Empowering Women: $30,000 in Scholarships Awarded at NeoCon 2025!

City, Country - On June 25, 2025, a vibrant celebration took place at NeoCon where the Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) unveiled the winners of its much-anticipated scholarship program. This year, a total of $30,000 was awarded to 16 deserving women within the flooring sector, aimed at fueling their educational pursuits and career advancements. According to Floor Daily, these scholarships are a step towards supporting women who strive to enhance their qualifications and make a significant impact in their field.

The funding for these generous scholarships comes from donations made to WIFI, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in the flooring industry. With eligibility extending to women currently working in flooring or those who show a keen interest in entering the industry, the program has clear application requirements: a succinct 750-word essay and a letter of recommendation. Each scholarship can be awarded up to four times, provided that applicants reapply for each cycle, fostering a continuous journey of learning. More details on the scholarship can be found at the official WIFI website.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

The following talented women received scholarships this year:

• Sara Antonio: $1,000 for Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through eCornell.
• Rebecca Bell: $1,000 for PMP certification through the University of Louisville.
• Ananda Botello: $1,000 for Leadership Boot Camp: People Management at Florida Atlantic University.
• Deidre Eues: $1,000 for Carpet and Hard Surface certification through Certified Flooring Installers (CFI).
• Misty Foster: $4,500 for a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management at Georgia Highlands College.
• Corinne Gilbert: $645 for Michigan Contractor Training’s 60-hour pre-license course.
• Julie Grajeda: $1,000 for LEED and WELL AP certifications through the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Alexandra Hutchison: $1,000 for Certified Professional credential through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
• Ashley Luna: $3,680 for a bachelor’s degree in business administration at San Diego State University.
• April Manley: $1,000 for Project Management Institute certification through the University of California.
• Lu Mauldin: $299 for SEAL leadership development certification through the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA).
• Anna McCortney: $999 for an interior design certificate through the Interior Design Institute.
• Kristy Panos: $327 for the People Analytics course from the Society of Human Resource Management.
• Jasmina Posada: $4,500 for a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Dalton State College.
• Laura Spicer: $4,500 for a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Franklin University.
• Sophia Williams: $4,500 for a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies at San Diego State University.

These awards demonstrate a good hand at nurturing talent within a sector that’s traditionally been male-dominated. As the winners embark on their respective paths, they embody a spirit of resilience and aspiration that can inspire countless others in the industry.

More on Women in Flooring

Through initiatives like these scholarships, Women In the Floorcovering Industry is not just doing a good deal for women in the flooring business; they are weaving a new narrative of empowerment and opportunity. After all, a thriving industry relies on a diverse workforce bringing varied perspectives and experiences to the table.

Educational pursuits don’t stop with just gaining knowledge; they pave the way for a lifelong journey of personal and professional growth. With the support of organizations like WIFI, the future of women in the flooring industry looks not only promising but also vibrant with potential.