Her Story
About Anonda
Anonda Risse is a Senior Sales Project Manager with more than 16 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, where her work spans sales, business development, estimating, and project management. Her path into roofing was shaped by an unconventional professional background that included HVAC mechanical work, a stint in human resources management, and time spent in forklift sales. Rather than following a straight career trajectory, Anonda has built her expertise by staying curious and open to different roles, and she now applies the operational, customer service, and leadership skills gained along the way to serve clients across the commercial real estate industry, where she regularly collaborates with property managers, owners, and brokers. Beyond her technical expertise, Anonda is known for the value she places on mentorship, particularly in supporting women who are considering careers in construction and roofing. She frequently connects with younger professionals at industry and association events, encouraging them not to be discouraged by entering a traditionally male-dominated field and reminding them that exploring different roles is often the best way to discover where their strengths truly lie. Her own career reflects that philosophy, having transitioned through multiple industries before finding her place in commercial roofing, and she continues to view every new challenge as an opportunity to expand her knowledge and deepen her value to clients. Anonda's professional achievements are closely tied to her personal life as a single mother of five and grandmother of two, with a third grandchild on the way. She balances her career with homeschooling her youngest children, a responsibility she manages with the help of her adult daughter, who also supports her as a nanny. Integrity and honesty anchor both sides of her life; she believes trust is built not through words but through consistency and transparency, whether she's working with a client or raising her family. Looking ahead, Anonda remains focused on deepening her product knowledge and expanding her value as a resource within her industry, while continuing to serve as a mentor and role model for the next generation of women entering construction and roofing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anonda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying open to new experiences and treating every challenge as a chance to grow. Before settling into commercial roofing, I worked in HVAC mechanical work, human resources, and forklift sales and rentals, and each of those roles taught me something different about business, operations, and leadership that I now draw on every day. I also credit the people around me, both the clients I get to serve and the talented team members whose expertise I rely on to solve problems together.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is rooted in the importance of family, integrity, and honesty as the foundation for everything else. I've learned to be upfront, to communicate the facts, and to tell the truth even when it's difficult, because trust is only earned through consistency and transparency, not words alone. Keeping my family at the center of my decisions, while remaining honest in every relationship, whether with clients, colleagues, or loved ones, has guided how I approach both my career and my life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: go for it. Don't let the perception that an industry is a "man's world" stop you from pursuing it; the most important step is having the confidence to get in, learn the business, and work your way forward. I'd also encourage embracing mentorship and exploring different roles to discover what truly fits your strengths and personality, since there's no single formula for success, just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, seek guidance from those with experience, and trust yourself enough to take the opportunity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is earning the respect and recognition women deserve in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated; even with the right knowledge and expertise, women can still be overlooked or underestimated. At the same time, I see the opportunities as virtually endless. My own career has shown me how experience and persistence can open new doors, including being recruited into new roles with greater responsibility and earning potential, and I continue to encounter opportunities for leadership and growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are the two values at the core of everything I do, both professionally and personally. I believe in being straightforward, communicating the facts, and making sure the people I work with fully understand what they're facing. Alongside that, family is my number one priority; balancing my career with raising my children has taught me patience, responsibility, and resilience, and it's a big part of why honesty and hard work matter so much to me.
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