Maria Blase, president of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and Transport Solutions Latin America business at Ingersoll Rand, was announced as a winner of Diversity Journal’s 13th annual Women Worth Watching Award. Blase is among 160 executives chosen for the prestigious honor and will be featured in Diversity Journal’s September/October issue.

Women Worth Watching Award winners are nominated by their companies for their passion, potential and positive influence in the organization and in the community. Winners represent corporations, government agencies and nonprofits across North America and Europe.

“Young women entering the workforce and starting their careers can look upon Maria’s story for inspiration as she has carefully navigated the corporate landscape and taken calculated risks to achieve success,” said Didier Teirlinck, executive vice president of Ingersoll Rand’s Climate Strategic Business Units. “This award not only reflects Maria’s personality, commitment and drive, but it also reflects the spirit of all those who work at Ingersoll Rand.”

Blase joined Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, in 1999 after working internationally in the financial industry. She was promoted in 2012 to president of the HVAC and Transport Solutions Latin America business, where she works directly with the Trane and Thermo King brands.

Blase was honored in 2013 by Ingersoll Rand with a Chairman’s Award for Leadership for her work as a role model who leads with passion and excels in building the talent of her teams.

“We have been extremely encouraged by the number of organizations in every sector that support the career advancement of the women in their workplaces,” said James R. Rector, founder, chief executive officer and publisher of Diversity Journal. “We have also been proud to provide an award with such meaningful impact on the movement for gender equity in workforce leadership.”

About Profiles in Diversity Journal

Profiles in Diversity Journal® is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education, and military sectors. For more than 16 years, the publication has helped to stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership, innovative programs, and committed individuals that are making it happen. For more information, visit http://www.diversityjournal.com/.

About Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $12 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.