ISSA Hygieia Network unveils 2022 award winners

ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities signature programme dedicated to the advancement and retention of women in the cleaning industry, announced its 2022 award winners during its eighth annual Awards Reception.

More than 900 industry professionals attended the event on Tuesday, 11th October at the McCormick Center in Chicago, Illinois during ISSA Show North America.

ISSA Hygieia Network Program Director Dr. Felicia L. Townsend commented: “As one of the core programmes Hygieia Network was founded on, we’re thrilled to announce and congratulate the 2022 winners who have gone above and beyond as we continue to break the glass ceiling for women in the cleaning industry. We’d like to thank our independent jury members who helped us determine our winners, as well as everyone who nominated an inspiring individual or company.”

The jury included ISSA Charities Board Co-Chairs John Riches and Ted Stark; President and CEO of SouthEast LINK, Ailene Grego; and ISSA Hygieia Network Past Chairwoman, Meredith Reuben.

The 2022 awards and winners include:

• ISSA Hygieia Network Member of the Year, which recognises a woman’s involvement in activities that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision, went to Stephenie Henderson, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Berry Global for her dedication to Hygieia and efforts to grow its impact over the past year.

• ISSA Hygieia Network Rising Star of the Year, which honours a woman age 45 or younger who has made significant achievements and demonstrated consistent upward mobility in her career within the industry, was presented to Kenisha Middlebrooks, Associate Manager, Commercial Warranty, TTI Floor Care North America for her impressive career trajectory and achievements within the cleaning industry.

• ISSA Hygieia Network Company of the Year, which celebrates a company’s involvement in activities that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision, was awarded to Sunbelt Rentals for its contributions to advancing the role of women in the cleaning industry and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

In addition to revealing this year’s winners, ISSA Hygieia Network acknowledged the 2022 Hygieia Network Scholarship recipient Madalynn Kennedy, who is pursuing a degree at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Hygieia also recognised the contributions of its volunteers and sponsors to a successful year of educational, mentoring, and networking programs.

At ISSA Show North America, Hygieia also hosted a panel on engaging and retaining women professionals in the cleaning industry. The panel was moderated by Hygieia’s Program Director, Dr. Felicia Townsend, and included panelists Rachel Brutosky from Nilfisk, Lisa Gould from Envoy Solutions, and Katie Snider from Network Distribution.

To learn more and become a member, visit www.hygieianetwork.org/join.