The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) has announced the finalists for its prestigious annual awards, pulling from a pool of 50-plus applications. The winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 15, during the RV Women’s Alliance Education Symposium.
Newmar Corporation remarked on social media that “events like these remind us of the power of community and the importance of supporting women as they continue to lead, learn, and thrive in our industry.”
About the Awards: Champion of Women (Individual & Company)
The RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Awards recognize those who embody RVWA’s mission to elevate, educate and promote women in the RV industry. Recognizing those making the biggest difference toward this mission, the award is given annually to both a company and individual who have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive.
Meet the Individual Finalists:
Laurie Hirsch | Former HR Manager at Campers Inn RV
Hirsch has spent the past 11 years building careers for women at Campers Inn RV and never once needed the credit for it. Her department has been predominantly women for the entire time she’s led it, and she grew them deliberately rather than incidentally. The clearest example is the reorganization she led of the Campers Inn human resources function, where she takes generalists and develops them into HR business partners. That is not a title change — it actively moves women out of processing transactions and into advising the business, which is the difference between having a job in this field and having a career in it. Her reach extends well past her own team: she is a resource for women across a company that now runs more than fifty locations and is the person that women in the field call when they need someone who will tell them the truth and then help them fix it. What sets Hirsch apart is that she measures herself by other people’s outcomes, and she builds things designed to outlast her. She has always made sure the people around her succeed, indifferent to whether it advances her — as showcased by her tenure on the RVWA board — because she wants women empowered across this industry not just inside her own company.
Kori Miller | Sr. Materials Manager at Jayco
Over the past 30 years at the same company, Miller has worked to push herself and others outside their comfort zone to create a culture where everyone is able to thrive regardless of skill level. She spends every day consciously advocating for, supporting and challenging those around her — especially women — to be all they can be, even if they don’t know what that is themselves. In a world full of competition between women, she refuses to be someone who contributes to that — actively looking for areas wherein women will be able to thrive and helping them navigate the path to getting there. She still looks after those she’s cultivated as they step into new roles away from her direct leadership — answering every single question and helping them understand the why behind it. She is not only an asset to the company of Jayco, but she is an asset to women everywhere as an RVWA board member shaping the future of the industry. Miller willingly stands back and allows those who need to be seen their time to shine — showcasing what it means to be a true champion of women.
Jessica Rider | CEO of Pull Through Sites Mobile RV
Rider has made a significant and lasting impact on women in the RV industry through her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to hands-on technical education. As an RVTI Master Certified Technician, she brings an exceptional level of knowledge and credibility to every woman she trains. She gives her time, talent and expertise freely, asking for nothing in return, because she believes in empowering women with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. The women who attend her classes leave not only with technical knowledge, but also with a stronger belief in themselves and their place in this industry. Her role on the RVWA board of directors and her leadership of the Women’s RV Systems Tech Class Task Force demonstrate her commitment to creating more opportunities for women to enter, grow and succeed in the technical side of the RV industry. Beyond the classroom, Rider continues to expand her influence as the owner of her own mobile RV tech company and through her new television show, where she educates others on diagnosing and repairing RV technical problems. By being visible, knowledgeable and generous with her expertise, Rider is helping break stereotypes and open doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. She is a true role model and champion for women in the RV industry.
Meet the Company Finalists:
Lippert Components
Lippert stands out as a Champion of Women because its commitment has the ability to create meaningful impact at scale. Lippert’s commitment to championing women is not defined by a single program or moment — it is reflected in decades of creating opportunities for women to lead, grow and advance in an industry that has historically been male dominated. From naming its first female division general manager in 2004 to now having a woman leading as chairman of the board of directors, women at Lippert have broken barriers and demonstrated that leadership opportunities can extend across traditionally male-dominated areas of the business. Their success also creates visibility for the women coming behind them, showing that there are meaningful paths to advancement within both Lippert and the RV industry. That progress is reinforced by an intentional culture that values development, recognition, connection and allyship — as evidenced by the development of the Lippert Women’s Network and ample involvement within RVWA. By using its reach and influence to help women succeed, Lippert is contributing to a stronger future for the organization and the RV industry as a whole.
Grand Design RV
Grand Design RV has made a meaningful and measurable impact on women within both the organization and the broader RV industry by intentionally creating opportunities for growth, leadership development and professional advancement. Through the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN), Grand Design has built a strong framework that supports women at every career stage through mentoring, networking, leadership development, and industry engagement. Programs like the Women in Leadership Panel and the Ready, Hitch, Go, Camp! workshops empower women with both professional and practical skills. The company’s impact also extends beyond Grand Design’s walls as team members actively participate in RVWA with four employees serving on task forces, three in leadership roles, and one serving on the RVWA board of directors. Up to 20 team members regularly participate in RVWA networking and educational events, helping strengthen connections and elevate women’s voices throughout the industry.
THOR Industries
As one of the world’s largest RV manufacturers, THOR Industries has the ability to influence not only its own workforce, but the future of the RV industry, a responsibility it does not take lightly. THOR has created a workplace where women have the opportunity to build long-term careers, grow into leadership roles and make meaningful contributions across the business. THOR believes investing in people is one of the best ways to strengthen both the company and the RV industry, thus employees are encouraged to continue growing through tuition reimbursement, leadership development programs, professional certifications, executive coaching, mentorship programs, industry conferences, cross-functional projects and a wide range of technical and leadership training. Across the THOR family of companies, more than 200 women have completed a two-day Front-Line Leadership program over the past two years, helping prepare the next generation of leaders. Alongside ample involvement with RVWA, THOR supports organizations such as Girl Scouts of the USA and the Together Outdoors Coalition, helping inspire future generations of women to explore the outdoors and discover careers connected to the RV industry. Supporting women isn’t limited to its offices — it’s part of how the company invests in the collective future of our industry.
“Join us in celebrating these amazing women and companies creating space for women to thrive in the RV industry!” RVWA said.
