Success Stories
Charting Success
Through the Women in HVACR Navigator Program, mentors and mentees are charting new paths to success.
Spotlight
Mentor Spotlight
Elisa Wagoner
Regional HR Leader
Trane Technologies
“Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to ensure women have a voice and feel empowered in their roles.”
What do you enjoy most about being a Navigator (mentor) in our program?
What I enjoy most about being a Navigator is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with people who bring such diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to the table. Every conversation teaches me something new, and I truly value the exchange of ideas and insight that naturally happens in this program. It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of a community where we are not only supporting one another but also growing together—both personally and professionally.
Share an example of how you've been able to help Ashley as your mentee.
Supporting Ashley has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience as a mentor. I’ve had the opportunity to reflect back on my own experiences and help her build confidence—not only as a new mom navigating major life changes, but also as a professional working in a male-dominated industry. We’ve shared open, honest conversations about balancing responsibilities, setting boundaries, advocating for herself, and embracing her strengths.
Why would you recommend someone who wants to be mentored to join our Navigator program?
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Navigator program to anyone seeking mentorship, especially those who are newer to the HVACR industry or looking to build confidence and clarity in their career path. The program is such a valuable way to build meaningful connections, gain fresh perspectives, and receive guidance from people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It provides a supportive, encouraging environment that accelerates learning, builds professional confidence, and helps you navigate challenges with a trusted partner by your side. Having someone outside your direct company—but still within the industry—creates a safe space for honest conversation, questions, and exploration.
What thoughts do you have for someone who is interested in becoming a mentor?
My advice is simple: do it! Becoming a mentor is incredibly fulfilling, and in many ways, you end up gaining even more than you give. It offers the chance to reflect on your own journey, reignite your passion for your work, and see the industry through fresh eyes. It also challenges you to grow, listen differently, and think more intentionally about the way you support others.
As I’ve grown in my own career and life, I’ve realized how vital it is to help ensure that women have a voice and feel empowered in their roles. Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen. When we show up for each other—openly, authentically, and wholeheartedly—we help create a stronger, more inclusive industry for the next generation.
As I’ve grown in my own career and life, I’ve realized how vital it is to help ensure that women have a voice and feel empowered in their roles. Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen. When we show up for each other—openly, authentically, and wholeheartedly—we help create a stronger, more inclusive industry for the next generation.
Mentee Spotlight
Ashley Morrison
HR Operations Manager
Legacy Companies, Inc.
“What I gained ended up being even more valuable than I expected—it became guidance during a pivotal season in my life.”
What were you hoping for when you joined the Navigator program as a mentee, and how successful were you at receiving that from this program?
When I joined the Navigator program, I was hoping to connect with someone in the HVACR industry who had more experience than me—someone who could help guide me, expand my perspective, and teach me things beyond what I had self-learned in my role. Having moved around within my company and largely figuring things out on my own, I was really looking for that broader industry insight. I did receive some of what I was initially looking for, but what I gained ended up being even more valuable than I expected. The relationship evolved into something I didn’t even know I needed at the time. It became less about just professional development and more about overall guidance during a really pivotal season in my life.
What have you valued most about your mentoring relationship?
What I valued most was having someone who truly listened and understood where I was at—not just professionally, but personally. Elisa brought so much patience, flexibility, and insight to our relationship. During a time when my schedule was constantly shifting with pregnancy, maternity leave, and returning to work part-time, she always met me where I was.
Her willingness to adjust, check in, and continue showing up made a huge difference. It never felt rigid or transactional—it felt supportive, real, and tailored to what I needed in the moment.
Her willingness to adjust, check in, and continue showing up made a huge difference. It never felt rigid or transactional—it felt supportive, real, and tailored to what I needed in the moment.
How has your mentor helped you navigate, whether personal or professional?
Elisa helped me navigate one of the biggest transitional periods of my life. I was pregnant, navigating changes in my career, and trying to figure out how to balance work, family, and working within a family business. She offered perspective, reassurance, and ideas that helped me think about my future in a new way. She guided me not just in career direction, but in how to approach decisions with more confidence and clarity.
Why would you encourage others to join the Navigator Mentoring program at Women in HVACR?
I would encourage others to join because this program truly meets you where you are. Whether you’re looking for career guidance, industry knowledge, or support through personal transitions, it has the ability to evolve based on what you need. HVACR offers so many different career paths, and having access to someone who has navigated the industry—especially as a woman—can be incredibly empowering. This program creates space for those connections and gives you access to perspectives you might not otherwise have. This program doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all experience—it allows the mentorship to grow in the direction you need, when you need it. That flexibility and genuine connection are what makes this program so valuable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.