--- title: Empowering Women to Lead in Distribution description: In a male dominated industry such as ours, it’s especially important to give women opportunities to discover their ambitions and hone their skills to lead.  image: https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/1.%20NetPlus%20Alliance/Blogs/IMG_0846.jpeg --- [![NetPlus](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/NetPlus%20Logo-01.svg "NetPlus")](https://www.netplusalliance.com/) [ JOIN TODAY ](https://www.netplusalliance.com/join/) # Empowering Women to Lead in Distribution September 19, 2025 by [NetPlus Alliance](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/author/netplusalliance) ![](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/1.%20NetPlus%20Alliance/Blogs/IMG_0846.jpeg) With an ever-growing workforce, NetPlus finds it critical to empower all generations of leaders who will continue to drive the industrial and construction industry forward. In a male dominated industry such as ours, it’s especially important to give women the opportunity to discover their ambitions and hone their skills to lead.  This year, NetPlus President & CEO Jennifer Murphy was invited to speak on two panels highlighting fully empowered women who are leading with purpose in our industry today.    ### Catalyze 2025 In the spring, Jennifer spoke at [Enable](https://www.enable.com/)’s annual conference, [Catalyze](https://www.enable.com/blog/key-highlights-from-catalyze-2025), alongside Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President & CEO of First Supply LLC in Milwaukee, WI. They offered their insights in a panel discussion titled, “Trailblazing Leadership: How Visionary CEOs are Reshaping Distribution” led by our 2024 Annual Meeting keynote speaker [Dirk Beveridge](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkbeveridge/). As the fifth-generation stewards of their respective family businesses, the panelists questioned outdated leadership models and challenged their peers to lead with a people-first approach. Centering relationships, they reasoned, allows businesses to thrive in ways that inspire real purpose in their teams. Empowering women to build those business relationships and make connections is critical for their continued and growing success. “When you are a woman in this industry, you do need a network of other people to help you,” Jennifer said on the panel, referring to the Women in the Industry Reception at the NetPlus Annual Meeting. “There are a lot of women who travel by themselves. We wanted them to be able to walk into this smaller reception with other women, meet people, then go into a larger reception and find someone they know.”    ### Women@Bosch Over the summer, Jennifer visited the Mount Prospect, IL, chapter of the global [women@Bosch](https://www.bosch.com/careers/remarkable-women/) resource group for their first ever panel event. This group strives to engage, educate, and empower women professionals and those that support them across the [Robert Bosch Tool Company](https://www.bosch.us/) and within their local communities. This women@Bosch invited five leaders in the construction industry — including NetPlus member Nina Labby, Merchandise Manager and NetPlus liaison at L&W Supply in Neenah, WI, and partner Linda Strasser, Vice President of Pro Sales at Bosch — to share their experiences. “Half the battle is just knowing someone else is going through the same thing that you are,” Jennifer said at the event. “For myself, for so many of the women I know, and for the people across my team, everyone has very high expectations for themselves. There was never really any choice between being a really excellent mother and growing my business. I had to do both at the same time, and I had to do them both really well.” That’s something she said she sees in her team and in other women in the industry, as well. Together the panel discussed challenges they face, stories of resilience and breakthroughs, strategies to overcome gender bias and stereotypes, and ways to encourage other women to pursue careers in predominantly male industries.    ### Women in the Industry Reception The NetPlus team looks forward to the Women in the Industry Reception at the Annual Meeting every year. This time together, sponsored by [Protective Industrial Products](https://us.pipglobal.com/en/), offers the opportunity to foster a robust professional network of women in our industry and cultivate lasting friendships. Each year, NetPlus makes a charitable gift in honor of the Women in the Industry Reception. This year’s gift will be made in memory of our friend and colleague Michelle Hampton, formerly Vice President of Administration and Operations at Beaver Industrial Supply in St. Louis, MO. Michelle’s life was tragically taken last autumn as the result of an armed robbery. She is deeply missed. Our gift will be directed to an organization she cared deeply for, the [Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition](https://www.foster-adopt.org/) of Greater St. Louis.     Topics: [NetPlus Alliance Annual Meeting](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/topic/netplus-alliance-annual-meeting), [Build Channel Partnership](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/topic/build-channel-partnership), [Women in the Industry](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/topic/women-in-the-industry) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Blog (78)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/blog) - [Industrial Supplies Buying Group (25)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-supplies-buying-group) - [Industrial Buying Group (20)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-buying-group) - [Tips for Distributors (18)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-distributors) - [Industrial Distributor (14)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributor) - [Uncategorized (14)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/uncategorized) - [Contractor Supplies Buying Group (13)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/contractor-supplies-buying-group) - [Group Updates (10)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/group-updates) - [NetPlus Alliance Industry Outlook (10)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-industry-outlook) - [Distributor Tips (9)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-tips) - [Tips for Growth (9)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-growth) - [Tips for Business Owners (8)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-business-owners) - [Benefits of a Buying Group (7)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/benefits-of-a-buying-group) - [NetPlus News (7)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-news) - [Employee Training (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-training) - [Manufacturer Buying Group (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/manufacturer-buying-group) - [Supplier News (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supplier-news) - [Distributor News (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-news) - [Hiring Tactics For Industrial Distributors (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hiring-tactics-for-industrial-distributors) - [Industrial Suppliers Distributor (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-suppliers-distributor) - [NetPlus Alliance Case Study (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-case-study) - [Artificial Intelligence (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [Build Channel Partnership (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/build-channel-partnership) - [COVID19 (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/covid19) - [Distributor Member Q&A (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-member-qa) - [Employee Morale (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-morale) - [Hand Tools (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hand-tools) - [NetPlus Alliance Supplier (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-supplier) - [NetPlus