The Women in the Flooring Industry (WIFI) announced the winners of the second round of scholarships, bringing total awarded this year to $43,000 invested in 13 dedicated professionals in the flooring sector. This round of scholarships showcases six outstanding individuals poised to elevate their careers through education and industry-accredited certifications.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, WIFI is excited to announce special bonus Year-End Mini Scholarships, offering additional support to empower even more deserving individuals in the flooring industry. These mini scholarships will grant up to a $1,000 maximum per person for courses to be taken January to December of 2025. The deadline to apply is October 30th, 2024. Recipients will be notified by December 16th, 2024. 

As a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, WIFI is committed to attracting, educating, and empowering women in the flooring industry and beyond. The scholarships are awarded bi-annually and provide crucial support for women pursuing post-secondary education and professional development in the dynamic world of flooring.

Meet the Fall 2024 WIFI Scholarship Recipients

Nikole Adame – Operations Manager, Roberts Carpet & Fine Floors, Texas

Nikole will enhance her expertise through the Carpet & Hard Surface Certified Inspector program at Certified Flooring Inspectors University. She stated, “By investing in my education and expertise, I am investing in my future and the future of the entire flooring industry.” Alexandra Roberts, CEO of Roberts Carpet & Fine Floors, added, “We are fortunate to have Nikole as part of our team. Her potential is limitless and there is no more deserving candidate for this scholarship.”

Jamerica Carter – Pricing Support Representative, Shaw Industries

Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State University, Jamerica aims to drive innovation at Shaw Industries. “With furthering my education, I hope to adopt a managerial role. I am aiming to be a part of assessing data trends that drive new innovations in Shaw Industries’ growth for years to come,” she shared. Holly Caldwell, Senior Pricing Solutions Manager at Shaw, noted, “[Jamerica] is an independent thinker, highly motivated and self-driven.”

Kealani Daniel – Product Specialist, Shaw Industries

Kealani is working toward a bachelor’s in business administration at Shorter University. She expressed, “I want to be able to bring creativity and innovative ideas to the business. By furthering my education, this will give me the opportunity to gain educational knowledge that is needed to better prepare myself for future leadership positions.” Drew Morelli, Technical Manager at Shaw, emphasized, “One of Kealani’s greatest strengths is that she is a compassionate team player who is always willing to help others.”

Madeline Graves – Flooring Apprentice, Strahm Building Solutions, Indiana

Madeline is pursuing a degree in Architecture from Cincinnati University. She shared, “Architecture has everything that I’m looking for in a career. It is practical and requires math skills, but it also is artistic and creative.” YEP facilitator Jaren Harmon commended, “Madeline has great ideas, and she commits to doing what she says she will with excellence.”

Nora Kelly – Sales Coordinator, Consolidated Flooring, Chicago

Nora will attend LEED Green Associate, LEED AP+BC, and Foundations of Project Management courses at the University of Illinois Chicago. She stated, “Gaining these credentials would make me a valuable resource at my company.” Michelle Heron-Means, Director of National Engagement and Leadership at Consolidated Flooring, noted, “Nora’s enthusiasm for learning and achieving is one of her most remarkable qualities.”

Beth Miller – Managing Editor, Floor Trends & Installation

Beth will attend the SEAL Leadership Academy Program. She shared, “The education afforded by the WIFI scholarship would further my flooring industry journey by providing me with much-needed guidance.” Tanja Kern, Associate Publisher at Floor Trends & Installation, added, “Beth consistently demonstrates a natural ability to lead and inspire others.”

Join Us in Celebrating These Trailblazers!

The future of the flooring industry shines brightly with these talented women at the helm. Click here to learn more about WIFI's scholarship program. Interested in supporting this vital mission? Click here to discover how you can become a corporate donor or join our individual donor society.