2026 Honorees

Recognizing the female leaders, innovators, and changemakers driving the professional cleaning industry forward.

Pascale Amon

Janitorial - General Manager

SFM Services

It is with great pride and without reservation that we submit this nomination on behalf of Pascale Amon, an exceptional operations professional whose…

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Nakita Aultman

General Manager at Xavier University

Sodexo

Nakita Aultman stands out because she has brought something to Xavier University that is difficult to measure but easy to recognize: trust, stability…

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Rebecca Barcellos

VP of Client Success

Everclean Facility Services

Leadership: Rebecca leads by example. In less than two years at Everclean, she went from Operations Manager to Director of Operations to Vice…

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Lisa Barry

Sales Vice President, Public Sector

Clorox Purell ProCare

Lisa's impact extends far beyond business results. Through her leadership of the Set Aside Program, she has transformed a single partnership into a…

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Ana Blanco

Chief Executive Officer

PSM Facility Solutions

Ana is active in business and civic organizations, advocates for workforce opportunities, and engages with her community. She has sponsored Ronald McDonald's Charities…

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Sharon Boyd

Supervisor Custodial Services

Newport News Public Schools

As Supervisor of Custodial Services, I lead 250 employees with integrity, communication, and accountability. I mentor supervisors, promote collaboration, and have developed a…

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Paula Broutman

President

Performance Plus

Paula strongly believes in a "practice what you preach" style of leadership. Leading a company requires making difficult decisions, and she emphasizes making…

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Ava Burns

Jani-King Franchise Owner

Biz Kleen, LLC

For 32 years, Ava Burns has built a Jani-King franchise defined by perseverance, professionalism, and lasting relationships. Her client portfolio includes some of…

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Michelle Burton

EVS Supervisor

UNC Health/ Sodexo

Michelle Burton is an exceptional EVS Supervisor who leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose. She builds strong teams through collaboration, accountability, and respect…

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Kimberly Carlucci

Senior Sales Representative

BradyPLUS an affiliate of Imperial Brady

Kimberly Carlucci is a sales professional with experience supporting clients in identifying solutions tailored to their facilities. She works with customers to address…

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Karen Charles

Custodian

Southern Regional School District

Karen Charles proves that great custodial work is found in the details. Whether she is on her hands and knees scrubbing stubborn grout…

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Margaret Chebat

Vice President of Franchise Engagement

PuroClean

Margaret Chebat is a people-first, results-oriented leader who strengthens relationships, creates alignment, and helps others succeed. As VP of Franchise Engagement, she connects…

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Damaris Coles

Co-Owner

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning of San Antonio-Helotes

Damaris combines nearly three decades of executive leadership with a passion for serving businesses, strengthening communities, and empowering women. Prior to becoming a…

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Carolyn Cooke

Vice President of U.S. Distribution, Building Service Contractors (BSC), and Education/Government

Diversey, a Solenis Company

Carolyn Cooke exemplifies the very best of leadership in the commercial cleaning industry. What sets Carolyn apart is her unwavering commitment to understanding…

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Andreia deSouza

Supervisor

Northern Star Commercial Cleaning

Andreia shines through her strong leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the development of those around her. She leads by example with an excellent…

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Heather East

Director of Business Development

GRBS (Grand Rapids Building Services)

Heather demonstrates exceptional integrity and a genuine commitment to customer service that is evident in the way she serves both her customers and…

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Maria Ferrasci

Custodial Supervisor

College of the Siskiyous

Maria's leadership style centers on hands-on support, clear instruction, and accountability. She leads by example—pitching in to buff floors or empty heavy trash…

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Jackie Frainetti

Regional Manager

Dustbane Products LTD

With two years in the professional cleaning industry, I have embraced every opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute. As a Regional Sales Manager…

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Kathleen Gore

Custodial and Security Services Manager

Concordia University of Edmonton

I believe that through team collaboration, mentorship, and true connections, we can achieve growth both professionally and personally. Through engagement, teams get to…

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Lashawna Green

Housekeeping Manager

Walton Arts Center

As a Housekeeping Manager, I bring over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, beginning with my father's commercial cleaning business and…

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Elizabeth Hammond

President/CEO

Contract Direct, LLC

Elizabeth demonstrates leadership through her active stewardship of Contract Direct, LLC, an approximately $50 million commercial cleaning and facility-services company. As Contract Direct's…

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Anita Hardy

President and Regional Owner

Hardy & Associates, Inc dba Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Washington

Leadership: Anita Hardy has built and led Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Washington for 22 years, growing it from a startup in 2004 into…

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Yolanda Harris

President

Janico Building Services

Yolanda co-founded Janico with limited resources and built her leadership through determination, education, and hands-on experience. A visionary leader, she pioneered employee benefits…

