The Washington chapter of Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) met recently to plan upcoming initiatives and strengthen connections across our industry. The group is energized by the progress already made this year and is moving forward with several projects designed to support women at every stage of their pest management careers.
Growing Opportunities for Connection
PWIPM will continue meeting every other month, creating consistent space for women across Washington to connect, learn, and share their experiences. Members highlighted new opportunities for professional networking, including:
- The national Women in Pest Control Conference
- NPMA’s Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Forum
- NPMA’s Hive Program (peer networking groups)
- Entomological Society of America’s Pacific Branch Meeting
These touchpoints ensure women in our industry have multiple avenues for development and support.
Upcoming Projects & Initiatives
1. PWIPM at the Park – Tacoma
Our 2025 event will once again feature a suite experience. This year, proceeds will help launch a new scholarship fund supporting Washington women in the pest management industry.
2. WSPMA Awards Program
PWIPM is proud to support WSPMA’s expanded awards program, including:
- Professional Women in Pest Management of the Year
- PestVets of the Year
- Industry Impact Award
All awards will be presented at the Summer Meeting, and members are encouraged to nominate outstanding professionals.
3. Chapter Growth & Recruitment
PWIPM is exploring ways to expand participation across Washington and into neighboring regions. Recruitment materials—including postcards to share with technicians—will be printed and distributed in January. The group is also discussing opportunities for an Idaho chapter and ways to connect more women from eastern Washington.
4. Increased Visibility & Community Engagement
PWIPM is working on:
- Adding the Women in Pest Control Conference to the WSPMA website
- Sharing more stories about women in pest management through newsletters
- Highlighting events such as the Steps of Hope walk and other community-focused efforts
These initiatives help spotlight the contributions women make across our profession.
Next PWIPM Washington Meeting
Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM
Meeting details and access information will be shared with interested members in advance.
How to Get Involved
PWIPM welcomes all WSPMA members who want to support women in the industry—whether through attending meetings, contributing ideas, or helping with upcoming projects. Your voice and experience matter, and there are many ways to participate.
To learn more, join a meeting, or receive updates, please contact the WSPMA office or watch for PWIPM announcements in upcoming communications.
