March 12, Jackson, MS – On March 8, 2025, in honor of International Women’s Day, 12 women tile installers gathered at Carpet & Tile Warehouse in Vero Beach, Fla., to take part in the first-ever all-women Certified Tile Installer (CTI) hands-on exam. This groundbreaking event, organized by NTCA Women in Tile, represents a major step toward increasing female representation in the tile industry.
Prior to this event, only 14 women had earned the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) designation—less than 1% of all CTIs. With six women successfully passing the rigorous exam, the number of female CTIs has now grown to 20, signaling a powerful shift in the industry.
The six newly Certified Tile Installers are:
- CTI #1978: Alyssa Muller – APM Flooring Company
- CTI #1979: Natalie Hall – Artistry in Tile
- CTI #1980: Rachel Overby – R&R Tile and Renovations
- CTI #1981: Cecelia Leger – Leger Tile
- CTI #1982: Nicole Hulme – The Tile Chick, LLC
- CTI #1983: Kelly Krantz – Knockout Tile & Flooring LLC
A Community of Support and Industry Collaboration
This event was more than just an exam—it was a testament to the strength, skill, and determination of women in the tile industry. Many participants considered the certification a personal and professional milestone, demonstrating their commitment to industry standards and excellence.
In preparation for the exam, a Facebook study group led by Dawn Marie Davis of Strong Work Renovations LLC was formed, allowing participants to support and encourage one another throughout the process.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Schluter Systems, participants received a Mind Your Business Class prior to the CTI Test. Additional sponsors Daltile, LATICRETE, and QEP provided generous support, ensuring that each woman had the opportunity to succeed without barriers. The CTI exam, conducted by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), was hosted by Carpet and Tile Warehouse in Vero Beach.
“NTCA Women in Tile is proud to support this historic event,” said Elizabeth Lambert, Women in Tile Committee Chair. “We brought together talented female tile installers from across the country—many of whom are business owners and industry leaders. Not only did they take on the most challenging 25 square feet of tile installation in the CTI exam, but they also participated in Schluter’s ‘Mind Your Business’ class, which reinforces the importance of business success and technical expertise.”
Elena Grant, Assistant Executive Director at the NTCA added, “This event is just the beginning. Our goal is to introduce more women to careers in tile and continue building a strong network of women supporting women. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors Schluter Systems, Daltile, LATICRETE, and QEP for making this possible.”
A Bright Future for Women in Tile
This all-women CTI exam not only recognizes the skill and dedication of female tile installers but also sets the stage for continued growth and inclusion in the industry. With a wave of momentum behind them, the NTCA and CTEF are committed to ensuring that more women enter and excel in the world of tile installation.
About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.
