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.

    Leadership Team

    Judy Miller, Committee Co-Chair, WESCO Gas & Welding Supply
    Sue Reiter, Committee Co-Chair, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    Colleen Kohler, Noble Gas Solutions
    Melissa Heard, Weldcoa
    Allyson Kostalnick, Superior Products
    Monica Pfarr, American Welding Society
    Linda Smith, Chemweld, Inc.
    Liz Standley, ILMO Products, Inc.

    A New Career Advancement Opportunity

    • Thank you to those you applied this year!
      Winners will be notified in September and announced at our Annual Convention in October.

  • For the Women within the GAWDA Community – The new Women of Gases & Welding (WGW) Educational Grant Program will provide financial support to two GAWDA female members to attend the University of Innovative Distribution (UID) in March 2024.
  • 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:

    • $2,795 total awarded to each WGW Educational Grant Recipient.  This includes the $1,295.00 to registration fee and $1,500 to cover travel and expenses.
    • 2 grants will be given every year.

    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 1, 2023: GAWDA WGW Accepting Applications
    • August 1, 2023: Application Deadline
    • August 2 – September 1, 2023: Review of Applications/Select Recipients
    • September 2023: Notify Recipients
    • GAWDA Annual Convention October 1-4, 2023 (Maui, HI): Announce Recipients
    • December 2023: University of Innovative Distribution Registration Opens
    • March 2024: 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.

    Upcoming Events:

    2023 Annual Convention in Maui, HI
    Sunday, October 1 – Wednesday, October 4, 2023
    Grand Wailea, 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753

    The GAWDA Annual Convention is on the beautiful island of Maui, HI this year. The WGW and Young Professionals Committees will host a joint event on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

    • This event will be open to all GAWDA members, both men and women.
    • WGW events traditionally sell out quickly. So, sign up as soon as GAWDA Headquarters releases the info later this summer.
    • More details to come

    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 plan on offering two Virtual “Zoom Chats” lead by a few of the WGW Committee Members.

    • 1-Hour Long
    • Free and Open to Any Female GAWDA Member
    • We will be using a Connection Activity to facilitate the process of sharing with one another quickly through a series of questions.

    Our next roundtable is August 23, 2023. Click here to register!

  • The goal of this Virtual Roundtable Event is to get to know one another better, to share tips or encouragement and to build stronger relationships within your GAWDA Community.  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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