Empowering Women in Funeral Service: Passages International Hosts NFDA Professional Women’s Conference
On Friday, May 16th, Passages International proudly hosted a reception and guided facility tour for around 150 attendees of the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Professional Women’s Conference at its headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event brought together an inspiring group of women in funeral service, fostering connection and celebrating leadership in the profession.
The Passages headquarters event offered a unique behind-the-scenes experience for conference attendees, highlighting the company’s mission to provide eco-friendly, biodegradable funeral products. Participants enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere as they explored Passages’ environmentally conscious facility and engaged in meaningful conversations about the future of funeral service.
“It was a pleasure to open our doors to such an inspiring group of professionals,” said Darren Crouch, President & CEO of Passages International. “Passages was founded 25 years ago to offer alternatives to the ‘cardboard box’ standard, and today, we are proud to provide beautiful, dignified, and sustainable funeral products that families actually want. We’re grateful for the chance to connect and share our mission with the leaders who are shaping the industry.”
Attendees were treated to a tour of Passages’ headquarters, featuring its full range of biodegradable urns, caskets, and memorial products, all thoughtfully designed to meet the rising demand for environmentally responsible funeral options. Lindsay Wentworth, an attendee, commented on a LinkedIn post, “Wonderful tour! We had a lovely family inquire about the large Shell urn, and it was perfect timing—we were able to share some videos taken during the tour showing exactly how these beautiful pieces are made.” The evening was an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and inspiration—one that reinforced the importance of sustainability and personalization in modern funeral practices.
Guests were encouraged to capture and share moments from the event in the community gallery set up by the Passages team. Volunteers had the opportunity to answer some questions on video about Passages and the growing interest of green funeral practices. Their insights and passion helped amplify the conversation about sustainability and shared how eco-friendly solutions are shaping the future of funeral service.
“This event was more than a reception and a tour—it was a powerful reminder that our industry is evolving, and together, we’re leading that change,” said Crouch. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to supporting funeral professionals with products and resources that honor both people and the planet.”Passages International invites funeral professionals to explore how its sustainable solutions can support their businesses and provide even greater value to the families they serve. For more information, visit www.passagesinternational.com.
