WIFI announces spring 2025 scholarship recipients at NeoCon

Pictured from left to right:
Top row: Sara Antonio, Rebecca Bell, Ananda Botello, Deidre Eues, Misty Foster, Corinne Gilbert, Julie Grajeda, Alexandra Hutchison. Bottom row: Ashley Luna, April Manley, Lu Mauldin, Anna McCortney, Kristy Panos, Jasmina Posada, Laura Spicer, Sophia Williams.

Chicago, IL— June 10, 2025 — The coffee was flowing on the 10th floor of The Mart this morning, as day two of NeoCon opened with a Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) breakfast in the Mannington Commercial booth. Highlights of the event included WIFI board member Whitney Legate, senior vice president of commercial product at Mannington Mills, sharing about WIFI’s free mentoring program and monthly Power Hours, and the announcement of WIFI’s 2025 scholarship program winners. The WIFI scholarship program awarded $30,000 in educational funds to 16 women pursuing college degrees, trade school, technical education, as well as career development in the flooring industry. This investment in the industry’s future is made possible through the generosity of WIFI’s donors. Funding for future scholarships supports the development of women leaders across the flooring industry. Visit womeninflooring.org/give to learn more.

WIFI 2025 scholarship recipients are:

• Sara Antonio, project manager, GP Flooring Solutions, New York
  Antonio was awarded $1,000 to pursue Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through eCornell.

• Rebecca Bell, marketing project manager, Louisville Tile Distributors, Kentucky
  Bell was awarded $1,000 to pursue Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the University of Louisville.

• Ananda Botello, president, Lektraflor and FlorTech, Florida
  Botello was awarded $1,000 to attend Florida Atlantic University’s Leadership Boot Camp: People Management. 

• Deidre Eues, general manager, La Mesa Flooring Co., California
  Eues was awarded $1,000 to pursue Carpet and Hard Surface certification through Certified Flooring Installers (CFI).

• Misty Foster, design technician, Shaw Industries, Georgia
  Foster was awarded $4,500 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management at Georgia Highlands College.

• Corinne Gilbert, assistant manager, Gilbert’s Carpets Plus ColorTile, Michigan
  Gilbert was awarded $645 to complete the Michigan Contractor Training’s 60-hour pre-license course.

• Julie Grajeda, head of product and sustainability, Arto, California
  Grajeda was awarded $1,000 to pursue both LEED and WELL AP certifications through the U.S. Green Building Council.

• Alexandra Hutchison, manager of academic services and design, The Carpet Guys, Michigan
  Hutchinson was awarded $1,000 to pursue the Certified Professional credential through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

• Ashley Luna, student, California
  Luna was awarded $3,680 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration at San Diego State University and hopes to return to her family flooring business post-graduation.

• April Manley, project manager, Professional Diversified Flooring, California
  Manley was awarded $1,000 to pursue the Project Management Institute certification through the University of California.

• Lu Mauldin, senior product manager, HMTX Industries, Georgia
  Lu was awarded $299 to pursue the SEAL leadership development certification through the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA).

• Anna McCortney, operations manager, Ultimate Flooring, Ohio
  McCortney was awarded $999 to pursue an interior design certificate through the Interior Design Institute.

• Kristy Panos, director of human resources, Louisville Tile Distributors, Indiana
  Panos was awarded $327 to enroll in the People Analytics course from the Society of Human Resource Management.

• Jasmina Posada, marketing manager, Shaw Industries, Georgia
  Posada was awarded $4,500 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Dalton State College.

• Laura Spicer, controller, Cincinnati Mosaic Inc., Ohio
  Spicer was awarded $4,500 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Franklin University.

• Sophia Williams, sales intern, Shaw Industries, California
  Williams was awarded $4,500 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies at San Diego State University.

Join the Friends of WIFI

Support the next generation of flooring leaders by joining the Friends of WIFI donor circle. Individuals can become members for just $15 a month, while corporate recognition levels begin at $1,500 annually. Donations help fund scholarships, create educational opportunities, and attract women to careers in the flooring industry. Learn more at womeninflooring.org/give.

About Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI)

Women In the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting, educating, and empowering women in the flooring industry. Through initiatives such as scholarships, mentoring, leadership training, and industry events, WIFI builds a strong, supportive community and creates pathways for women to thrive.

To explore programs or support WIFI’s mission, visit www.womeninflooring.org.