FLASH President Honored with Prestigious Building Award
This prestigious national honor celebrates Leslie Chapman-Henderson's decades of leadership, service, and support for women in the building industry.
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) proudly announces that its President and CEO, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, has been named the 2025 recipient of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Exceptional Woman in Building Award. This accolade recognizes dynamic and trailblazing women who have significantly contributed to the built environment.
Acknowledgment at Building Innovation Conference
The award was presented during the Building Innovation 2025 conference, where industry leaders and innovators gathered to explore transformative solutions for the future of our built environment. This event serves as a platform for sharing best practices and innovations aimed at enhancing safety in construction.
Leslie Chapman-Henderson: A Leader in Safety
According to Judy Dinelle, CGP, CAPS, AMA, the Building Ambassador for 84 Lumber and member of the NIBS Board of Directors, "Leslie Chapman-Henderson exemplifies what it means to be an Exceptional Woman in Building. Her visionary leadership, tireless support for disaster resilience, and unwavering commitment to safety make her a true inspiration. Leslie's work not only changes our understanding of building safety but has saved lives and empowered communities across the nation."
Innovative Initiatives and Community Impact
Chapman-Henderson's over 25 years of experience distinguish her as a thought leader, mentor, and strong advocate for change within the built environment. Under her leadership, FLASH, as America’s foremost consumer advocate for disaster resilience, has implemented multiple innovative public education initiatives. Among these initiatives is the newly launched "Strong Homes Scale," which is designed to empower homeowners with essential information about building safety. Another crucial initiative is "No Fuel. No Fire," which targets wildfire safety.
The Importance of Collaboration
"I would like to thank NIBS for this deeply humbling award, and I am proud to accept it on behalf of our incredible team and our many committed partners from all sectors who share our vision of fostering a disaster-resilient nation," remarked Chapman-Henderson. "This recognition sheds light on the power of collaboration and innovation to create meaningful progress in our communities."
Championing Women in Construction
Her commitment to elevating women in the building science and resilience space has characterized her leadership journey. She has mentored many emerging professionals, fostering inclusivity and opportunity in fields that have traditionally been dominated by men. Leslie’s mentorship has not only opened doors for women but has also enriched the entire industry by bringing diverse perspectives into the mix.
About FLASH
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) stands as the leading consumer advocate for enhancing home safety against disasters. This partnership encompasses over 100 diverse organizations united in a vision to make America a more disaster-resilient nation. Key partners include FEMA, various state emergency management agencies, and numerous building-related organizations. FLASH’s initiatives work to educate consumers regarding building codes, disaster preparedness, loss mitigation, and encouraging resilient recovery. To learn more about FLASH and access various resources, individuals can visit www.flash.org and find consumer guidance at www.Inspect2Protect.org, alongside reaching out via social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leslie Chapman-Henderson?
Leslie Chapman-Henderson is the President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and was recently awarded the 2025 NIBS Exceptional Woman in Building Award.
What is FLASH?
FLASH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for consumer safety in homes, especially regarding disaster resilience.
What award did Leslie Chapman-Henderson receive?
She received the 2025 National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Exceptional Woman in Building Award for her contributions to the built environment.
What is the focus of the Building Innovation conference?
The Building Innovation conference highlights best practices and innovative solutions for future challenges within the built environment.
How does FLASH support community safety?
FLASH provides educational resources on disaster preparedness, building codes, and supports initiatives that strengthen homes and communities against disasters.
