Indianapolis – October 05, 2026 -- Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit representing 1,200 members in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, concluded its three-day annual conference Sept. 27-29 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, recognizing seven industry leaders with Pillar and Leadership Awards.

Three Pillar Awards go to mentorship, education and networking leaders

Lori Tschohl, owner of Eagle Pipe Heating & Air and a past WHVACR president with more than 35 years of business leadership experience, received the Mentor Pillar Award. Crystal Naegle, HVAC assistant coordinator for UA Local 525 and a decade-plus instructor at the College of Southern Nevada who has overseen 13 academic programs, won the Education Pillar Award. Becky Hoelscher, senior account manager at Arkema with nearly 20 years in procurement, sales and marketing, received the Network Pillar Award.

Four Leadership Awards span manufacturers, vendors and operators

Sonya Fryer, client success manager for CertainPath, received the Advocate Leadership Award. Rosa Leal, senior manager of global product strategy and customer experience at Rheem Manufacturing, won the Manufacturer Leadership Award. Treasure Boston, owner of Cline's Heating & Air, took the Office and Operations Leadership Award. Teri Rogers, chief marketing technology officer at Alps Controls, received the Vendor and Distribution Leadership Award.

WHVACR President Jane Sidebottom said the awards show how mentorship, education, networking and innovation are opening career paths for women across the HVACR sector.

Conference programming centered on AI, retention and leadership

Keynote speakers Christine Cashen and Rebecca Heiss headlined sessions alongside workshops on AI, personal branding, workforce retention and leading through change. Networking events included a Starting Line Reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a mentorship mixer, a Vendor Expo Tailgate Party and a Green Means Go Gala.