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Lavone Jones

Manager

Sandia National Laboratories

Lavone sets clear expectations and is very open and honest with the custodial staff. She holds them accountable and tells them what they…

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Louise Linsky

Member

SMG Corporate Services, LLC

Louise's grandfather started this business in 1924 (ISSA is only one year older). We are now in our fourth generation of the same…

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Yarlenys Lopez

Operations Business Manager

Total Cleaning

During her five years with Total Cleaning, Yarlenys Lopez has grown into an exceptional Operations Business Manager. She leads with accountability, compassion, and…

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Gretchen Maniates

Customer Service Manager

PortionPac Chemical

Gretchen is always a team player. She is one of the hardest-working people I know and is always dependable. When something crosses her…

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Callie Manwarren

Operations Manager

White Glove Janitorial and Building Services, Inc.

We are pleased to recommend Callie for recognition based on her outstanding contributions in leadership, technology and innovation, teamwork, and professional development. Leadership…

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Franca Marino

Office Manager

M2 Professional Cleaning Products Ltd.

Franca is the backbone of our organization, leading customer service, accounting, manufacturing, purchasing, and logistics with integrity and exceptional communication. With 30+ years…

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Crystal Marx

Owner

Kleen Aid Cleaning Services

Crystal embodies the volunteer/community spirit through her involvement as a volunteer firefighter and medical staff member for the local high school marching band…

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Sandra Morency

Lead Custodian

Valley Collaborative

Sandra Morency, Lead Custodian at Valley Collaborative, exemplifies the leadership, integrity, communication, mentorship, and collaboration that define an exceptional professional in the cleaning…

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Dori Mullins

Managing Director

CM Simple Janitorial LLC

As the Founder and Managing Director of Operations of CM Simple Janitorial, LLC, Alesha demonstrates leadership rooted in integrity, a commitment to teamwork…

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Donna Ouellette

Director of Business Development

Triple S

Donna's connection to the cleaning industry began long before it became her career. At just 14 years old, Donna was already working alongside…

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Omrana Pasha-Razzak

Medical Professor

CUNY School of Medicine

Dr. Pasha-Razzak is an internist and an epidemiologist with over 20 years of experience as an academic physician, focusing on the health of…

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Amber Pineda

Director

SuperGlow Cleaning Co.

Amber has grown into a strong leader and is someone our team can rely on. She handles scheduling, last-minute coverage, training, quality control…

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Danielle Salcedo

Custodial Maintenance and Repair Technician 2

Kansas State University

In less than a year at Kansas State University, Danielle has made a remarkable impact on the daily operations of custodial services. Her…

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Christina Schalansky

Supervisor

Department of Veterans Affairs

Leadership: Christina's leadership consistently demonstrates a blend of integrity, clear communication, collaborative teamwork, and a commitment to continuous development. These strengths collectively have…

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Sara Schrempp

Customer Experience Delivery Manager

Nilfisk

I've had the chance to work alongside a lot of talented people, and Sara stands out. The first thing you notice about Sara…

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Marie Sharma

Custodial Lead

Jesuit High School

Marie has been on this campus for almost 25 years, seeing it grow and assisting with meeting custodial needs. She consistently pulls from…

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Georgie Shockey

Principal and Co-Founder

Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc.

Georgie Shockey shines in leadership, innovation, teamwork, and professional development. As Principal and Co-Founder of Ruck-Shockey Associates, she has spent decades helping healthcare…

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Vivi Tsarouhas

Facility Manager

Queensborough Community College

I demonstrate leadership by bringing together employees, supervisors, departments, contractors, and senior leadership to accomplish common goals. I focus on developing staff through…

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Judith Velaquez

Owner

Judiths Cleaning SVC

Leadership: I lead with integrity, clear communication, and high standards, building trust with clients and my team. Teamwork: I support my team through…

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Diana Wilson

VP Of Business Development

Supreme Maintenance Organization (SMO)

Diana Wilson exemplifies leadership, integrity, sustainability, and a commitment to lifelong development. Diana joined Supreme Maintenance Organization in 1996 as an Administrative Assistant…

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Carey M. Winkel

President

Winkel and Associates, LLC dba Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Greater Detroit

Leadership: Carey has led in three industries for over 40+ years. She started in automotive, where Automotive News named her one of the…

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Michele Wood

Director of Sales

Sofidel

Michele shines through her leadership, innovation, sustainability, and teamwork. She builds trusted relationships with customers and partners while helping bring innovative hygiene solutions…

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Cathy Zimmerman

Area Manager/Director of Safety and Compliance

Office Pride

Cathy exemplifies the very best of Office Pride. Her exceptional work ethic, leadership, training skills, and willingness to always help others make her…

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