Women in Industry Gals

Stephanie is using her experiences and lessons learned to help mentor young women.  What started out as a small initiative to help get a group of girls from one of her local high schools to the POWER Women in Industry Conference in Galveston, Tx has turned into a huge movement that has started a long overdue conversation on helping young women find their place in the workforce!  She has made it her mission to show girls all of the opportunities available to them from skilled trades to STEM and everything in between!

Toni has worked for Citgo Refinery in Corpus Christ, Texas for eight years starting out as a contractor and most recently being promoted to Incident Management Coordinator with their Health & Safety Department.  At the age of 18 she found herself being a young mom having to put her dreams on hold to raise her son.  Now not only does she hold an associate's degree in Occupational Safety and Health but she is nearing completion of her bachelors degree as well.

Jolee is a Billing Coordinator for International Cooling Tower, Inc. , a major North American manufacturer and service provider of industrial cooling towers, in Deer Park, Tx!  She spent a lot of time out in the field and felt frustrated by being handed simpler jobs because she was a female.  That frustration only caused her to push harder to earn her place.  Now she holds certifications in forklift and heavy equipment operations!

Wendy is a Public Affairs Representative for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, a petrochemical company jointly owned by Chevron Corporation and Phillips 66, in Sweeny, Tx!  She wishes Career and Technical Education (CTE) was available when she was in high school so she could have had a better understanding of different occupations.  Now, along with the support of CPChem, she does all that she can to help encourage student participation in events such as the Women in Industry Conference.

Kaylin is a Pipe Welder for TDIndustries, Inc., a premier construction and facilities services company, in Fort Worth, Tx!  Growing up in her dad's shop, Kaylin was already familiar with different types of construction tools.  When it came time for her to pursue a career, she found her spot as a welder, just like her dad!  She now advocates for other women and helps them learn that there is a place for them in the construction industry!

At just 18 years old, Annika is already leaving her mark in history with being only the second female solo entrant to win the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition!  She's also well on her way to completing her studies to become an automotive technician while running not one but two businesses!    Ultimately, she hopes to buy some land and start a cattle ranch but until then she does her best to learn something new everyday and make everyday an adventure!  Annika hopes to inspire other girls to push aside their fears and work towards their goals because she knows from experience that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!

Krista is in her final year of the Process Technology Program at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Tx!  After realizing that a career as a Medical Assistant wasn't for her, Krista had the opportunity to spend her days caring for her family.  Now that she is ready to get back to work, she has found her spot in the world of Process Technology!  She hopes that by sharing her story she will encourage other women to overcome their limiting beliefs and consider careers in non-traditional, and often male-dominated roles because she knows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!

Growing up with six brothers, Alexis knows all too well what it means to live in a male-dominated world.  After her post-high school plans to attend college didn't work out the way she thought they would, she found herself in a successful career but always felt like something was missing.  Being blessed with two beautiful daughters gave Alexis the motivation to go back to college and pursue a degree in Process Technology from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Tx!  She says that although it is scary venturing into an unfamiliar occupation, she knows that she is setting a great example for her girls, showing them that they too can be anything they want to be!

Jessica graduated high school in the top 10 of her class and had planned to go to a university to study nursing or engineering.  That all changed when she decided to raise her hand when no one else around her did.  She volunteered to apply for a scholarship opportunity in process technology and was accepted into a program at Del Mar College.  This year she will celebrate 12 years with the company that gave her that opportunity and she says that she wouldn't go back and change a thing!

After high school Leslie attended Texas A&M - Corpus Christi but found herself changing her major not once but three times before she decided to take a step back and figure out the right career path for her.  She transferred to Del Mar College and after talking with a few family members that were in the industry and getting some not-so-encouraging feedback from her peers she signed up for the Process Technology Program and completed it in one year.  Now she's taking her experience and sharing her lessons learned with other women to let them know that the industry needs them!

Rosa didn't finish high school but that didn't stop her from dreaming big!  Ever since her first job in the industry as a Firewatch, she aspired to one day become a Process Operator.  Although she heard "no" time after time she kept pushing and eventually found her way in a place where many told her she didn't belong.  She recently graduated from Del Mar College with her associate's degree in Process Technology and looking back, she says that she wants to show other gals that it doesn't matter where you've been; what matters is where you want to go and doing what it takes to get there!

