In honor of Women’s History Month, GOJO and ISSA Hygieia Network celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and influential impact that women leaders have had in the cleaning industry. Named after the Greek goddess of cleaning and hygiene, ISSA Hygieia Network provides education, mentoring, networking, and support programs to help women succeed in the workplace.
Inspirational women in the cleaning industry:
Goldie Lippman
Goldie Lippman co-founded GOJO in 1946 with her husband, Jerry Lippman. Their goal was to create a hand cleaner that was both effective against different soils and safe to use on skin. Using her financial savviness and business skills, Goldie managed the company’s books, procured raw materials, figured out a pricing strategy, and developed a business model. Her efforts and passion for innovation pushed GOJO forward toward success. Today, GOJO continues Goldie’s legacy through the Goldie Lippman Team Member Relief Fund, which helps GOJO Team Members who are facing financial hardship immediately after a natural disaster or an unforeseen personal hardship.
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick is the third generation of family leadership at GOJO, where she has served as the Executive Chair since 2018 and Vice Chair from 2007-2018. Previously, Marcella worked in several areas of GOJO, including production, R&D, market research, and market development, including helping lead the launch of PURELL® Hand Sanitizer in the consumer market. Her leadership helped the company become certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) in 2020.
“Women play an important role in our continued growth and success,” said Kanfer Rolnick. “Today, in the spirit of our co-founder Goldie Lippman, we encourage women to continue to innovate, share ideas and inspirations, and lead.”
Carey Jaros
Carey Jaros started working at GOJO in 2014, first as a board member, then held executive roles as Chief Strategy Officer – where she oversaw Marketing, Product Management and Innovation – and as Chief Operating Officer, before becoming President and CEO in January 2020, right before a global pandemic shown a spotlight on GOJO and the cleaning industry at large. Her leadership has influenced the next chapter of GOJO’s journey. In addition to her day-to-day work leading the GOJO business, Carey serves on ISSA Hygieia Network’s Executive Advisory Board to help other women in the cleaning industry reach their full potential.
“Mentorship of women is an essential – and deeply rewarding – element of being a leader,” said Jaros.
Meredith Reuben
Meredith Reuben, former CEO of EBP Solutions – a Division of Imperial Dade, believes that women can accomplish anything with natural curiosity, undeterred perseverance, and focus. After obtaining her J.D. Law degree from Boston University, Meredith began her career as an industry leader. She has served as a past ISSA Hygieia Network Council Chair and is dedicated to helping other women grow into industry leaders.
“The most significant barrier to female leadership is stereotypical subconscious bias about gender roles,” said Reuben. “However, I believe that with natural curiosity, undeterred perseverance, and focus, women can accomplish anything.”
Linda Silverman
As President of Maintex, Linda Silverman empowers women in the cleaning industry to thrive and succeed. In addition to her job, Linda devotes her free time to volunteering. In 2001, Linda Silverman was named the youngest and second female president in ISSA history. In addition to being a past President of ISSA, Silverman has served on the ISSA Standards Committee, ISSA Foundation, ISSA Hygieia Network’s Council, and ISSA Hygieia Network Mentoring Program.
“At Maintex, we believe it is important to recognize International Women's Day not just in March, but every month of the year,” said Silverman. “We can do this by empowering and uplifting the women in our organization and in the cleaning industry as a whole. I believe in the importance of creating opportunities for women to thrive and succeed. We have a critical role to play in shaping the future of our industry, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized.”
Lydia Work
Lydia Work founded American Paper Converting Inc. in 1997 to offer high-value green products from a minority, female-owned company. As company President, Lydia has been recognized with multiple awards for her valuable service to the community over the years. In addition to being one of ISSA Hygieia Network’s founding members, she has served as an ISSA Hygieia Network Council member and past ISSA President.
“Being able to develop growth for our customers, our business, and equal opportunities for our employees is very gratifying,” said Work. “Don’t think about being a woman in business, think about being a leader in business. I have promoted females because of their talent and capabilities. It is gratifying to follow their accomplishments when given the opportunity, and I take pride in their successes."
Connect, Grow, Inspire
This year marks ISSA’s 100th anniversary of making the world a cleaner, healthier, and better place to live. To join the ISSA Hygieia Network, visit www.hygieianetwork.org/join-hygieia.