Mission – To enhance the success of women in the gases and welding industry

Strategic Objectives

  • Provide opportunities for women within the GAWDA membership to establish relationships that support personal and professional development

    Provide opportunities for women in the gases and welding industries at large through educational advancement

    Provide opportunities for women throughout the gases and welding industries

    Foster a more diverse and inclusive environment for women in the gases and welding industries.

    Executive Leadership Team

    Judy Miller, Committee Chair, WESCO Gas & Welding Supply
    Heather Ewert, Chart
    Melissa Heard, Weldcoa
    Colleen Kohler, Linde
    Allyson Kostalnick, Superior Products
    Liz McMurphy, ILMO Products, Inc.
    Monica Pfarr, American Welding Society
    Linda Smith, Chemweld, Inc.
    Vanjia Thomas, American Welding & Gas

    A New Career Advancement Opportunity

For the Women within the GAWDA Community – The new Women of Gases & Welding (WGW) Educational Grant Program will provide financial support to three GAWDA female members to attend the University of Innovative Distribution (UID).

The UID is a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. Courses are grouped in Education Tracks based on theme, such as Management, Operations, Marketing, Distribution Strategy, Sales and more. The UID experience is designed to enhance and fortify your knowledge, skills, and abilities with hands-on experience to support immediate application into your work environment. This is an direct benefit for your employee, your company, and our industry. A TRIPLE WIN!!! For more details about the University of Innovation Distribution and the courses offered, visit them at https://www.univid.org/aws/AEA/pt/sp/UID_home_page

Grant Details:

  • $2,895 total awarded to each WGW Educational Grant Recipient.  This includes the $1,395.00 to registration fee and $1,500 to cover travel and expenses.
  • 3 grants will be given.

Grant Recipient Selection Process:

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Applicant must be a GAWDA member or employee of a GAWDA member.
  • Applicant must be a female.
  • Applicant must provide a letter of reference from their employer.
  • Applicant must include an essay explaining how they will use this education in their professional life.

Grant Timeline:

  • June 1 – August 9, 2025: Now accepting applications
  • August 1, 2025: Application deadline
  • August 2 – September 1, 2025: Review of Applications/Select Recipients
  • September 2025: Notify Recipients
  • GAWDA Annual Convention October 8 – 11, 2025 (Tampa, FL): Announce Recipients
  • December 2025: University of Innovative Distribution Registration Opens
  • March 2026: Recipients attends UID

 Please contact Natasha Alexis at nalexis@gawda.org with any questions.

We are very excited to be offering this program to GAWDA members. This has been a dream/goal of WGW committee members for some time.

Virtual WGW Roundtable Events:

Network, learn and benefit from the shared knowledge and experience of fellow female GAWDA members through moderated dialogue – without leaving the comfort of your own surroundings.

We offer two Virtual “Zoom Chats” a year lead by a few of the WGW Committee Members.

    • 1-Hour Long
    • Free and Open to Any GAWDA Member

Thank you to all who atended
our Spring Virtual Roundtable on
April 21st (Monday) @ 1PM Eastern.
Stay tuned for our next event!

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This isn’t a formal webinar or presentation—it’s a casual video chat hosted by GAWDA’s WGW Committee. The focus is on creating real conversation, authentic connections, and a supportive space where everyone feels welcome.

If you have questions, please email Melissa Heard at Melissa@weldcoa.com.

Resources for Women Owners

Other Resources

Education and Executive Training

Available Scholarships

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