WIGI is building something that doesn’t end when the conference does, says SiteOne’s Sarah Tiglio

More than 160 women attended SiteOne’s Women in the Green Industry (WIGI) conference for the first time this year—a sign, perhaps, that what began as an annual event is becoming something bigger.

Held in New Orleans for its 28th year, the three-day conference brings women from across the green industry together for networking, mentoring and professional development. But for many of those who return year after year, its value extends beyond the three days.

Sarah Tiglio, SiteOne’s area manager for Southern California and Hawaii, first attended WIGI 11 years ago. She has since built lasting relationships through the conference. “One of the things I value most about WIGI is the network of professionals I’ve built over the years. There are people I’ve attended this event with for more than a decade,” she says. “The opportunity to learn from one another and mentor the next generation is incredibly important.”

Tiglio has been working her way up through the ranks for nearly three decades, starting on the counter at a company that was later acquired by SiteOne. Her connection to the industry began even earlier. Born in Hawaii, her grandfather founded a landscaping company, and she later worked for the family business while at high school in California.

“The people, products and processes that come together to create something meaningful keep me engaged. I’m passionate about transforming  spaces and bringing landscapes to life.”

It is an industry she acknowledges is still male-populated, but Tiglio says she has never viewed that as a barrier to her own progression.

“I’ve always believed that confidence and capability are built through experience, hard work and a willingness to keep learning. After nearly 30 years, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: continuing to grow, taking on new challenges and being open to opportunities. The most important thing is to invest in yourself and strive to be the best version of yourself. We all can grow, lead and make an impact when we’re willing to challenge ourselves.

“Challenges will always be part of any career, but I’ve viewed them as opportunities. I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and staying focused on solutions rather than obstacles.”

The theme continued through the program. All It Takes founder Lori Woodley-Langendorff encouraged attendees to have difficult conversations with themselves and shift from ‘they should’ to ‘I should’, while SiteOne’s manager of talent and organizational development, Jessica Burford, spoke about creating a “culture of feedback”, where “trust creates permission for real dialogue.”

For Tiglio, though, the most valuable part of WIGI has always been what happens between the sessions—and what continues once everyone has gone home.

“I love helping people find the best version of themselves, personally and professionally. I’m passionate about my own career development and if I can help someone else too then that’s what I enjoy the most.

“Twenty years ago, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I’ve always had a creative mindset, and now I find that creativity in developing strategy and helping people reach their potential.”

That has led her to become a mentor to others entering the industry. Every year, she sponsors someone to attend WIGI, and this year one of the new attendees was a member of her own team.

“She’s excited about the opportunity to network and invest in both her personal and professional development,” says Tiglio. “Experiences like WIGI encourage you to reflect on where you are in your career and challenge yourself to keep learning. The connections you build and the conversations you have provide valuable perspective and support. It’s inspiring.”

She also points to a more personal example of the connections that can come from the industry. The daughter of someone Tiglio worked with as a salesperson 20 years ago has now graduated from college and joined her father’s business.

“With 162 new attendees, it’s already starting. That’s the truth of what’s being built here,” says Tiglio. “We have a very strong network of women that come each year, and to have so much growth this year, it feels like there’s an evolution happening.

“There’s a new generation of females coming in, and they’re coming in stronger and more confident than ever, more than I was at their age. It’s important for them to find people who support and encourage them, and to seek out mentors and connect with others in the industry.”

For a conference now in its 28th year, perhaps that is the clearest indication of its staying power—not simply that women keep coming back, but that they are returning with others, and increasingly helping to bring the next generation with them.