Step Up Alumni
Our alumni are a vital part of our organization. They offer mentorship and support for current Step Up students as well as show them what the future can hold when they stick with the program. WVWW is extremely proud of each and every one of our graduates. They are after all why we do what we do.
Alexa Maus
Alexa Maus(31), traveled from Ohio every day(3 hours a day travel time) to attend our Step Up for Women Fall 2020 Class. She watched her previous career as a mechanic crumble in early 2020. Alexa spent the first half of the year sleeping in her car before moving back in with her mother. At the interview, Alexa stated, “ I like physical jobs and want to work with my hands and head together.” She agreed that although it was a large travel commitment that she would be willing to put in the work required each day.
Alexa quickly showed she was determined and would overcome any barrier put in front of her. During class her mother required surgery. It happened to be on the same day as the OSHA 10 class. Instead of missing the class, she participated by phone from the hospital waiting room. During her mom’s recovery from surgery, Alexa took on many farm obligations but continued to successfully progress in class.
Alexa obtained her WV Electrician Apprentice License which allowed her to meet qualifications to join MMR Group as an Electrician Apprentice. She started out at $16 an hour with benefits, per diem rates, and as much overtime as she wanted to work. Alexa stated that “ I would not be here without this program. They asked nothing of me but the commitment to show up every day and do my best.” She now has enough hours for her Journeyman license and will sit for the exam next month. Alexa says “My quality of life and earning potential went way up after I completed your program, I’ll always be grateful for that”.
Update on Alexa:
Alexa has passed her test and is now a Journeyman Electrician. We are so proud of you Alexa!
Katelyn Belcher
Katelyn Belcher(27), had found her way into some trouble and spent six months in jail for a misdemeanor. Along with the jail time, the court had also suspended her driver’s license and ordered her to take classes and pay fines before she could get it back. All of this together made finding and keeping a good job difficult for Katelyn.
She heard about the Step Up program from Craig Mosteller, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #625. He told her she needed to talk to Nichole Stephenson, Program Coordinator of the Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship training site in Kanawha Valley.
Katelyn had done a lot of work in construction before she found Step Up. She explained that even though she had some work experience, what she needed was help navigating the system. Nichole knew Step Up would be a perfect springboard for Katelyn and accepted her into the Spring 2020 class. Katelyn quickly proved herself to be a hard worker with clear goals. During her time in class, she was able to keep up with all of the assignments, stay on top of the payments for her fines, and set an aim on the next step toward her career goals all while a new barrier presented itself: Covid-19. Despite all of the challenges she faced, Katelyn kept pushing forward throughout the course. She paid the fines, got her license back, and proved herself a powerhouse when she set her mind on something.
As the Step Up class was coming to an end, Nichole was contacted by the Carpenter’s Union to help fill an opening for a new Apprentice on a highway construction project. She referred Katelyn as a stand-out student. Before class had even ended, Katelyn was hired and began on June 1, 2020, as a first-year Carpenter Apprentice with Triton Construction. Her starting hourly wage was $17.40, well above her previous $10-per-hour job. Three months after finding Step Up for Women, Katelyn’s life headed in a dramatically new direction.
Some of our Amazing Alumni
Straight from our Alumni
"Step-Up is a safe haven for so many. I had the opportunity to see a woman who struggled with addiction become sober and turn her life around. Step-Up not only opens doors for women, but opens hearts making us better people, workers, business owners, mothers, sisters, partners, and friends."
"The most important thing I got from this class was a support system."
"I loved learning alongside great women and pushing forward in the changing construction industry. I'm a carpenter and make more than I ever did. Thank you West Virginia Women Work for encouraging me and helping me to empower myself to become something I never thought I could."
I went through Women Work in Spring 2017. That August I got into the Iron Workers Union Local 549. I did my apprenticeship, and I'm now a Journeyman Iron Worker as of Fall 2020. I was able to buy my own home in August 2020, which was a financial goal for me. I attend training next month to gain Tower Climber certification in Michigan. The training program said I will be the first woman to attend the classes!
"I was in a domestic violence situation, homeless, no career and no future. My program coordinator was supportive, encouraging, and helped me set myself up for success. This program gave me confidence, taught me skills in the construction trade, and gave me a passion to not just survive in life, but to thrive. “
"WVWW are extremely supportive and helpful in preparing us for the site situations. These ladies helped buy all of the tools I needed to start my new journey at the Carpenters Union and helped me get in contact with the right people. I am so excited to start my new journey."