Adrianna is a 2022 High School Graduate who went straight from the classroom to the workforce.  A class she took during her freshman year sparked an interest in her to learn a little more about CTE and a career in skilled trades.  She joined her school's welding program and went on to become an AWS certified welder.  She also competed in the SkillsUSA Welding Sculpture Competition and took home the State Champion Title along with an opportunity to compete at the national level in Atlanta.  When she walked across the stage to accept her diploma she had a full-time job waiting on her and says she can't wait to see what the future has in store!

In May of 2022, Nicole walked across the stage at Del Mar College to accept her Associates of Applied Science in Process Technology, a field that she never thought she would ever be in.  She credits growing up with a dad who wasn't afraid to show his little girl how to get her hands dirty with her success in being able to step out of her comfort zone and consider a non-traditional career.  She says that when she was younger her dad would have her help him perform maintenance on his 18-wheeler and showed her how to use different tools.  She hopes to show her little girls that they too can be successful in any career they may choose.

Right after high school graduation, Ethel went to work for her parent's business rebuilding semi-trucks.  She's never been afraid to get her hands dirty and has spent a lot of time in male-dominated working environments.  She spent over 20 years working for the prison system as a Correctional Officer before she decided to retire.  But instead of actually retiring, she went back to work in the oil & gas industry.      She has held a few different roles over the years and feels that it is important for women to know that they can do anything they set their mind to, whether it's turning wrenches or making tackles on the football field!

Sarah always knew that she wanted a career that would allow her to help people and as she ventured into the world of Psychology she never thought that it would take her into a career in Engineering.  After completing her bachelor's degree in Psychology she decided to pursue her master's degree focusing on Industrial/Organizational Psychology. After taking a class in Human Factors and learning about the importance of considering human capabilities and limitations in the design of workspaces, she switched her focus to Human Factors Engineering.  Now she gets to help people everyday by making sure they are able to work safely and comfortably leaving for the day the same way they arrived, safe and sound!

Lori's career in Plant Layout & Piping Design has taken her to different parts of the world both in the office and out in the field.    What started out as an interview for a secretary position at an engineering company turned into an opportunity for her to go through a training program where she would learn to become a designer for not just the Oil, Gas & Chemical Industry but she has also held roles in the Pipeline, Offshore, Pharmaceutical, Pulp & Paper and Nuclear Industries as well.  Although the early years of her career were quite difficult, she says that she wouldn't change a thing.  Over the years she learned that no one was going to pull out a seat at the table for her, and that was completely okay.  She wasn't afraid to put in the work and earn her place and since her days as a trainee she has done just that.

Teresa's career has been full of opportunities that she never imagined she would be able to have.  She grew up in a small town but knew that she wanted to see what the world had to offer.  She initially had plans to become a professor but her life took a few twists and turns.  She started her career as a Chemical Engineer for ExxonMobil where she held various positions, each one helping grow her knowledge as well as her confidence.  She decided that she wanted to start her own business and for the last 13 years she has spent her days helping companies with their product development and project management processes.  She has also had the chance to teach part-time at several colleges and universities.  Her career may not have started out the way she planned but she is so happy that the path led her to where she is today.

In 2018, as her daughter was graduating high school, Regina was graduating from DelMar College.  It had been 18 years since she graduated high school and while that may not have been her initial plan, she soon found that life will lead you on the path that you are meant to be on.  When she graduated from high school, Regina had a 9 month-old-daughter and no idea what life would look like.  Now, she has 3 daughters and a granddaughter and knows how important it is to help them learn, at an early age, about career opportunities that are available to them.  She may not have left high school with a plan for her career and spent a lot of time spinning her wheels trying to find her place in the workforce but she is determined to not let history repeat itself when it comes to her girls!

Ashira grew up in a single-parent household and knows all too well just how hard the struggle can be to achieve financial stability without post-secondary education. She was determined to change her family tree and to work hard to be successful.  She graduated from Colorado State University with a business degree and went on to find her way into a career that she loves.   In her current role with Halliburton, she gets to manage a program called the Educational Advisory Board, in which institutions apply for funds for programs that target diverse, underrepresented, low-income, and skill building programs.  She faced many obstacles along her way but each one showed her just how much she is capable of.  Ashira hopes that by sharing her story she can inspire others to step out in faith and not in fear. 

