talent and vision to lead the future of HVACR, and their contributions will help shape the next generation of innovators in the field."
Honoring Trailblazing Women
The scholarship recipients reflect a diverse group of women who are forging innovative paths in the HVACR field:
- Kristine Berg: Transitioning from a career in maintenance and facilities work, Berg is pursuing HVAC training at Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota with a goal of mentoring young women in the trades.
- Hannah Dearman-So: A recent graduate of Harvey Mudd College in California with a degree in general engineering, Dearman-So has embarked on a career in mechanical engineering, focusing on HVACR and plumbing design.
- Ashley Haynes: A mother of five and member of Phi Theta Kappa at Coastal Alabama Community College, Haynes is a non-traditional student aiming to inspire others to follow their dreams in HVACR, regardless of age.
- Sarah Kitchen: Motivated by her daughters, Kitchen is working toward her HVACR and electrical licenses with aspirations of teaching the next generation of female technicians.
- Beyonca Mack: Drawing on her family’s legacy in HVAC, Mack plans to promote energy-efficient practices and create job opportunities, with the ultimate goal of owning her own HVAC company.
- Alerry McCarthy: A construction management student at North Carolina A&T State University, McCarthy is passionate about employing HVACR systems to develop affordable, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities.
- Aya Morgan: With a background in Science Olympiad and project engineering, Morgan combines her problem-solving skills with her commitment to sustainability. She aims to lead projects that focus on equitable design and sustainable housing.
- Samantha Murphy: Transitioning from 12 years as a commercial driver, Murphy is now pursuing an associate degree at Lincoln Tech in New Jersey, drawn to HVAC’s technical and sustainable focus.
- Mahek Parvez: A computer engineering student at Purdue University, Parvez developed "SunHarvested CoolRooms", an electricity-free cooling system for farm produce, merging technology with sustainability to empower women and improve communities.
- Lila Tychsen: Inspired by her uncle’s HVAC company, Tychsen discovered a passion for sheet metal fabrication through hands-on training and home projects, aiming to become a fabricator.
- Sophia Valenzuela: As president of Riverside City College’s HVACR Student Union and a first-generation college student, Valenzuela is working toward becoming a commercial service technician and plans to start her own business.
Investing in the Future of HVACR
Through this initiative, Women in HVACR and Carrier underscore the importance of mentorship and education in creating pathways for women in technical careers. According to Gallup, "By investing in education and mentorship, Women in HVACR and Carrier are helping create pathways for women to excel in technical careers that are essential to the nation’s infrastructure and sustainability goals. By empowering women to lead and innovate within the HVACR industry, we strengthen its foundation and ensure it continues to evolve, adapt and thrive."
This scholarship program not only provides financial support but also amplifies the voices of women determined to break barriers and lead in the HVACR industry. The recipients’ achievements and aspirations set an inspiring example for the next generation of skilled professionals.
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