Voice From The Field: Dave Lavender
Tell me about the professional and educational path that led you to where you are today. My name is Dave Lavender, and I am the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Film Office. I am a lifelong journalist as well as an entertainment journalist. My education and experience started at […]
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: Help Us Build the Future with $25 for 25 Years
For 25 years, West Virginia Women Work has been helping individuals across our state build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in high-wage, high-demand careers in the skilled trades. From construction sites to manufacturing floors, our graduates are powering industries that keep our communities strong. This year, as we mark 25 years […]
From the Classroom to the Jobsite: Success Stories Driving West Virginia’s Future
When people think about what keeps West Virginia running, they often think of the industries—construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation—that power our economy. But behind every project, every delivery, and every completed job is something even more important: the skilled workers who make it happen. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we know that when we invest […]
What It Takes to Build a Workforce That Works for West Virginia
West Virginia’s future depends on having a strong, reliable workforce ready to take on the jobs that keep our state running. But right now, many industries across our state are facing a challenge that threatens that future: there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to fill critical roles. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we’re doing […]
How Skilled Workers Are Keeping West Virginia’s Economy Strong
West Virginia has always been powered by hard work. From the industries that built our communities to the businesses that keep them running today, skilled workers are the foundation of our state’s economy. But right now, a growing shortage of trained professionals threatens to slow that momentum. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we see […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Ashley Standish Conley
What were you doing before joining WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction class? I was a retail manager working at the local mall and lost my job. They fired me when I was 35-weeks pregnant because I was reluctant to climb a 12-foot ladder to change marketing notices and preferred to have a […]
Voice From The Field: Justin Owcar
What is your name, and what do you do? Hi, I’m Justin Owcar president of the WV Filmmakers Guild. How did you become the president of the WV Filmmakers Guild? My friend Tom Heckman, the current Secretary, and I went to our first WVFG meeting in 2012 in Charleston, and the vice president position was […]
Voices From The Field: Hannah Grace & Trinity Love Rollins
Please tell me your name and what long term career path you want to pursue now that you’re graduates of Marshall University’s filmmaking program. Hannah: I’m Hannah Grace, and my goal is working in post-production or producing and helping with logistics of production itself. Trinity: I’m Trinity Love Rollins, and I intend to go into […]
Voice From The Field: Shamma Casson
What is your name, and what is your job in the film industry? My name is Shamma Casson. I am a trained actress, and I am also a script supervisor for short films, low-budget films, and other similar projects. I am also a member of the West Virginia Screen Actors Guild. How did you get […]
Voice From The Field: Brooke Gaston
I know you have two careers. Let’s talk about your career in the entertainment industry first. I have been in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty-five years, and I have worked my way up the ladder to become a line producer. Right now, my work is mostly in producing commercials, but I also work on […]
