Brenda Edwards is First Women in Stone Pioneer

OBERLIN, Ohio / CHESTERTOWN, N.Y. — Brenda Edwards recorded plenty of firsts in her current career in the stone trade. Last month, the industry did the same for her.

Click image to enlargeEdwards, owner and general manager of TexaStone Quarries in Garden City, Texas, is the inaugural recipient of the MIA+BSI Women in Stone Pioneer Award.

Edwards received the award at the MIA+BSI Awards Luncheon at TISE in January.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Edwards worked on countless industry initiatives and associations. She has held key leadership roles with MIA, BSI, and the Natural Stone Council, and is currently serving on the transitional MIA+BSI Board of Directors.

Her company was the first to certify under the ANSI/NSC 373 Sustainability Standard, and her leadership was paramount to the creation of the Women in Stone initiative.

“Brenda teaches anyone that wants to learn, helps anyone in need, battles any obstacle that comes her way, and loves this industry fiercely,” wrote Jennifer Sayles, TexaStone marketing manager, in her nomination letter for Edwards. “Her passion is contagious; her knowledge immeasurable. Brenda is truly a pioneer for this industry.”

“Brenda’s impact spans both genders,” said Brie Pfannenbecker, vice president of operations at Connecticut Stone, “and ensures a brighter, more-competent, more-dynamic future for the industry as a whole.”

In receiving the award, Edwards reflected on her involvement with Women in Stone and how it has impacted her career.

“In all my years in the stone industry, I have never had more fun and appreciated the business more than being involved with Women in Stone,” she said. “I am honored to serve with these intelligent, energetic, and passionate ladies.

“Together, they have brought recognition to the women working in the stone industry. A special thanks to MIA+BSI for making it all possible and giving me the opportunity to serve with each one of them!”

To learn more about Women in Stone, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/womeninstone.

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