In the 12 years that Cassaundra has been out of high school she has held many different roles with several different organizations.  She says that when she graduated and started her college journey studying Astrophysics she thought that she would eventually go to work for NASA.  As she began to study the universe she realized just how big it was and just how small she was.  She was determined to find a way to make a bigger impact on the world.  She loved connecting with people and felt that as long as she was surrounded by good people she would be successful in any career.  She's now in the construction industry with a company that goes above and beyond to make sure their employees feel valued and have the tools they need to be successful. It may not be an industry that most women consider but she hopes to change that narrative through the work she is doing with The Roof Gals!

Abby was raised on her family's farm in New Lisbon, WI. and was introduced to welding and working with her hands from a young age.  When it came time for her to choose a career path she decided to pursue a degree in welding because not only did she find it intriguing but she knew that it would open up a lot of different doors for her.  She is now in her sophomore year in college and has learned so much about what it truly means to be a woman in industry!  She hopes that by sharing what she has learned she can inspire the next generation to seek out all available opportunities before deciding on a career because you never know what you might end up being really great at; it could be something you never thought you could be 

Sierra recently won 1st place  at the Industry After Hours' 1st Annual Women's Welding Competition that took place at Top Coat Fabricators in Jones Creek, Texas!  She started her career in welding as a Pipefitter Helper and says that she quickly learned that not only was welding fun and interesting but it is also a career path that has given her the opportunity to provide her family with a secure and comfortable lifestyle.  She hopes to be an example not only for her daughter but for other women to show them that they can be anything that they want to be as long as they are willing to put in the work!

Crystal's road into the Construction Industry was quite bumpy and she admits that if she could go back in time and give her younger self some advice, her younger self probably would not even take the time to listen.  She has come a very long way over the last 10 years and she hopes that by sharing her story she can encourage other women to look past their past and know that it is never too late to make a fresh start and build a beautiful life from a life that was once broken!

Samantha got her start in industry as a Pipefitter Helper and says that when she got the opportunity to pick up a welding rod, she realized that she had found her calling!  Although she had no idea what it meant to be a welder, that didn't stop her from putting in the work needed to master the craft.  She says that while most might see a Woman Welder as a disadvantage on the jobsite, she is changing that perception as she continues to rock the welding scene.  She hopes to encourage more women to consider welding as a career path because the rewards far outweigh the struggles.

Beccah is a Woman in Construction times three!  She's a roofer, a welder and a business owner all wrapped up into one ball of fire that is determined to  change the way that women in the construction workforce are seen.  She's faced some challenges along her way but at the same time she has also been able to lean on a few  people who believed in her, sometimes more than she believed in herself.  She hopes to encourage women to think outside the box when it comes to their career especially those who may not be able to afford to go to college.  It's okay to pick up a job as a waitress at your local diner, but Beccah wants to ask you, what's after that?  There's a whole world of opportunity out there just waiting for you to knock on the door!

Nilva joined the U.S. Air Force right out of high school.  She wasn't sure what she wanted to do for a career and felt like her options were limited.  After leaving the military she enrolled in college and completed a degree in Healthcare Administration, a degree that she never ended up using.  She was offered a job by a builder who was flipping houses.  She had no experience in construction but took the chance to learn something new and she says it's the best decision she ever made.  Now she owns her own business and says there is no place she would rather be than a Woman in the Construction Industry!

When Alison was a little girl and someone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up her answer was always "Architect".  Not only did she grow up to be an amazing architect, she also owns her own architectural firm named Alison Hall Architect Inc.  When she was in high school she took as many drafting and engineering classes that she could fit into her schedule.  When she set foot on the campus of Virginia Tech, she was fully prepared to declare her major and get started on the rest of her life.  She's had a lot of support and encouragement along the way and feels that without that she wouldn't be where she is today.

