LAS VEGAS, February 1, 2023 /CSRwire/ - KITCHEN & BATH INDUSTRY SHOW - When was the last time your favorite superhero used powers to ensure you have safe drinking water and proper sanitation? The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is leading the charge to spotlight the real-life superheroes who protect our everyday lives by launching a new children's coloring book today, “My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero.”

“My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero” is the first children’s book focused exclusively on women plumbers, lifting up their contributions to public health while aiming to shift perceptions of plumbing careers.

IAPMO partnered with real-life superhero plumber Judaline Cassidy, a proud member of Plumbers Local Union No. 1 NYC, founder of Tools & Tiaras, and one of CNN’s “Champions For Change.” Inspired and guided by Cassidy’s 25-year career, “My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero” creatively brings to life what it’s really like to be a plumber building a modern hygiene infrastructure.

“All of us at IAPMO are inspired by Judaline’s career journey and her message that plumbing careers are not gendered. Rather, it is about having the best plumbers to improve the way we live,” said Dave Viola, IAPMO CEO.

The book illustrates how plumbers work on advanced water technologies to mitigate the effects of drought and natural disasters. The helpful nature of plumbers comes to life with illustrations depicting the work of service plumbers. The book also portrays women installing and maintaining medical gas systems.

“People need to know that plumbing is not just clogged toilets,” said Cassidy. “Clean water, steam heat, beautiful fixtures, gas lines--the pipes and systems that rely on my craft are in homes and buildings everywhere. My work is not only essential to daily life. My work saves lives.”

Only 2.1% of plumbers are women, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"The bottom line is that we desperately need more plumbers and, therefore, must find creative, unique ways to fill this shortage,” said Viola. “Collaborating with Judaline is the perfect opportunity to convey to young girls and women — as well as career counselors, youth leaders, and parents — that plumbing careers are purposeful, meaningful, and lucrative."

Cassidy founded the nonprofit Tools & Tiaras as part of her mission to show girls and women that Jobs Don’t Have Genders™. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Cassidy has broken barriers over the last 25 years advocating for equity for women in the trades. She was one of the first women accepted into Plumbers Local 371 Staten Island, NY; the first woman elected to the Examining Board of Plumbers Local Union No. 1 NYC; and ushered in the first Women's Committee within her Union, becoming its first President.

“Awareness is key. If young women and girls don’t know what plumbers actually do or how lucrative and rewarding a career in plumbing is, how can we expect them to consider, much less pursue, this path?” noted Cassidy. “It's exciting for me to collaborate with IAPMO on such a fun project that will not only change what people think about plumbing but will show them that plumbers come in all genders and statures.”

IAPMO tapped noted children’s author Jo S. Kittinger and accomplished illustrator Chuck Galey to create “My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero.” Kittinger has penned more than 35 books for children. Her book, “The House on Dirty-Third Street,” won several social justice awards, including a Christopher Award, a Social Justice Literature Award, and the Carol D. Reiser Children’s Book Award. Galey has illustrated more than 50 books for educational publishers and created covers for Beverly Cleary's Ribsey and Henry Huggins, as well as R.L. Stine's “Fear Street” series for Recorded Books, Inc.

The 32-page book is available as a free pdf download, and qualifying organizations may order printed quantities from IAPMO at cost. Visit UniformCodes.org/plumbing-superhero for more information.

About IAPMO

IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code®, the most widely recognized code of practice used by the plumbing industry worldwide; Uniform Mechanical Code®; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code®; and Uniform Solar Energy, Hydronics and Geothermal Code™ — the only plumbing, mechanical, solar energy and swimming pool codes designated by ANSI as American National Standards — and the Water Efficiency Standard (WE-Stand)™. IAPMO works with government, contractors, labor force, and manufacturers to produce product standards, technical manuals, personnel certification/educational programs and additional resources in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry in protecting public health and safety.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®)

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®)

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) has been protecting the public’s health and safety for more than 95 years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world.

IAPMO provides leadership toward addressing the global need for sound water efficiency-based codes and standards while working to avoid unintended consequences that have the potential to compromise health and safety. IAPMO supports science-based research and policy-based initiatives at all levels of government, with the goal of helping provide for the safe use of water in buildings around the world.

To encourage development, action and change for better health, IAPMO’s foundation, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) has a simple mission to continuously work to improve on the human condition by fostering the basic human right of safe access to clean water and sanitation. While their mission is simple, their methods are strategic and diverse. IWSH strives to align their efforts with those of government, industry and the communities where they work to ensure that the water systems are safe and sustainable.

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