Champions Of Women Shine At RV Women’s Alliance Award Dinner

Capping off a day of education and networking, on Thursday, October 12, the RV Women’s Alliance Awards were presented in four categories: Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement, Leader of Tomorrow Award, Champion of Women—Individual, and Champion of Women—Company. The winners were announced from an impressive list of award finalists.

"When we began planning the Educational Symposium, it was important to include an awards program to honor not just remarkable women in our industry, but also those individuals and companies that champion and empower women. Simply put, these are the Champions of Women," said Monika Geraci, RV Women’s Alliance Board Member and Award Taskforce Lead. “The accomplishments and efforts from the individuals and companies who comprised the award finalists and winners are incredibly inspiring and speaks to the bright future of women in the RV industry.”

The night’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award of Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Tracy Anglemeyer, Director of Recruitment for the RV Technical Institute and RV Women’s Alliance Founding Board Member.

“While it is one thing to accomplish incredible things in your career, it is a whole other to blaze the trail for the women coming up behind you, while also accomplishing incredible things. And that is just what Tracy has done for so many women in this industry,” continued Geraci.

Recognizing the impact she is already making on the industry through her efforts to create a positive impact beyond the workforce, Newmar’s Chelsea Kreigh was presented with the Leader of Tomorrow Award. East to West’s Lisa Liegl Rees took home the Champion of Women Award for an individual and Thetford was recognized with the Champion of Women Award for a company. Both Rees and Thetford have made it a part of their daily efforts to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry. 

“For the second year in a row, I have been impressed and honored to present these awards to such incredible women in our industry,” said RV Women’s Alliance President Susan Carpenter. “From the inspiring accomplishments of our Trailblazer Tracy to the promising and potential in Chelsea, our Leader of Tomorrow, the future for women in our industry has never been brighter. We appreciate everyone who came out to honor not only our winner but the impressive 22 award finalists.”

A full description of awards and the winners is below.

Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement

The RV Women’s Alliance Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the RV industry’s advancement while also paving the way for other women to follow in her path. The RV Women’s Alliance’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.

Winner: Tracy Anglemeyer, RV Technical Institute

Tracy is a true trailblazer in the RV industry, known for her unwavering dedication to innovation and gender equality. Throughout her career, which included significant roles at numerous RV companies, she consistently shattered barriers and set new standards for excellence. Her remarkable achievements, such as transforming product lines, propelling sales growth by 300%, and increasing sales from $500,000 to $9.5 million, highlight her outstanding business acumen.

What truly sets Tracy apart is her commitment to empowering women in the RV industry. As an active member of the RV Women's Alliance, she spearheaded the development of all-female RV technician classes. This groundbreaking initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also opens new doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Tracy's unwavering dedication, combined with her exceptional career achievements and tireless efforts to support women in the RV industry, has created a legacy to inspire, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive future in the RV industry.

Leader of Tomorrow Award

The RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes women who are making a big impact on the RV industry during the beginning stages of her career. The future of the RV industry depends on the cultivation of strong, creative, and hardworking women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the RV industry. Recognizing the up and comers in the industry, the Leader of Tomorrow Award is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.

Winner: Chelsea Kreigh, Newmar

Chelsea Kreigh has made a lasting impact on the RV industry through her unwavering commitment to elevating, promoting, and educating others. Her leadership in Newmar & Winnebago's CommunityGO initiatives has raised awareness about the needs of disadvantaged communities. Chelsea's efforts have inspired increased volunteerism among team members, creating a positive impact beyond the workplace. As a member of Newmar and Winnebago's Inclusion Council, Chelsea has actively fostered a more welcoming and inclusive work environment. She initiated listening sessions to address workplace concerns, ensuring that the voices of women are heard. Chelsea's commitment to partnership, active listening, and participation in groups like Winnebago's Women Inclusion Network (WIN) and RV Women’s Alliance reflects her dedication to others' well-being. Her impact is evident as she continues to shape the future of the RV industry.

Champion of Women Awards (Individual & Company)

The RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Awards recognize those who embody our mission to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry. Recipients of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.

Individual Winner: Lisa Liegl Rees, East to West

Lisa Liegl Rees is a passionate advocate for women in the RV industry. Leading a diverse team at East to West, Lisa has used her extensive industry experience to promote gender equality and empower women. She actively supports women's advancement through education, networking, and fundraising efforts. Lisa also serves on the RV Women's Alliance board, contributing her time, expertise, and fundraising skills. Lisa mentors young women, fostering their problem-solving and leadership skills. She promotes an inclusive environment where women take on leadership roles and make crucial decisions. Lisa's exceptional relationships with partners have expanded the RV Women's Alliance's reach into Canada. She fosters inclusivity and openness to new ideas, actively participating in activities to uplift women within the industry. Her dedication to fundraising, chairing the sponsorship committee, has significantly impacted the organization's growth and influence.

Company Winner: Thetford

Thetford Corporation stands as a remarkable champion for women within the RV industry, setting a shining example of commitment to gender equality, diversity, and professional growth. Thetford's impressive representation of women, with 45% across the organization and 30% on the plant floor, underscores their dedication to embracing diversity in a traditionally male-dominated manufacturing setting. Thetford excels in providing an accommodating work-life balance, especially for working mothers, demonstrating their understanding that parenthood should not hinder professional development. Thetford's investment in training and growth opportunities exemplifies their commitment to women's advancement, encouraging employees to continuously enhance their skills and knowledge.