Meet Amy Roosa

 

We recently connected with Amy Roosa and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

For much of my early career, I often found myself as the only woman in the room—whether it was a meeting, training session, or conference. From the very beginning, I committed to ensuring my gender was never seen as a limitation or a reason to undervalue my contributions. I made it a point to speak up, create space for myself, and align with allies who supported my voice and perspective.

However, I came to realize that not everyone has the confidence or opportunity to do the same. This understanding fueled my passion to create spaces where women could feel seen, heard, and valued. In 2018, I co-founded the Midwest Women in Safety Conference to address this very need. The conference provides a platform for women in safety to connect, share experiences, and grow professionally in an environment that celebrates their contributions. From that first conference, grew the conversation on women’s personal protective equipment (PPE) equity gaps in industries like manufacturing and construction, and I realized i was in a position to use my voice to help bring awareness to the issue and help make some change for women’s safety in the workplace.

By advocating for myself and helping to build opportunities for others, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about being effective in the moment—it’s about paving the way for those who come after you.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the founder of The Safety Rack, an organization soon to launch as a nonprofit, dedicated to closing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) equity gap for women across industries through education, research, and advocacy. This mission is deeply personal to me. I’ve experienced firsthand the risks of wearing ill-fitting PPE and witnessed the frustration many women face in finding gear that truly keeps them safe.

Addressing this equity gap has become my passion—to ensure that women in every industry have access to PPE that is not only functional but also safe and inclusive.

What excites me most about The Safety Rack is the opportunity to drive meaningful change at the intersection of safety, equity, and innovation. One of our key initiatives, the PPE Equity Survey & Report, highlights the real-world experiences of women in the workforce and serves as a powerful tool to advocate for better solutions. By bringing these conversations to the forefront, we aim to create a safer, more equitable future for women across all fields.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding The Safety Rack’s reach and impact. We’re building and growing our partnerships program, and preparing to launch a redesigned website with new resources for women, employers, distributors and manufactures

For me, this work is about more than PPE—it’s about keeping women safe, confident, and capable in their work environments. Whether it’s in safety, construction, or any industry, I believe that when women are equipped with the right tools, they can thrive.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My success certainly wasn’t built overnight—it took resilience, effective communication, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve. Resilience helped me push through challenges and prove my value in spaces where I was often the only woman. Strong communication allowed me to advocate for myself and connect with others who share my vision. And staying curious has kept me adaptable and open to growth. For anyone starting out, focus on embracing challenges, speaking up for what matters, and never stop learning. Those three things can take you further than you might imagine.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, **The Safety Rack** is always looking to collaborate with individuals and organizations in the industry who are committed to closing the PPE equity gap and making workplaces safer for everyone. We’re especially interested in partnering with manufacturers, distributors, employers, and advocates who share our passion for ensuring that women’s safety gear is not only functional but inclusive and accessible. If you’re looking to make a positive impact and drive change in this space, I would love to connect and explore how we can work together. Please reach out through our website or contact me directly via email to start a conversation.

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Amy Roosa Credit for imagine

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