Women in the industry strengthen their presence in the tank sector

The recently held NISTM 2025 event was the scene of some remarkable conversations about the role women are taking in the tank industry. In this context, Janelle Banks, operations manager at the National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM), shared her insights on the growing female participation in this technical field.

Since its founding in 1989, NISTM has established itself as a non-profit organization focused on providing training and meeting spaces for professionals involved in above and below ground storage systems. In its 2025 edition in Texas, the event stood out for its technical focus, with special attention to initiatives such as Women in the Tanks Industry (WITI), which seek to integrate more women in technical, operational and leadership roles.

Visible growth in female participation

During the interview, Banks noted that female attendance at the event's activities has been increasing, reflecting a steady change within a historically male-dominated industry. "There are more and more women engineers, managers and specialists assuming relevant responsibilities in their companies," she said. This evolution responds both to an equity trend and to the professional performance of women in areas such as the tank management, environmental compliance and spill prevention.

Mentoring as an axis of professional development

One of the central points of the conversation was the value of mentoring among women in the industry. According to Banks, sharing experiences, mistakes and lessons learned allows for building stronger trajectories. "We are nourished by the ideas of others and learn from their successes and failures," she said. This dynamic of mutual support strengthens industry professionals and generates more collaborative work environments.

Events such as NISTM, more than just technical conferences

This year's event served as a platform to showcase the impact of networks such as WITI. Banks emphasized that these types of spaces allow for visibility, while facilitating community building. For many attendees, it was an opportunity to connect with other professionals, share common challenges and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

"The idea is that each year the event will grow, in participation and in its ability to represent more women in the industry," Banks said. Along those lines, NISTM is committed to incorporating more initiatives focused on professional development within the tank industry.

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Source: Inspenet.