Joanna Buglewicz, the president and owner of Green Valley Cooling & Heating, is a passionate advocate, whether she is championing for women in the HVAC industry, leading initiatives that offer scholarships to individuals pursuing education in STEM and construction-related fields, or advocating for those in need in Southern Arizona.
Her journey with Green Valley Cooling & Heating began in 2004 as a part-time role while attending college. Now, as the president and owner of the company, Joanna advocates for workshops, training programs, and educational initiatives that promote a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued and empowered. Under her leadership, the company has seen remarkable growth, doubling its revenues and more than tripling its net profits.
Joanna's favorite aspect of her role at Green Valley Cooling & Heating is the opportunity to set a vision and strategy for the company. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing plans come to fruition and witnessing the growth and success of the organization. Working alongside her team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and support, and making a positive impact in the community are incredibly rewarding for her.
Joanna attributes the achievements at Green Valley Cooling & Heating to the outstanding team she works with and collaborates with daily. She reminds us of the importance of gratitude. Joanna has incorporated the habit of sending handwritten thank you cards into her professional life - something she learned from her grandmother, Eileen. Joanna's team has followed suit, sending thank you cards to other team members and partners.
Eileen's kindness, support, and empathy taught Joanna the importance of recognizing and appreciating others. Joanna's grandmother, a trailblazer in her own right, pursued nursing after being told she couldn't attend medical school because of her gender. She demonstrated that it's never too late to continue education and advocate for oneself.
Taking inspiration from the example her grandmother set and her own experience, Joanna's advice to young women aspiring to leadership positions is to have faith in themselves, find mentors in their field, pursue further education, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, stand up for themselves, build a strong support network, and confidently set boundaries when needed.
Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Joanna is deeply committed to her community in Southern Arizona. She has served on the board of directors for the Tucson chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Grace Hearing Center, Inc. Having earned her Executive MBA from the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management in 2021, Joanna advocates for others pursuing STEM and construction-related fields, and she has served as an Eller MBA Mentor.
Joanna believes that fostering inclusion starts with education and awareness. She advocates for workshops, training programs, and educational initiatives that promote a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued and empowered. She underscores the strategic advantages of diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership, noting that it enhances decision-making, attracts diverse talent, drives innovation, and creates supportive organizational cultures.
In the HVAC industry, Joanna has witnessed progress in gender balance, though she acknowledges there's still a long way to go. Women now make up 7% of the industry, a figure that has improved over the years. Joanna recalls that when she started, the industry wasn't always a welcoming place for women. As recently as 2015, a prominent HVAC manufacturer overlooked the inclusion of women in their award - only the male winners were presented with the prestigious jackets, as the idea of having jackets tailored for women was simply not considered at the time. Fortunately, this is changing, and representation is improving.
Joanna Buglewicz exemplifies the power of dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Her journey from a part-time role to president and owner of Green Valley Cooling & Heating is a testament to her perseverance and vision. By championing for women in the HVAC industry, advocating for educational opportunities in STEM and construction, and promoting a culture of gratitude and recognition, Joanna has not only led her company to remarkable growth but has also made a significant impact on her community.