Meet the Houston woman breaking into HVAC with S-5!, NWIR scholarship

by Christopher Brinckerhoff | 20 February 2025 6:00 am

Three women and two men hold a prop check worth $2,500. — Leslie Quintanilla, of Houston, center, was awarded a scholarship to attend Texas Technical Trade School and received a large check from Kim Reichert, partner development manager at S-5!, left of Quintanilla, and S-5! staff members. *Photo courtesy S-5!*

S-5![2] and National Women in Roofing (NWIR)[3] announced Leslie Quintanilla, of Houston, as the recipient of a $2500 scholarship. The funds will contribute to Quintanilla’s HVAC certification at Texas Technical Trade School.

With three years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, Quintanilla has developed an appreciation for the skilled trades. She says her desire for continued growth and professional development has inspired her to further her education in HVAC, a field she considers essential to her long-term career goals.

“While I have enjoyed the work I have done so far, I know there is much more to learn, especially in specialized fields like HVAC,” Quintanilla says. “By earning this certification, I hope to expand my knowledge and gain a better understanding of how HVAC systems interact within building designs so I can contribute to creating energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable spaces.”

The NWIR and S-5! scholarship program was created to support women seeking educational opportunities in skilled trades. S-5! and NWIR aim to provide financial assistance and mentorship to help women enter trade careers.

In addition to the funds from S-5!, Quintanilla will receive a one-year NWIR membership and personalized career mentorship to support her educational and professional aspirations.

“The scholarship is a great way for me to understand the construction industry and all its aspects, not just one scope,” Quintanilla says. “It allows me to understand HVAC, but also being part of NWIR helps me learn about roofing. All these different aspects will help me become a better general contractor in the future, which is my goal. This scholarship gives me that opportunity, and I am very grateful.”

Endnotes:

[Image]: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Texas-Technical-Trade-School-NWIR-S5-ScholarshipIMG_0452.jpg
S-5!: http://www.s-5.com/
National Women in Roofing (NWIR): https://www.nationalwomeninroofing.org/

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/daily-news/s-5-nwir-scholarship/