| Leah Farlow Director of Marketing, InfraPros, LLC Leah Farlow has worked in the mission-critical industry for over ten years, providing marketing expertise in various roles for HVAC, Engineering, and Modular Construction companies. She is currently serving as Director of Marketing for InfraPros, a certified Minority Business Enterprise providing pre-manufactured modular solutions. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing effective strategies to increase brand awareness, customer acquisition, and sales. Leah has been an active member of the 7x24 Carolinas Chapter throughout her career, providing administrative support, and was recently voted onto the Board of Directors as Vice President. She was part of the group that founded Women in Mission Critical Operations (WiMCO), acting upon her passion to encourage underrepresented individuals to join the industry. Leah currently lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her fiancé, Seth, and two dogs, Maeby and Seymour. |
| Melinda Parrish Brumfield Vice President, Director of Development, Private Markets Melinda Parrish Brumfield is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in Atlanta's architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and real estate industries. Serving as Vice President and Director of Development - Private Markets for Barge Design Solutions, Melinda oversees the firm's mission critical, industrial, energy, healthcare, and land development markets throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Her responsibilities include strategic development and execution, talent acquisition, and identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships and acquisition targets. Melinda is an industry leader known for her expertise and dedication to her craft. She mentors Barge's client service leaders and team members, playing a critical role in the firm's growth and success. She also founded the monthly "Ladies' Luncheon," which features speakers on various topics geared toward professional women in Atlanta. Melinda is a board member of the Women in Mission Critical Operations (WIMCO) Carolinas and Atlanta chapters, where she partnered with friends to create a space that encouraged more women to pursue careers in data centers and mission critical operations beyond just sales. Her professional involvement also extends to various industry-related groups in Georgia and the Southeastern United States, including CREW Atlanta, ISPE, 7x24 Exchange International, NAIOP, SIOR, and SAME. She is a member of the Infrastructure Society Board at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Her commitment to giving back to the community is equally impressive. Melinda actively fundraises and volunteers for worthy causes such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night program, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Northside Athletic Foundation. In 2022 and 2023, Melinda was named a Titan 100 honoree for her industry and community contributions in Georgia, recognizing her as one of the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. |
| Sandy Young Service Sales Representative, Envirotrol I'm Sandy Young with Envirotrol, we are an HVAC/BMS contractor in the Carolinas that provides both turnkey and after-market services. My current role is as a Service Sales Rep, and I am responsible for uncovering business opportunities at commercial and industrial facilities. I fell into this Mission Critical world after deciding to leave college and find a job, any job! A connection led me to an admin/coordinator role working for an HVAC company in Charlotte NC that had existing business in data centers and closets. After learning the lingo and fully understanding what MC meant after seven years there, I had an organic opportunity to come aboard at a manufacturer's rep for a Power products company, so that put me further into the Mission Critical space. This is where I got the most training; I was blessed to be surrounded by knowledgeable people that always helped me feel competent, regardless of my lack of knowledge. Prior to my first role, I knew nothing of what Mission Critical was. But now thinking back on my career, I probably would have done the same roles but with more intention. This leads to the advice I want to give other women interested in MC: take the job. A job is a network, it leads you to other opportunities and skills you may have never thought of. And if you are able to have people that support your advancement, even better - nurture those connections. Technology changes, but the Connections and Relationships we develop are what keeps us all staying around in this ever-evolving industry. |
