Women in Stone Scholarship and Award Deadlines Approaching

Words: Terri BernerNominations for the Pioneer Award and applications for the Empowerment Scholarship are due by Friday, September 9th. To download forms, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/womeninstone.

About The Pioneer Award

The Women in Stone Pioneer Award will recognize an advocate within the stone industry for their role in recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. The winner’s performance in promoting women should be exemplary, honorable, and inspirational. Women in Stone co-chair Allyson Humphries (M S International) commented: “The Pioneer Award recognizes an individual who has ventured into the unknown to educate and empower women in our industry.” Co-chair Kim Dumais (Miller Druck Specialty Contracting) agrees: “There are many individuals within our industry who go above and beyond to educate and elevate women. This award has been established to acknowledge those individuals and recognize them publicly for their efforts.”

About The Empowerment Scholarship

The Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship will provide an MIA+BSI member with an all-expense paid trip to a 2017 industry event (TISE, Coverings, or an MIA+BSI study tour). The winner will also be able to shadow industry professionals during the event, in order to gain a better understanding of different sectors of the industry. Applicants should be a first-time attendee of the chosen event, and should have between 2-5 years of stone industry experience. Dumais remarked: “The Empowerment Scholarship is designed to provide an opportunity that otherwise may not be accessible to women in the industry. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity to be personally guided, mentored, and exposed to all aspects of our industry.” According to Humphries: “The scholarship is the perfect vehicle for the woman who needs a kick start to her career and wants to learn more about our industry.”
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu