Second Women's Symposium Builds on Momentum
Key Highlights
- The Society's second annual Women's Leadership Symposium featured three compelling keynotes on sustainability, innovation, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges;
- The event highlighted the significance of increasing women’s representation in HVACR and inspired ongoing dialogue and leadership development and mentorship;
- Plans for the next symposium in Baltimore in 2027 were announced, emphasizing continued momentum and growth for women in the industry.
By Nancy Kohout, PE, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Buro Happold
The second Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium in Los Angeles was a remarkable event, bringing together nearly 300 women from the HVACR industry for two impactful days. Founded and chaired by Karine LeBlanc and myself, the symposium aimed to connect and empower women, enhancing leadership and representation within ASHRAE and beyond, building on the momentum from the first symposium in Chicago in 2024.
The event began with a welcome reception and a rejuvenating yoga session, creating an energetic and positive atmosphere. Attendees engaged in sessions that blended technical insights with opportunities for personal and professional growth, fueled by a shared enthusiasm and passion. The atmosphere was invigorating, with participants eager to absorb knowledge and share their own experiences.
Three keynote speakers captivated the crowd.
Dr. Gail Brager from UC Berkeley discussed research-informed design for people and the planet, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. Amy Marks, SVP of Innovation at Compass Datacenters, delved into the question of whether innovators are born or made, sparking thought-provoking discussions. And Dr. Sara Safari, an empowerment activist and author, shared her gripping survival story during an earthquake on Mt. Everest, challenging everyone to "Find Your Everest" and overcome personal and professional challenges.
The symposium placed a strong emphasis on genuine support and networking. Participants exchanged experiences, offered guidance, and celebrated each other's achievements, forming meaningful relationships that extended beyond the event. The conference underscored the importance of representation and the pivotal role of women in shaping the HVAC&R industry. The presence of leaders like Sarah Maston, ASHRAE president-elect, served as a testament to the progress being made.
Monday night offered a change of pace with an outing to see the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers on a beautiful night. This provided a relaxed setting for attendees to unwind and bond over shared interests outside the formal conference environment. The camaraderie built during this outing further strengthened the connections formed during the symposium.
A standout feature of the symposium was the breakfast roundtable discussions. These sessions sparked lively debates and generated fresh ideas, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to engage in deep conversations, sharing insights and strategies to tackle common challenges in the industry.
As the symposium concluded, there was a palpable sense of empowerment and inspiration. Attendees were eager to continue the dialogue and nurture the connections made. Plans are already underway for the next symposium in Baltimore on April 11-13, 2027, which will be chaired by Tiffany Abruzzo and Jennifer Leach.
The 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium was not just a meeting but the continuation of a movement. It was a vibrant celebration of leadership, connection, and empowerment. The symposium reaffirmed the vital role of women in the HVAC&R industry, inspiring attendees to strive for greater representation and influence.
The momentum generated promises to drive meaningful change, as women in ASHRAE continue to grow their impact with the support of each other, armed with new insights and strengthened bonds.
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About the Author
A member of HPAC Engineering's Editorial Advisory Board, Nancy Kohout, PE, LEED AP, is a national engineering leader dedicated to advancing decarbonization and high‑performance building systems. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Buro Happold, she drives innovative engineering strategies that elevate sustainability and accelerate progress toward low‑carbon futures. She is currently Illinois ASHRAE President, serves on the Executive Committee of ASHRAE Society’s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization, and is a voting member on ASHRAE TC 6.8, where she helps shape industry standards for geothermal and heat recovery technologies. In addition, she is a champion of leadership development and elevating diverse voices within the engineering community.