Janeen, aka @concrete_diva, graduated high school and went on to pursue a career as a teacher.  After completing her associates degree, she decided that maybe teaching wasn't where she was meant to be.  She grew up in the world of ready-mix concrete because that was the family business.  She decided that was the career path for her and she has been laying foundations ever since.  She's made a lot of connections and has had people support and encourage her along her way.  Janeen says it’s important to have a diverse phone book of people you can reach out to for various reasons.  Most importantly, she says to work to establish yourself as a go-to for your niche!  Whatever your niche may be, give it all you got and remember, you can do hard things!  

Cindy's love of House Flipping started from a young age.  She took an internship  at the age of 17 says she knew right away that the construction industry was not for the faint of heart.  Her boss's name was also Cindy and she was also a blonde and when both of them walked out into the field in their hardhats, needless to say they caused quite the commotion.  Although she has experienced bias she says that she would not want to be anywhere else.  She has had a couple of setbacks along her way but says that she hasn't let that stop her from working hard towards her goals. She hopes to inspire other women to pursue their dreams, no matter how long it might take.

Samantha graduated high school and went on to obtain her cosmetology license.  She then enrolled in and completed her degree in marketing from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with the intention of opening her own business.  She never had any thought of going into the construction industry but after getting fully involved in the construction of her skincare center, she found within her a love for construction that she never knew existed.  She's faced some challenges along her way but at the same time there were many people who encouraged and guided her.  She says that building relationships is vital to your success not just in construction but in any industry.  

 Kassy was determined to make art into a career and after years of trying to turn it into a full-time job, she was almost ready to give up until one day she took a chance that ended up changing her life.  Her experiences as a painter led her to create Trade Chicks, a community where she helps hardworking females in nontraditional roles shine through her love of art.   She hopes to encourage other women to consider a career in the trades because not only can it provide stability it can also be a lot of fun!  

Hacia left her corporate job to follow her passion of empowering women in the skilled trades.  She founded an organization that helps encourage women to consider a career in nontraditional roles and helps uplift and empower those who have found the courage to step into an often male-dominated industry.  Through Empowered Women in Trades she hopes to create a world that is built on equality and help women see the skilled trades as a viable career option.  

Ashton, aka That Masonry Girl, was the first girl to win the SkillsUSA National Masonry Competition 2 years in a row.  She found her love of masonry as a sophomore in high school but wasn't quite sure if she could turn it into a career.   After a conversation about career opportunities with a local masonry company she decided to pursue a degree in Construction Management.  She is now a Workforce Development Coordinator for the Texas Masonry Council, a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association comprised of masonry contractors and suppliers working together to promote the expanded use and the benefits of masonry.  She gets to travel for competitions, conventions and events and says that her journey in the trades, although not always easy, was completely worth the hard work it took to get her to where she is today!

Sinead grew up in a big family who was heavily involved in the construction industry but she never thought that's where she would find her spot in the workforce.  She says that if she wouldn't have taken a chance and been open to a career in a field that she never thought was for her, she wouldn't be where she is today.  Based on her experiences working in a male-dominated industry she founded an organization that helps to support and encourage women to consider a career in construction.  She hopes that by sharing her story she can continue her mission to create a workforce based on equality. 

Kelly has always had an entrepreneurial spirit from starting a lemonade stand when she was six years old to later starting her own line of retail bra boutiques.  Right when she was about to step back from her business ventures to help her son get into professional drag racing life had different plans for her.  One thing led to another and she ended up starting Seraphina Safety Apparel & Mfg.  Kelly says that her strength, persistence, and grit has grown out of the refusal to stay down.  She has learned how to fail gracefully, learn from it and figure out another way.  She knows that the only true failure is the day she quits trying to take one more step forward!

Kristin grew up with a love of music and when it came time to to apply for college Berklee College of Music was the place she wanted to be and that's exactly where she went after high school graduation.  She spent some time in working in a recording studio as a freelance engineer before she found her place in the Architecture,  Engineering and  Construction Industry where she now works as a Senior Design Consultant for ACT Associates.  Having a lack of other women to look up to as she was starting her career has given Kristin the push to help encourage and empower the next generation of Women in AEC by sharing the lessons she's learned along her way.

Wendy  thought she knew what she wanted to do after graduating high school and admits that although she doesn't use the degree that she went to college for, she would never discredit her time pursuing post-secondary education.  The relationships she made have brought her to where she is today and she hopes to be able to use her platform to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the trades.  It was her dream to work for Shell and she says that it took some time but she didn't give up and is now in a position that she loves and that offers the opportunity for something new every single day!  

