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PLUMBING CONNECTION
AUTUMN 2016
days etc. to share my story and show
everyone that it is normal for a female
to be in a trade. Just remember, if
you’re considering the construction
industry, there really is a lot on
offer. You have nothing to lose and
everything to gain, so go for it.”
Carlie’s aim for the future is to be
a role model and ambassador for
females who are ready or considering a
step into the construction industry.
MEGAN LEHTONEN (BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT)
Primarily responsible for managing
the India and Australia offices and
operations for The IAPMO Group,
Megan Lehtonen is the senior vice
president of International Business
Development. IAPMO provides product
approval and certification services for
suppliers as well as product testing
and evalution.
With a strong belief that the
industry, as deliverers of water, will
have a major impact on the global
water crisis from the ground up, Megan
is dedicated to expanding IAPMO’s
mission in countries across the globe.
Megan is also responsible for
directing the Water For Indonesia
Now initiative, focusing on the
standardisation of plumbing systems
within Indonesia. Her team, with
support from the U.S. Department
of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, and USAID Standards
Alliance Programs, works in
partnership with the National Standard
Agency of Indonesia (BSN) in the
development of a uniform National
Standard. This mission will impact
generations of Indonesians by creating
improved access to clean water and
safe sanitation.
“I graduated from California
Polytechnic State University San in
1997 with a major in Journalism and
minor in Public Relations. Uncertain of
my path and passion at such a young
age, I studied Journalism thankfully
from the invaluable advice at the time
that any future career, in any field,
would require solid written word. It was
some of the best advice I have ever
received! I have been very fortunate
in that every position I have held since
college has opened up to initiative and
development of the role to fit a larger
need. They have all been ever changing
and challenging roles.”
Megan admits to falling into the
industry as a result of wanting to bring
Greenplumbers to the United States
from Australia because of the focus on
water conservation and need for new
technologies to save water in front of
the looming drought.
“I have been involved in this industry
for nearly a decade and as a creative
professional in mostly male dominated
industries for 20 years.”
And Megan strongly encourages
other women to consider positions
that challenge their traditional
concepts.
“I can agree with you that at the
apprentice level, and in the trades,
plumbing has been mostly male
dominated, but I believe that is
changing as the industry evolves
and more emphasis is placed on the
proactive nature of the career and
how plumbers can be champions of
conservation. They have such a strong
ability to influence the purchasing
decisions of consumers to save water.
“Within the executive realm, I
am fortunate to know many women
involved in, and shaping, this industry.
The core of this industry is based on
the one thing we all need to survive:
water. Plumbers, water technicians,
whatever you would like to call them,
are the face-to-face connection with
the homeowner and have a great
influence on purchasing decisions
of consumers. They can educate
and steer the homeowner towards a
sustainable, certified product that
they can trust. Battle lines have
been drawn for years based on water
resources and the intensity will only
grow stronger as we continue to
deplete our groundwater resources.
This industry can make major in roads
in the technical research, and general
knowledge necessary to assist in
protecting and saving the world’s most
precious resource.
“All people, men and women, young
and old, should look to be involved
in this industry - there are so many
facets to it. From clean water, to
conservation, to standardisation -
to protecting the health and safety
of citizens of nations in developing
countries by focusing on the
standardisation and need for clean
water through effective plumbing -
who wouldn’t want to be involved?”
Megan has never been one to
look at something from a gender
specific point of view. She believes if
you’re passionate about something,
and focus on your purpose, you will
eventually find your way.
“So, I am extremely grateful for the
opportunities I have been given and I
have certainly dedicated myself to the
opportunities presented, but I don¹t
believe gender has played a significant
role in where I am today. It is, as far
as I can see, about initiative, hard
work, competence, passion, and your
capacity to deal with issues as they
arise.”
Megan Lehtonen, senior vice
president, international business
development, IAPMO.
WOMEN IN PLUMBING