By Jackie Rosselli
For decades, the uniform, workwear, and image apparel industry mirrored the industries it served—male-dominated, traditional, and slow to change. Today, women are not just present—they’re leading. They’re driving design, operations, ownership, and strategy for the companies shaping how America’s essential workers show up every day.
Nowhere is that shift more visible than at the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), where, for the first time in its 90-year history, a woman chairs the Board of Directors. Lisa Stewart, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Quality at Superior Group of Companies, now leads the board—marking a milestone that speaks volumes about the direction of the industry.
“I’m honored to be the first woman in this position, but I know I won’t be the last,” says Stewart. “Women bring a collaborative and empathetic style of leadership that’s helping this industry evolve—and it’s long overdue.”
This transformation isn’t symbolic. It’s visible in boardrooms, design studios, and operational centers where women are driving real business growth.
Design and Product Visionaries Shaping What We Wear
Uniforms have come a long way from stiff, utilitarian garments. Today, they’re designed to reflect brand identity, prioritize comfort, and perform under pressure. Women leading design and product development are driving that shift.
At Design Collective by Cintas, Caroline Bartek oversees the creative direction of major national uniform programs. Her team has designed for brands like Southwest Airlines and Dish Network, balancing fashion with function. Bartek credits a culture of collaboration and strong female leadership for helping her thrive.
“Cintas fosters that environment, especially through initiatives like our WAVE program—Women Adding Value Everywhere. It’s not just talk,” Bartek says. “I’ve been surrounded by women who push me to be better every day.”
Designers like Luly Yang have further blurred the lines between fashion and uniforms. Her Seattle-based design group is known for custom uniform programs that elevate brand presence while maintaining practicality. Internationally, Lara Mazzoni leads Bodi.Me, a UK-based tech company reshaping the fit and sizing experience in uniform production. By integrating digital body measurement technology, Bodi.Me helps companies reduce waste, improve comfort, and deliver better-fitting garments.
At Superior Group of Companies, Lisa Stewart’s product development leadership has been about combining creativity with technical precision. Stewart believes women in these roles bring a valuable perspective that helps design teams see beyond just the garment to the people who wear it.
“We are naturally collaborative and empathetic,” Stewart explains. “That leads to better designs, better quality, and stronger teams.”
Operational Powerhouses and Industry Growth Leaders
While design sets the vision, operations keep the industry moving—and women are leading there too. From supply chain management to customer delivery, female leaders are ensuring products land where they need to, when they need to.
Rhiannon McMahan runs sales and operations for Midsouth Solutions, where she oversees the production of customized apparel, embroidery, and promotional products. Her work supports clients in healthcare, public safety, and corporate sectors—industries where branding and performance matter equally.
At Fabian Couture Group, Leslie McArdle directs merchandising and planning for one of North America’s largest formalwear and hospitality uniform suppliers. Her work keeps the company’s product lines aligned with client demand while maintaining a balance of style and durability.
Natalie Wilson leads Workwear Solutions International (WSI) as Managing Director, steering the company’s mission to provide high-performance workwear for a wide range of industries. WSI focuses on delivering garments designed for comfort, durability, and safety—tailored to meet the demands of physically intensive jobs worldwide. Wilson’s leadership reflects the growing global influence of women in this sector, driving innovation and market expansion.
Meanwhile, Andrea Kramer leads City Apparel + Merch, a certified woman-owned business focused on sustainable sourcing and creative branding. Kramer’s team builds uniform and merchandise programs for healthcare systems, educational institutions, and corporate clients—making sure every product reflects the client’s story.
“Uniforms are an extension of a company’s brand,” Bartek says. “Our job is to make sure that identity is clear, consistent, and reflects the client’s values.”
Business Owners and Industry Anchors
Ownership in the uniform industry has historically been passed down through male-dominated family lines. But today, several women run multi-generational companies or have built their own businesses from the ground up.
Caroline Massel leads Gruner & Co., a company with a legacy dating back to 1860. Known for serving police, fire, and military markets, Gruner balances tradition with modern innovation under Massel’s leadership. Similarly, Rene Rioux owns Michael A. Hessberg Inc., a Massachusetts-based supplier specializing in embroidery and insignia for public safety agencies. Her business carries a legacy of precision and quality craftsmanship.
In Virginia, Karen Allan Ballengee runs Southern Police Equipment, a longtime supplier of uniforms, tactical gear, and equipment to law enforcement and first responders. For these women, leadership is about more than profit—it’s about ensuring their companies remain trusted partners for the communities they serve.
A More Inclusive Future
These women represent a cross-section of the uniform industry’s growing female leadership. From design to distribution, they’re shaping how companies operate—and how workers present themselves every day.
Lisa Stewart sees this as the start of a long-overdue shift. “We need to keep creating paths for women—through mentorship, through visibility, and through programs that make this industry attractive to the next generation,” she says. “There’s so much room for growth, and diversity makes us better.”
Caroline Bartek agrees. “What I love most is seeing more women step into leadership roles because it’s good for the work,” she says. “This industry serves people from every walk of life—it only makes sense that our leadership reflects that.”
As women like Stewart, Bartek, and their peers continue to lead, they’re not just shaping what the uniform industry looks like today. They’re building the future—one where talent, creativity, and leadership are recognized, regardless of gender.
