Women Who Keep Our Communities Thriving: A Tribute on International Women’s Day

Celebrating Women in Maintenance: Honoring Trailblazers in Manufactured Housing 

As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate the strength, dedication, and resilience of women in all industries, especially those who work in traditionally male-dominated fields. At Roots Management Group, we are proud to have incredible women serving as Maintenance Technicians—an essential yet often underrepresented role in the manufactured housing industry. 

Breaking Barriers in Maintenance 

The maintenance technician profession has long been male dominated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up less than 2% of maintenance and repair workers nationwide. That makes the achievements of women like Johnnell Donley and Andrea Williams even more remarkable. They are not only defying industry norms but also playing an indispensable role in keeping our communities thriving. 

We are highlighting three exceptional women who have dedicated their skills and hard work to ensuring that their communities remain safe, functional, and welcoming. 

Johnnell Donley – A Backbone of Lakewood Village 

Johnnell Donley has been the maintenance technician at Lakewood Village for 12 years, and her impact on the community is immeasurable. As a former member of two military branches, her discipline, strength, and work ethic shine in everything she does. 

Her Community Manager, Tamra Lewis, shares: “Johnnell has been here for 12 years and has worked tirelessly to open and close the amenities every day unless on vacation—which is rare. She knows the water lines and meters inside and out, was previously pool certified, and takes exceptional care of our community. She is also known for her artistic side, growing beautiful flowers for our office and creating seasonal decorations that bring joy to residents.” 

Johnnell’s dedication extends beyond routine maintenance—she has dug ditches, installed fences and mailboxes, and braved extreme weather conditions to protect the community. During past hurricanes, she worked through torrential rains, mopping floors to prevent flooding, picking up stranded residents, and securing storm preparations. 

She is also a caring animal lover, always ready to nurse injured animals back to health. Despite facing unwarranted criticism at times, she remains steadfast, proving that hard work, skill, and dedication speak louder than words. Johnnell is not one to seek recognition, but today, we want to celebrate her contributions and unwavering commitment to the Lakewood Village community. 

Andrea Williams – The Heart of Oak Springs 

At Oak Springs, Andrea Williams has built a reputation for being the go-to person for both maintenance and community support. Her Community Manager, Pamela Jones, shares: 

“Andrea is always willing to help residents with simple fixes, whether it’s a leaky faucet or troubleshooting an issue. But beyond that, she has a friendly demeanor that makes residents feel valued and heard. She listens attentively and always goes above and beyond to ensure that the people in our community feel supported.” 

Andrea’s kindness extends far beyond her maintenance responsibilities. She is a welcoming presence, helping new residents settle in and creating a sense of belonging. Her ability to build connections makes her more than just a maintenance technician—she is a trusted friend to many in the community. 

Debi McKenna – A True Asset to Rosehaven Estates and RV Resort

Debi McKenna is another shining star in the Roots Management Group team, contributing her expertise as a Maintenance Technician at Rosehaven Estates and RV Resort. According to her Community Manager, Sherri Ward, “Debi is incredibly helpful and truly makes the community amazing.” Debi’s positive attitude and attention to detail have earned her the admiration of residents and colleagues alike.

Sherri adds, “Debi is a huge asset to the community. She opens the gates every morning, makes sure everything is locked up at night, and goes above and beyond all the time. She also participates in many of the community events as another way to stay connected with the residents. Her dedication to her work and her connection with the residents really make her stand out.”

Debi loves working for Roots Management Group because the hours are great and flexible, allowing her to balance her professional and personal life. But what truly drives her passion is the residents. “My favorite part of being a maintenance technician is the residents,” says Debi. “Everyone is so appreciative, and it makes my job run smoothly. I love knowing that I’m making a difference in their daily lives.”

Debi’s approachable demeanor and dedication to maintaining the community make her a vital part of the team. She helps ensure that everything runs efficiently and that residents’ needs are met with a smile.

Recognizing Women in Manufactured Housing 

Johnnell, Andrea, and Debi are just a few of the outstanding women maintenance technicians at Roots Management Group. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance inspire us all. They remind us that success is not defined by gender but by the willingness to show up, get the job done, and make a difference in people’s lives.

On this International Women’s Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the women working in manufactured housing—especially those breaking barriers in maintenance roles. Your contributions make our communities stronger, and we celebrate you today and every day.

Thank you for making it happen!