25 Years of Building West Virginia’s Workforce
Since 2000, West Virginia Women Work has helped thousands of people gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to break into high-wage careers. From a single training program to a statewide workforce leader, our story is one of growth, muscle, and long-term impact.
2000 🚀 Founded by Lisa Diehl
West Virginia Women Work was founded by Lisa Diehl, a trailblazer in the trades and a passionate advocate for women’s economic independence. Built on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a better life, WVWW began its mission to open the doors of opportunity through hands-on training and real-world support. Lisa completed her apprenticeship in the Carpenters Union in 1983 and is a member of OTTERS.
2001 🔧 Step Up for Women Construction Launches
We launched our first Step Up for Women Construction program — a 12-week, employment-focused training designed to prepare women for high-wage, high-demand construction jobs. It remains the only Department of Labor-recognized pre-apprenticeship of its kind in the state.
2008 🔧 Step Up for Women Construction Launches New Location
Step Up for Women Construction launches training in the Kanawha Valley, creating opportunities for more individuals to gain the hands-on skills needed to enter higher-paying careers in the skilled trades.
2016 🏭 Advanced Manufacturing Program Begins
We expanded our impact with Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing — a 10-week pre-apprenticeship designed to help women enter West Virginia’s high-tech manufacturing sector. Students gain hands-on skills in CNC, blueprint reading, quality control, and more.
2023 💻 New Programs: SkillUp & PartnerUp
We launched two new statewide initiatives: SkillUp, our flexible job readiness program, and PartnerUp, a 6-month mentoring program that pairs participants with experienced professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connections. Together, they expanded our reach across the state and online.
2024 🏫 First Facility Purchased: The Step Up Hub
With support from the Lowe’s Foundation, we purchased and renovated our first training facility — the Step Up Hub in Dunbar. This space brings our southern programs under one roof and allows us to offer expanded training, collaboration, and community events.
2025 🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of Impact
This year marks 25 years of building careers, breaking barriers, and strengthening West Virginia’s workforce. With thousands of graduates, millions in wage gains, and deep employer partnerships, WVWW continues to move the Mountain State forward — one skilled worker at a time.
🎉 The Work Isn’t Done — Let’s Build the Next 25 Years Together.
From our first training session to our newest program launch, every milestone has been powered by people like you. Whether you’re a supporter, partner, or alum — there’s a role for you in what comes next.
