ISSA Hygieia Award Nominations Open until Oct. 15

ISSA has announced the opening of membership to the ISSA Hygieia Network, a women’s forum with a mission of advancing and retaining female professionals in all sectors and at all levels of seniority and experience within the global cleaning community.
 
Named after the Greek goddess of cleaning and hygiene, this vibrant worldwide community will provide members with ongoing education, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry recognition—in addition to the strong sense of purpose and self-actualization that comes with being involved in this worthwhile cause.
 
“Facilitating ongoing networking and commercial opportunities for our members in the international cleaning industry is at the core of ISSA's mission,” said ISSA executive director emeritus John Garfinkel. “The ISSA Hygieia Network—and its work for the advancement of women in our industry—is a natural fit.  We want to encourage companies to look to their workforces to help diversify and develop exemplary leadership.”
 
ISSA members interested in joining the ISSA Hygieia Network can sign up online at www.issa.com/hygieia free of charge for one year through December 31, 2015.
 
Since its creation in November 2014, an advisory council of female leaders, chaired by Dr. Ilham Kadri, president of Diversey Care (part of Sealed Air), has been developing the network’s framework for membership and services.
 
In addition to leadership development for managers and executives, the education program also will help address front-line worker challenges, such as literacy levels, training for certification, and on-the-job practice.
 
Council members will reveal more details during The Women’s Forum, on Oct. 20 (3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m), on the opening day of ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America in Las Vegas, NV.
 
“Let us never forget that in the cleaning industry, as in every walk of life, women’s rights are human rights,” says ISSA executive director John Barrett. “Gender equality and the empowerment of women are essential to our sustainable future.”
 
Also, nominations are open for the ISSA Hygieia Network Awards program, which recognize individuals and companies that have made an outstanding contribution to gender equality and inclusiveness within the global cleaning industry. The deadline for 2015 award submissions is Oct. 15, 2015.  Members of The ISSA Hygieia Network Council will jury the nominations, and the winners of the 2015 ISSA Hygieia Network Awards will be announced at the ISSA Hygieia Network Reception, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m., at the Cosmopolitan, Condessa 5, in Las Vegas.
 
The awards are:

Hygieia Member of the Year: Recognizes an industry professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the cleaning industry through his or her involvement in activities that fulfill one or more of the ISSA Hygieia Network’s goals and objectives.

Rising Star of the Year: Same criteria as the Hygieia Member of the Year, but eligible to women aged under 35 only.

Employer of the Year: Recognizes the company that best promotes women’s interests.

Man of the Year: Recognizes a senior-level man who is dedicated to promoting the advancement of women
in the cleaning industry through mentoring.

Eidyia: Recognizes companies or individuals leading efforts to reduce illiteracy rates within the industry’s workforce.

Special Honors and Awards: In addition to competitive awards, the ISSA Hygieia Network Council may bestow several varieties of special honors on deserving individuals or institutions.

More information on the awards and the nomination process can be found here.

“I truly believe that recognition of outstanding contribution is the best way to elevate the pride and engagement of professionals in our industry,” says Dr. Ilham Kadri.  “Since joining this industry, I continue to witness amazing commitment and expertise from many individuals that deserves to be given wider visibility and praise.”
 
For more information on the ISSA Hygieia Network, including how to join, visit www.issa.com/hygieia