Distributors (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-distributors) - [Product Training (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-training) - [Supplier Relationships (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supplier-relationships) - [BlueVolt Training (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/bluevolt-training) - [Business Service Provider (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-service-provider) - [Business Tips (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-tips) - [Buying Group (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/buying-group) - [Distributor Insight (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-insight) - [Growth Plus Plan (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/growth-plus-plan) - [How to Navigate Change (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/how-to-navigate-change) - [Knipex Tools (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/knipex-tools) - [NetPlus Alliance (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance) - [NetPlus Alliance Annual Meeting (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-annual-meeting) - [News (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/news) - [Online Training (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/online-training) - [Safety Supplier (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-supplier) - [Supply Chain Management (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-management) - [AI (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai) - [AI Strategy (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai-strategy) - [AI for Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai-for-distributors) - [Avery Industrial (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/avery-industrial) - [Bible (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/bible) - [Dan Judge (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/dan-judge) - [Distribution Business (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distribution-business) - [ERP Software (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/erp-software) - [Group News (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/group-news) - [Growth Plus (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/growth-plus) - [Hiring Tips (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hiring-tips) - [Industrial Distribution Trends (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distribution-trends) - [Industrial Suppliers (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-suppliers) - [Marketing Ideas For Industrial Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/marketing-ideas-for-industrial-distributors) - [Marketing Tips (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/marketing-tips) - [NetPlus Academy powered by BlueVolt (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-academy-powered-by-bluevolt) - [NetPlus Alliance Update (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-update) - [NetPlus Supplier (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-supplier) - [Rebate Distribution (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/rebate-distribution) - [Safety Equipment (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-equipment) - [Safety Signs (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-signs) - [Supply Chain Strategy (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-strategy) - [Workplace Safety (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/workplace-safety) - [eCommerce Solutions for Industrial Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ecommerce-solutions-for-industrial-distributors) - [2015 (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/2015-group-updates) - [ANSI Safety Sign Standards (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ansi-safety-sign-standards) - [Adaptability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/adaptability) - [ArcOne (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/arcone) - [Asset Management (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/asset-management) - [Asset Tracking (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/asset-tracking) - [Avery (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/avery) - [Business Asset Tracking Benefits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-asset-tracking-benefits) - [Cable Pulling Accessories (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cable-pulling-accessories) - [Cable Pulling Solutions (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cable-pulling-solutions) - [ChatGPT (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/chatgpt) - [Cloud Technology (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cloud-technology) - [Cloud-Based ERP Systems (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cloud-based-erp-systems) - [Coronavirus (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/coronavirus) - [Custom Safety Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/custom-safety-kits) - [Disinfecting Wipe Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/disinfecting-wipe-kits) - [Distribution Partners (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distribution-partners) - [Distributor Inventory Strategy (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-inventory-strategy) - [Distributor Profitability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-profitability) - [Distributor sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-sales-training) - [Employee Safety (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-safety) - [Hand Sanitizer (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hand-sanitizer) - [Hoists (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hoists) - [Holiday Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/holiday-tips) - [How to Implement Training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/how-to-implement-training) - [ISA (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/isa) - [Industrial Distributors (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributors) - [Industrial Software (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-software) - [Industrial Supply Association (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-supply-association) - [Industrial Vending (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-vending) - [Industrial buying groups (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-buying-groups) - [Innovative Cable Pullers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/innovative-cable-pullers) - [Integrated Supply Software (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/integrated-supply-software) - [Inventory Control Solutions (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/inventory-control-solutions) - [Inventory Stratification (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/inventory-stratification) - [John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/john-j-buckley-lifetime-achievement-award) - [Knipex Innovations (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/knipex-innovations) - [MRO Material Management (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/mro-material-management) - [Midland Tool (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/midland-tool) - [NPS Spill Control (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/nps-spill-control) - [NSC National Safety Congress & Expo (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/nsc-national-safety-congress-expo) - [NetPlus (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus) - [NetPlus Alliance Award Winners (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-award-winners) - [NetPlus Alliance Group Purchases Growth (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-group-purchases-growth) - [NetPlus Alliance Growth (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-growth) - [NetPlus Alliance Success Story (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-success-story) - [NetPlus History (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-history) - [NetPlus Member News (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-member-news) - [NetPlus Partnerships (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-partnerships) - [NetPlus Perks (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-perks) - [Northern Safety & Industrial (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/northern-safety-industrial) - [ORS Nasco (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ors-nasco) - [OSHA Safety Sign Standards (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/osha-safety-sign-standards) - [OSHA Violations (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/osha-violations) - [Personal Protection Equipment (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/personal-protection-equipment) - [Product Data Best Practices (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-data-best-practices) - [Product Expansion (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-expansion) - [Professional Pliers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/professional-pliers) - [Profitability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/profitability) - [ROI of sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/roi-of-sales-training) - [Safety (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety) - [Safety Cabinets (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-cabinets) - [Safety Helmet (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-helmet) - [Safety Lockers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-lockers) - [Safety Lockout Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-lockout-kits) - [Safety Prodcuts (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-prodcuts) - [Safety Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-tips) - [Social Media (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/social-media) - [Southwire (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/southwire) - [Spilfyter Wipe Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/spilfyter-wipe-kits) - [Spill Control (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/spill-control) - [Successful 2021 (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/successful-2021) - [Supply Chain Disruption (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-disruption) - [Supply Chain Partnerships (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-partnerships) - [Tips for Sales Reps (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-sales-reps) - [Tips for Suppliers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-suppliers) - [Tool Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tool-tips) - [Trade show (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/trade-show) - [Training ROI (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/training-roi) - [Trust Teamwork (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/trust-teamwork) - [Vendor Managed Inventory (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/vendor-managed-inventory) - [Walter Surface Technologies (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/walter-surface-technologies) - [Ways to Elevate Your Distribution Business (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ways-to-elevate-your-distribution-business) - [Website Lead Gen Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/website-lead-gen-tips) - [Website Lead Generation Checkup (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/website-lead-generation-checkup) - [Welding Hand Tools (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/welding-hand-tools) - [What is a buying group (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/what-is-a-buying-group) - [Wholesale Supplier (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/wholesale-supplier) - [Why Training Matters (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/why-training-matters) - [Why it’s Important to Make Time for Training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/why-its-important-to-make-time-for-training) - [Women in the Industry (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/women-in-the-industry) - [Wright Tool (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/wright-tool) - [b2b sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/b2b-sales-training) - [cleaning protocols (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cleaning-protocols) - [distributor training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-training) - [eCommerce platforms for industrial distributors (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ecommerce-platforms-for-industrial-distributors) - [industrial distributor buying groups (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributor-buying-groups) - [industry buying group (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industry-buying-group) - [online sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/online-sales-training) - [sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/sales-training) [see all](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/empowering-women-to-lead-in-distribution#) [![access the netplus alliance industry outlook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6063595/0607c6a0-6ced-42a0-8aee-fbc21ce10333.png) ](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6063595/0607c6a0-6ced-42a0-8aee-fbc21ce10333) --- PREVIOUS STORY [Technology in Modern Distribution](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/technology-in-modern-distribution) [**](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/) NEXT STORY [Empowering Excellence with GCS Supply](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/empowering-excellence-with-gcs-supply) ## Recent Posts [![Prepare for the Annual Meeting with tips from NetPlus member GCS Supply.](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/1.%20NetPlus%20Alliance/Blogs/NPA-1641.jpg) ](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/empowering-excellence-with-gcs-supply) NetPlus Alliance Annual Meeting | Distributor Member Q&A | Tips for Growth | Benefits of a Buying Group ## [Empowering Excellence with GCS Supply](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/empowering-excellence-with-gcs-supply) September 22, 2025 | 3 minute read [Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/empowering-excellence-with-gcs-supply) [![Read the NetPlus Industry Outlook report for Q3 2025](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/1.%20NetPlus%20Alliance/Industry%20Outlook/Industry%20Outlook-1080x1080.jpg) ](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/netplus-alliance-industry-outlook-improved-strategies-us-made-products-drive-growth) NetPlus News | NetPlus Alliance Industry Outlook ## [NetPlus Alliance Industry Outlook: Improved Strategies, US-Made Products Drive Growth](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/netplus-alliance-industry-outlook-improved-strategies-us-made-products-drive-growth) September 25, 2025 | 1 minute read [Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/netplus-alliance-industry-outlook-improved-strategies-us-made-products-drive-growth) Blog ## [Helping Industrial Distributors Harness the Power of Information](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/the-power-of-information) September 2, 2015 | 2 minute read [Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/the-power-of-information) ### Don't Miss Out on the Latest Articles, Subscribe Today! [![footer-logo](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/footer-logo.png "footer-logo")](https://www.netplusalliance.com/) 57 Canal Street Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 438-2014 [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/netplus-alliance/) [** ](https://www.facebook.com/NetPlusAlliance) [** ](https://twitter.com/netplusalliance?lang=en) [** ](https://www.instagram.com/netplusalliance/?hl=en) [ Join Today ](https://offer.netplusalliance.com/consultation) [ Member Login ](https://portal.netplusalliance.com/?username=&password=&submit=Login) Copyright 2026 | NetPlus Alliance