Stephanie came from a family where her grandparents grew up working in the fields as children without the opportunity to graduate from high school much less obtain post-secondary education.  Pursuing a professional career wasn't something that was encouraged in her household but Stephanie always knew that she wanted more out of life.  She was 26 when she completed her associates degree and then went on to complete her bachelors degree at St. Mary's University in San Antonio.  In her position with SpawGlass she helps to encourage and empower the next generation of construction workers with a little bit stronger focus on women and helping them learn there is a place out there for them too!

Amanda left the security of full-time employment to spend more time working on her not-for-profit organization Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC).  She spent a lot of time working to prove that she belonged in the construction industry and says that now her goal is to empower women to stop wondering "what if".  If you've ever dreamt of doing something different, do it!  Don't worry about what other people have to say.  Find your "tribe" and lean on them to help carry you through.  The right people will be there to encourage and support you.  There is more than one way to reach your goal.  Ask someone for help, the right people, your "tribe", will always say yes! 

Sam left a successful 12 year career in retail to pursue a sales job in the construction industry.  After asking a former boss for a raise and basically being told that she wasn't worth it she decided to start her own business. She knew her value and was determined to make her way in an industry that most women wouldn't look to for a career much less to start a business.  She has worked hard to get to where she is today and says that she hopes to encourage other women to find their voice, conquer their fears and never settle for anything less than the best.  Most importantly and above all else, Sam wants to be the woman who mentions another woman's name in a room full of women!  

Natasha was never a stranger to hard work. Her parents immigrated from Jamaica and as a young girl she often tagged along to work with her dad, a general contractor who specialized in appliances.  After working in the corporate communication space for several years, she realized that a desk job just wasn't for her.  When she decided to start her own company, it was her mother's words that helped push her through when she felt like giving up.  She had told her mom that she was discouraged when applying to jobs in the industry and she just didn't feel like she had a fair chance.  Her mother's response, "Change it!"  And that's exactly what Natasha did!

Rachel can still remember the day she she at in the admission's office at Arizona State University to register for classes not yet knowing what she wanted to major in.  A career quiz later she was enrolled in their social work program which she successfully completed.  After graduating with her bachelors degree went on to work in social services.  After about 6 years she discovered her love for welding and the rest is HERstory!  Rachel hopes to encourage women to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.  You never know what you could be absolutely amazing at if you don't try!

As a young girl Camila dreamt of leaving Colombia and traveling the world.  She had always had a love of art so when she graduated college pursuing a degree in Graphic Design was an easy choice.  Once she finished her bachelors, she hopped on a plane and traveled to the other side of the world.  She had always wanted to visit Australia and once she step foot on the land down under, she knew she had found the place she would call home.  She has been in the trades for over 6 years now and says that there is no place she would rather be.  She hopes to encourage other women to always follow their dreams and do what makes them happy!

Kiersten grew up with two sisters and from a young age their parents taught them how to work with their hands.  They spent a lot of their weekends building fences, building decks, painting and doing other things around the house.  Looking back she says that while she probably would have rather spent the weekends hanging out with her friends, she is glad that her parents taught her so many valuable skills that she still uses today.   She hopes that by sharing her story she can encourage other women to follow their passion and push through obstacles that might stand in their way!

If there was one thing that Katie knew in regards to a career it was that she didn't want to spend it sitting behind a desk.   She grew up knowing that she could be anything that she wanted to be and although being in the construction industry hasn't always been easy she says that she is confident that there isn't a trade that she can't learn.  She is often reminded that her crew is all female, as if she didn't already know, and while some might see that as a disadvantage, she knows that all they have to do is let their work speak for itself.

Charlotte (aka Accidental Female Developer) had always enjoyed business and knew that she wanted to continue to study it for as long as she could. After high school graduation she went to university majoring in business and Spanish before continuing on to study marketing.  She worked in marketing for 15 years before she "accidently" fell into the construction industry.  Following the sudden deaths of her brother and father, the family property development business was left with no one to run it.  Charlotte decided to take the reigns and the rest is HERstory!

