ISSA initiative to advance women in cleaning industry

"ISSA is leading this effort to foster the advancement of women in our industry, in direct support of the association’s mission to facilitate ongoing networking and commercial opportunities for the international cleaning industry," said John Garfinkel, ISSA executive director. "There are many outstanding female executives in our field, and we want to encourage companies to look to their workforces to further expand their diversity and mine even more exemplary leaders."

Named after the Greek goddess of cleaning and hygiene, this vibrant worldwide community will provide ongoing education, networking, professional development, and personal recognition awards available to any women working in, or associated with, the industry.

An advisory council of female leaders, chaired by Dr. Ilham Kadri, president of Diversey Care, vice president and officer of Sealed Air Corp., will develop the network’s framework for membership and services in the coming months. The council will focus on ways to raise awareness, stimulate discussion, and disseminate best practices.

In addition to leadership development, the group also will investigate ways to address front-line worker challenges such as literacy levels. Currently, a high percentage of entry-level female cleaning workers around the world come from low-income or impoverished backgrounds that restrict their access to education, hampering their prospects for personal and professional advancement.

"Since I joined this industry, I noticed huge gaps in gender diversity and a lack of prestige connected with cleaning jobs," Dr. Kadri said. "We need to change that and support our employees in the cleaning industry to access education and training, as well as become more aware about the best cleaning standards and collaborate in building a human capital curriculum."

Support for this initiative has been provided by the following founding members:

Holly Borrego, Cleaning Services Director North America for ISS Facility Services, Inc.

Nathalie Doobin, CEO Harvard Services Group

Dr. Ilham Kadri, President of Diversey Care, VP and Officer of Sealed Air Corp.

Jill Kegler, General Manager of Kellermeyer-Nichols

Marie-Paule Nowlis, VP Guest Experience & Operations, Sofitel

Meredith Reuben, CEO of EBP Supply Solutions

Linda Silverman, President of Maintex

Lydia Work, CEO of American Paper Converting Inc.

"These women leaders have greatly impressed me since I joined this industry," Dr. Kadri said. "Each of them has a unique story to tell and are inspirational for anyone working in the cleaning profession. With them as role models, and the commitment of ISSA to host this initiative, we shall deliver on our mission to improve education and career opportunities for women as well as develop a diverse generation of future leaders."