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Support and advocate for education, employment, and economic equity of all women.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carol Phillips Executive Director, West Virginia Women Work carol@wvwomenwork.org
EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal Visits West Virginia Women Work, Discusses Key Initiatives and Engages in Hands-On Learning
Morgantown, WV – April 24, 2024 – In a pivotal event highlighting the importance of federal and local collaborations in promoting workplace diversity and equality, EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal visited the Morgantown location of West Virginia Women Work (WVWW). The visit underscored the crucial intersection of federal initiatives and grassroots programs in advancing opportunities for women in nontraditional careers.
Commissioner Kotagal engaged with staff, board members, and students of WVWW’s Step Up for Women Construction Preapprenticeship program, discussing the EEOC’s REACH (Enhancing OutREACH to Vulnerable Workers and Underserved Communities) initiative. This initiative aims to enhance the EEOC’s outreach to ensure that workers, especially in underserved areas like West Virginia, have access to necessary resources and understand their rights under employment laws. Commissioner Kotagal emphasized her commitment to making a meaningful impact in historically underserved areas.
The Commissioner also focused on the recently enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), explaining how it facilitates necessary workplace accommodations for conditions arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The PWFA supports women’s continued employment throughout pregnancy and postpartum periods.
During her visit, Commissioner Kotagal actively participated in a hands-on construction project with WVWW students. Under the guidance of our pre-apprentices, she learned to safely operate a miter saw—a key skill taught in the Step Up program. The Commissioner personally cut several 2x6s, contributing directly to a class project constructing picnic tables later donated to local nonprofits. This involvement deeply demonstrated her commitment to understanding the practical challenges and successes of women in nontraditional fields. “Meeting the Commissioner and learning about her career path was inspiring. She was relatable, informative, and passionate,” said Kara, a SUFW Preapprentice.
Students shared their personal stories during the visit, illustrating how WVWW had influenced their paths and equipped them for success in trades. Commissioner Kotagal listened intently, acknowledging the unique barriers they face, particularly regarding childcare access and work schedules in skilled trades. Although addressing the childcare dilemma is beyond her direct influence, she highlighted the PWFA as a step towards broader support for working mothers.
She concluded her visit by encouraging students to advocate for themselves and others as they advance in their careers. “I encourage you to graduate and become ambassadors for, and advocates of, women in the skilled trades,” Commissioner Kotagal urged.
“Commissioner Kotagal’s visit brings invaluable attention to the barriers that women in West Virginia face in entering and thriving in nontraditional careers. It also highlights how initiatives like REACH and programs like Step Up for Women can collaboratively overcome these barriers,” said Carol Phillips, Executive Director of West Virginia Women Work. “We are grateful for her genuine engagement and the EEOC’s commitment to meeting people where they are, which today, was right here with us in Morgantown.”
The event not only highlighted the alignment of WVWW’s programs with federal equity goals but also emphasized the importance of supporting and expanding such programs through appropriate funding and policy support.
West Virginia Women Work continues to advocate for and implement programs that empower women through training, education, and supportive services, contributing significantly to the economic development of the state and the well-being of its communities.
For more information about West Virginia Women Work and the Step Up for Women program, visit https://westvirginiawomenwork.org.
About West Virginia Women Work West Virginia Women Work is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the education, employment, and economic equity of all women. With a focus on providing comprehensive training and resources, WVWW aims to empower women to secure and thrive in high-wage, high-skill, and nontraditional career paths.
Press Coverage
West Virginia Women Work: History
West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) was founded in 2000 by Lisa Diehl, a long-time advocate for women on issues related to nontraditional employment, economic self-sufficiency, and poverty. Lisa completed her apprenticeship in the Carpenters Union in 1983 and is a member of OTTERS. During the early years, the organization assisted women in distinct aspects of obtaining and maintaining employment in nontraditional roles. WVWW also assisted and continues to assist employers struggling to meet equal employment goals.
In 2001, the Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship was launched. The Step Up for Women Construction program is an employment-based, 12-week construction skilled trades training program specifically designed for women to obtain entry-level construction jobs in residential, commercial, and highway construction as well as acceptance into registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. The program, which combines job-readiness classroom topics, role-model and employer interactions, physical conditioning, and hands-on training in carpentry, electrical wiring, and plumbing, is the only program in the state to have been recognized by the Department of Labor as a quality pre-apprenticeship. Graduates are employed as laborers, carpenter helpers, electrician helpers/apprentices, sheet metal workers, ironworkers, painters, glaziers, highway maintenance workers, drywall finishers, millwrights, roofers, plumber helpers, building maintenance workers, engineering technicians, and registered apprentices.