Shannon, aka Lady Voltz, grew up being encouraged by her parents to follow her arrow now matter which way it would go.  If there was something that Shannon was curious about and wanted to learn a bit more about it, they were there to support her each step of the way.  She now offers that same kind of support to women in  trades and helps them find the courage to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to a career.  She wants them to know that the skilled trades isn't just a place for you to SURVIVE but it's also a place that you will be able to THRIVE. 

Brittany started her career in the trades while she was till in high school.  She was offered the opportunity to join a paid co-op program and completed two years of that apprenticeship before venturing out and starting her own business, BM Farrow Construction, aka Girls Can Frame.  She hopes to help more women journey outside of their comfort zone seek out a career in the trades because she knows the world of endless possibilities that are out there.

Monique started a career as a hairdresser and makeup artist but found that it wasn't something that she woke up and was excited to do every single day.  She thought that since she had been successful in completing those apprenticeship and certification programs, why not try out something completely different.  She took a chance on bricklaying and fell in love with it.  She now owns her own business and hopes to be able to encourage other women to pursue a career in the trades.

Jada left high school knowing that when she stepped foot on the campus of  North Carolina State University she would be on her way to becoming an engineer. She wasn't sure exactly the path she would take but she had the opportunity to explore different areas of engineering during her first year and found that construction and design is what she liked the most.  She completed her degree in Construction Engineering and is now in a career that she absolutely loves.

Noxy knew from a young age that she wanted a career in the built environment.  She went to university fully prepared to major in construction economics and management and says that she was fortunate to have the opportunity to do 100 hours of practical experience during her first year.  Noxy says that she was hard on herself when she first started her career and has had to learn to not be her own biggest critic.  She's learning to live for the moment and hopes to encourage other women to do the same!

Kim spends her days behind the wheel of big rigs which is why she is also known as Big Rig Kim!  She's overcome a ton of obstacles to be where she is today and hopes that by sharing her story she can encourage women who have lost hope in finding their way into a successful career to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.  She says that the blue-collar industry saved her life and she wants to show women that there is a place for everyone no matter what your background might be.

When Kathryn walked into her Intro to Building Construction class at Virginia Tech and found that out of 100 students she was one of six women, she knew that she was going to be in for an interesting journey.  Her career in the construction industry has been filled with tons of opportunity for learning and personal growth and she is taking her lessons learned and using them to help guide the women who are coming behind her.  She founded Space to Build to help create a community for women in construction to find support, encouragement and a helping hand to guide them along their way.  

Rachel left high school wanting to head in 20 different directions, knowing that she wanted a career that would afford her financial freedom  but not quite sure what that career path was.  She built a successful business but when her health took an unexpected turn she knew that she needed to switch gears and find a place where her physical limitations wouldn't limit her professionally.  She went into the trucking business and has been making her way the only way she knows how, heavy hauling across state lines and breaking through every barrier that tries to stand in her way!

Lauren always new that she wanted to own her own business, she just wasn't sure what kind of business that might be.  Looking back, she says if you would have told her that she would be a Woman in Manufacturing, she wouldn't have believed you!  Her journey in industry hasn't always been easy but there isn't much that she would change.  Every challenge that she has faced and conquered has helped her become a successful business owner and a force to be reckoned with!

Riley is finishing up her senior year in high school before heading off to college to study mechanical engineering and business marketing and she has already accomplished so many awesome things!  She's built her own carburetor rebuilding business from the ground up and is looking forward to furthering her knowledge of how cars work and what she can do to grow her business.  Riley hopes that her story will encourage and empower the automotive industry's future workforce!

DeIla started her career in industry in what she thought was a short-term position as a Firewatch and now she is teaching the next generation of welders everything she knows.  She never would have thought that she would be where she is today but finding a place in a nontraditional occupation has opened doors to opportunities that she is so thankful for.  She's had a wonderful journey and hopes that she can encourage girls to take a chance on something new and different because it can truly change your life in the best possible way!

Maria started her career in industry as a Firewatch after spending time in the Navy as a Construction Mechanic with the Seabees.  She is no stranger to working in male-dominated environments and says that while she has faced her share of challenges, she now looks back on how far she has come and is thankful that she took a chance to step outside of her comfort zone because it has opened doors to opportunities she never thought were possible.