2026’s Women in Business Honorees

Tennis legend Serena Williams once said, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” Celebrating women’s accomplishments in the RV industry is something the RV PRO team takes pride and joy in each May for our annual Women in Business section.

Susan Carpenter, president and founder of the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) and aftermarket manager at B&B Molders, has been in the RV industry for over 30 years. When asked what makes women in the RV industry special, she says, “The powerful combination of resilience, adaptability and leadership they bring to the table every day. In an industry built on relationships, women have been instrumental in driving growth, building trust and creating the kind of meaningful connections that set the RV business apart. The RV industry is unlike many others because it truly has a family feel to it — where business relationships often grow into friendships, mentorships and lasting partnerships. Women have helped shape that culture in a significant way, not only through empathy and collaboration, but also through their ability to lead, solve problems, inspire confidence and move the industry forward.”

Despite making up nearly half of the workforce in the United States, women still face greater barriers to success than their male colleagues — less support, fewer opportunities for advancement and wage gaps. According to Forbes, women earn 81 cents for every $1 men make, a pay gap that has widened since 2025’s 84 cents for every $1. A McKinsey and Co. study found that “women early in their careers are far less likely than men to be people managers.”

Susan notes that the RV industry can be challenging for women as well. “Like many industries with traditionally male-dominated spaces, women have sometimes had to work harder to prove their expertise, earn a seat at the table and have their voices heard,” she says. “Whether in leadership, sales, service or manufacturing, women have often had to navigate outdated perceptions while also balancing many professional and personal responsibilities.”

“What has been inspiring over the last five to ten years,” Susan says, “is seeing how much women have grown in visibility, influence and leadership across the industry. More women are stepping into executive roles, owning businesses, leading teams and helping shape the future of RVing in meaningful ways. They are not only succeeding, but they are also opening doors for others and creating space for the next generation to thrive. [RV PRO’s] Women in Business issue highlights this every year.”

Monika Geraci, senior director of PR and communications for the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and Go RVing, was a 2025 Women in Business honoree. She says that “the strength of the RV industry lies in its extraordinary culture of mentorship. Across the industry and within our own organization, both men and women are deeply committed to advocating for one another’s professional growth and career aspirations. This shift toward intentional investment in leadership is what makes our field so rewarding. It is inspiring to see this year’s Women in Business honorees, who exemplify how a supportive community and active mentorship create clear pathways for the next generation of leaders to thrive.”

Looking to the future, Susan hopes to see more women “recognized as leaders, innovators and experts throughout every part of the RV industry. I also hope the industry continues to invest in mentorship, inclusion and opportunities that encourage women to grow and lead confidently. When women thrive in this industry, they don’t just participate in its success — they define its future through leadership, resilience and impact.”

Due to a record number of peer nominations, RV PRO selected 20 honorees for this year’s spotlight. Please join us in celebrating these outstanding women and their impact on the RV industry.

Click here to see 2025’s Women in Business honorees.

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