In 2016 a second program, Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing was added to the training program. Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing is a 10-week long, employment-based, pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare adult women for entry-level positions and apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing. Students have the opportunity to meet with female role models in the manufacturing industry and visit employers. They take ToolingU online courses specially designed to introduce workers to advanced manufacturing concepts. The students receive hands-on training including learning the basics of high-tech (CNC) machines to make products used in medical, aerospace, pharmaceutical, auto, and extraction industries. Students in the program manually machine projects on mills and lathes, learn to read blueprints, learn to measure and inspect products, and hand-create industrial components.
West Virginia Women Work: Present
Today, West Virginia Women Work(WVWW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strives to help women in West Virginia earn a living wage. The primary focus of the organization’s activities is to help women explore, train, and secure employment in nontraditional occupations, especially the skilled trades. WVWW provides support programs, career coaching services, education services, and workshops to prepare women for employment in high skills, high wage nontraditional careers. We provide job skills training programs to prepare women for promising careers, while simultaneously helping employers create a work culture that better facilitates women’s success.
WVWW provides a wide range of technical assistance services for apprenticeship programs, employers, and training providers. Our technical assistance includes EEO Planning, Best Practices Training, diversity recruitment & retention services, and customized workplace training. We can help organizations create a work environment that promotes inclusion and respect.
Photos
Shown below are photos from some of our cohorts and our staff. We are happy for you to use these photos when sharing about us and our mission.
We are happy to provide any additional information you might want for each photo. Send an email to hshockney@wvwomenwork.org and provide the name of the photo you are interested in using.
Informational Resources
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West Virginia Women Work Proclamations
Quotes from Past Graduates & Students
“I really appreciated this program. It helped me get a great, well-paying job. It has a great atmosphere and is great for learning a few things to get started. 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 WV Women Work for encouraging me and helping me to empower myself to become something I never thought I could.” Lindsey T.
“I went through Women Work in Spring of 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’ll be the first woman to attend the classes!” Sarah “Sadie” B.
“WVWW is extremely supportive and helpful in preparing us for the site situations. These ladies helped me 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.” Hannah M.
“I was in a domestic violence situation, homeless, with 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. “Lea L.
“The most important thing I got from this class was a support system.” Erin D.
“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.” Victoria B.
“I started a carpentry job at $16.89 an hour plus benefit which is a $7.64 an hour raise from my old job at Burger King. My son is thrilled with my new job and I will be at home at night so I have more time with him. I’ll be able to stress less with the extra income and give my son (sic) a different life.” Lena G.
“The program has provided a safe space to build up & encourage students from all walks of life.Most importantly, I am growing my confidence and self-sufficiency. I have gained employment largely due to believing in myself and my skills.Please consider donating/supporting West Virginia Women Work as they educate and support women which leads to empowered employees joining the work force.” Amber S.
“WVWW’s program has been extremely informative and resourceful for students like me to attend. Not only have I been able to establish quality connections both personally and professionally, but with the education they have provided us we have been able to push our own boundaries to extend our abilities and goals. This program has become a home in a way a librarian falls in love with their library.“ Laura S.
“This program has given me many great opportunities learning trade skills, plumbing, HVAC, basic electrical, carpentry, resume & interviewing skills. It also gave me the confidence in myself I never knew I could have. My support for this program is abundant. The skills and confidence you gain can not be measured.” Ariean W.
“Before this program, I wasn’t getting anywhere in life. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, let alone how to do it. From day one of the program there was nothing but support, excitement, and encouragement. Because of the Step Up program, I am ready to take control of my life and now know I can do anything I put my mind to. The staff at WVWW is wonderful. They figure out where you are in life and where you want to go and they don’t let anyone fall behind.” Taylor M.
“We need programs such as West Virginia Women Work to build a better future for WV. This program only exists because of grants and private donations. I’m asking that you please help support our program. It has changed my life as well as all the women in my class.” Tricia C.
“I came to WVWW with little confidence in myself. Now after the program I’ve became hopeful for my life. WVWW has taught me that I am valued and hard working. They gave me the confidence that I can do any job I take on.” Sarah C.
“This program was a second chance. I might really get more in life, to help provide and pass down to my son. It has been very empowering to know what I have been able to accomplish during the program.” Courtney J.
“The 12-week program has had a huge impact on me. Entering the trades is not something that I could imagine doing as a female without the help of West Virginia Women Work. Thanks to the program and staff I have gained considerable knowledge that I can use beyond job hours. I have also gained the confidence to be independent. This has had a major positive impact on me and I will continue to refer others into the program.” Katie L.
Contact Information
Headquarters:
Address: 201 New Jersey Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
Phone: (304) 598-0114
Executive Director:
Carol Phillips, cphillips@wvwomenwork.org
Regional Coordinators:
Kanawha Valley
Nichole Stephenson, Southern Regional Coordinator
North Central
Kiesha Hines, Northern Regional Coordinator
Operations:
Heather Shockney, hshockney@wvwomenwork.org
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