As I look back on 2024, I am overwhelmed with pride for what WV Women Work has accomplished this year. What a transformation! We’ve seen women step into new roles, gain the confidence to pursue life-changing careers, and inspire us all with their resilience and determination. We have been recognized on national stages and did what was thought to be impossible.
In 2024, we supported 85 women who were ready to transform their lives. Through our programs, 54 women trained in the SUFW Construction and Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Programs and 32 women joined the PartnerUp Mentorship Program. This year, our students earned over 300 certifications, including Forklift, OSHA10, and First Aid/CPR, HVAC in Training and NIMS. These credentials represent more than technical skills: they symbolize opportunities, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our students didn’t just learn, they gave back. They completed service projects at the Step Up HUB, 4-H organizations, and food pantries, making an impact in their communities while gaining hands-on experience.
WVWW’s reach and influence grew exponentially in 2024. We were proud to speak at key events like the National SNAP E&T Forum, the WV State Workforce Board Meeting, and the Federal Democratic Women’s Caucus Roundtable on Tradeswomen. We were represented at the Lowes Gable Grant Gathering in North Carolina and at the Just Transition Fund Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Our work garnered widespread attention this year, with features on NBC News highlighting our forklift training and construction programs, WSAZ showcasing our manufacturing efforts, and national platforms like the Boom Nation and Oatey podcasts amplifying our mission. These media appearances, combined with our participation in events like the WV Manufacturing Expo and Girls in Aviation Day, helped extend our reach and share the transformative impact of WVWW’s programs. Together, these efforts have not only elevated our visibility but also inspired new partnerships and opportunities to support women in nontraditional careers.
We had so many partners reach out to us! They attended our Resource Fairs, provided training for students, and explored creative ways for improved partnership. When the EEOC Commissioner visited our office, it affirmed our commitment to equity in the workforce and reinforced the importance of the work we’re doing every day.
This year we purchased our first-ever training facility, The Step Up HUB in Dunbar. Thanks to the generous Lowe’s Gable Grant, we transformed this space into a center for learning, empowerment, and community. At our ribbon cutting ceremony, we celebrated not only the building but the countless opportunities it will provide for years to come. The Step Up HUB really shows what’s possible when we come together to create change.
We’ve been relentless in our advocacy efforts, fighting for SNAP and WIOA reforms that will open doors for more women. We partnered with WVU on their EV curriculum, worked with CWIT on workforce strategies, and became the Equity Partner for the WV AEIM Consortium to further inclusivity in the workplace. Our newly launched storytelling campaign brought our mission to life through the voices of the women we serve and our new SAFE Program provides employers and workforce partners with equity tools they didn’t previously have.
Next year marks a major milestone for WVWW: our 25th anniversary. For 25 years, we’ve been breaking barriers and proving that women in West Virginia are a driving force in our economy and our communities. We’re planning a year filled with celebrations and acts of service to honor our milestone anniversary. The year will kick off with special training events that highlight our commitment to empowering women through education and opportunity. We’ll host bootcamps for girls, designed to inspire and create a pipeline for the next generation of tradeswomen. Fundraisers and community events will bring people together to celebrate our mission and the impact we’ve made over the years. Building on the momentum of 2024, we are ready to take WVWW to new heights in 2025.
As I reflect on everything we’ve accomplished this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible community that makes WV Women Work what it is. To our supporters, funders, and partners: your belief in our mission makes everything we do possible. To my staff: your passion, dedication, and hard work are the heart of this organization, and I am endlessly proud of all that you give to our mission. Most importantly, to the women who trust us with their hopes and dreams: you are the reason we exist, and your courage inspires us daily. The work we do together doesn’t end with one credential or career; the ripple effects of emboldening women go on infinitely; changing families, communities, and industries for generations. As we step into our 25th year, I invite you to celebrate with us, continue standing beside us, and step up with us as we continue creating opportunities.
With appreciation and hope,
Carol Phillips
Executive Director, WV Women Work
