Who We Are

West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals secure quality employment and build stronger communities across West Virginia. For over 20 years, we’ve helped people take the next step toward a stable, good-paying career.

Our programs offer hands-on training, career readiness, mentoring, and job placement support. Whether someone is switching careers, starting fresh, or ready to earn a living wage, we provide practical pathways to real opportunities — especially in fields that need skilled, reliable workers.

While our roots are in helping women enter high-demand fields like construction and manufacturing, our programs are open to all who are ready to work hard and build a future. We’ve supported more than 1,000 West Virginians through job coaching, skills training, and career exploration workshops.

In addition to supporting job seekers, WVWW partners with employers, unions, and training providers to help solve workforce challenges. Through this network, we’re able to connect qualified candidates with opportunities and help employers find and keep the talent they need.

Hi, I’m Carol! I was born and raised by a strong single mom in rural West Virginia. I have firsthand experience of the educational & economic roadblocks that Appalachian women face on their journey to economic independence.

After college, I worked in nontraditional careers ranging from poultry processing, landscaping, environmental consulting, and as a manager at a natural gas company. In these roles, I had the opportunity to work on various land development and construction projects. After a 16-year career as an environmental scientist, I stepped forward to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of WVWW in 2021.

I’m passionate about helping people gain the skills and confidence to move forward in life. It’s a privilege to be part of a team with a long track record of helping West Virginians build better futures through hands-on training and career preparation. I’m certified in Mental Health First Aid & Safety, and outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and eating food I didn’t cook. The WVWW Core Value that resonates most with me is Education. I believe in giving individuals the tools they need to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Hi, I’m Dara! I am the Chief Financial Officer at West Virginia Women Work. I grew up on the family farm in Preston County and that is still my happy place. For 20 years I have worked in various accounting roles in the non-profit, local government, and public sectors. I most enjoyed my time working at a small non-profit and decided to follow my bliss and join the WVWW Team in 2022.

I’m passionate about helping individuals reach their goals, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that’s made that possible for over two decades. At WVWW, my focus is on ensuring the financial health of our programs, so we can continue serving communities across the state.

I enjoy fishing, traveling to wine country, and a perfectly done steak paired with Italian red wine. The WVWW Core Value that speaks to me most is Enrichment. I believe in encouraging people to explore education, career options, and meaningful life experiences that help them grow.

Hi, I’m Kiesha! I am the Northern Regional Coordinator at West Virginia Women Work. I am a West Virginia native and worked in healthcare prior to making the life-changing decision to enroll in the Step Up for Women Construction program in 2017.

During the program, I discovered a passion for helping others build confidence and skills. I accepted the position as coordinator for the Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Program and established our Bridgeport location. I hold a certification as a forklift trainer and am a LEAN On Me WV Facilitator.

I’m a proud mom who would do anything for her kids, and I absolutely adore my granddaughter. I enjoy traveling and treating myself to a good crab leg dinner. The WVWW Core Value that most resonates with me is Opportunity. I believe in opening doors for others and helping people access the tools they need to succeed in work and life.

Hi, I’m Nichole! I am the Southern Regional Coordinator and First Aid/CPR Trainer at West Virginia Women Work. I am a Philadelphia transplant that fell in love with the Mountain State. I worked in healthcare prior to making the life-changing decision to enroll in the Step Up for Women Construction program in 2018.

During the program, I discovered a passion for helping people build confidence and expand their skill sets. I stepped into the role of coordinator for our construction pre-apprenticeship, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students. I’m an EPA-certified Lead Supervisor and hold multiple FEMA certificates in areas like volunteer management and safety.

My sons and my grandkids are my world. I also enjoy cooking, travel, and exploring folklore — especially anything Krampus. The WVWW Core Value that most resonates with me is Empowerment. My goal is to help others recognize their own potential and pursue opportunities that propel them forward in their careers and personal growth.

Bio coming soon!

Hi, I’m Marlynda, and I’m proud to serve as the Program Innovation Leader for WV Women Work. I was born and raised in Logan County, WV, where stories of Blair Mountain and conversations about “the workin’ man,” labor rights, and union pride shaped how I see the world. That foundation instilled in me a deep respect for the trades — especially the importance of safety and fair standards on the job. Today, as a proud union member, I’m committed to helping build a workforce where folks are treated fairly, trained well, and equipped to succeed.

My own nontraditional path started with degrees in graphics technology from Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community and Technical College. I studied everything from drafting to construction materials. After college, I worked for years as the art director of several collector car magazine titles — and during that time, I also earned my CDL. It’s an unusual combination, but it reflects how I’ve always approached life: hands-on, hardworking, and open to new challenges.

The WVWW Core Value that resonates most with me is Empowerment. Whether through PartnerUp, SkillUp, or workforce support, I work to help people build the skills, confidence, and direction they need to move forward — wherever they’re starting from.

Hello! I’m Heather, the Chief Operations Officer at West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), where I focus on equipping individuals with the skills and tools needed to succeed in high-demand, well-paying careers in the skilled trades. My professional journey has been shaped by a wide range of experiences, from software development and operations management to mentoring and program leadership.

In my current role, I oversee the operations that drive WVWW’s mission — including our storytelling efforts, website, social media, and digital infrastructure like Salesforce — ensuring our programs run efficiently and effectively. My background in writing, social media, and photography strengthens our ability to share real stories that connect with communities and employers across West Virginia while highlighting the impact of our work.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and spending time in nature, especially discovering new waterfalls and trails. The WVWW Core Value that most resonates with me is Opportunity. I believe in building real, practical paths that help people move forward, provide for their families, and contribute to their communities.

Our Board

Millie Karlin, Board Chair

Adrianne Dering, Vice Chair

Larissa Kirk, Treasurer

Amanda Ray, Secretary

Lisa Diehl, West Virginia Women Work Founder

Barbara Fleishauer, Member

Eva Segert Tauger, Member

Kimberly Dobryzynski, Member

Brett Matthews, Member

Jessica Raines, Member

Lori Hostuttler, Member

Carol Phillips, Non-voting Member

Who We Are

Carol Phillips

Dara Britton

Kiesha Hines

Nichole Stephenson

Carole Howard

Deidra Simpson

Marlynda Arnett

Heather Shockney

Our Board