Women of Gases and Welding Committee

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, Noble Gas Solutions
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

GAWDA WGW Committee will accept applications in June 2025
Click here to visit the WGW Educational Grant Page

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 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: Applications will open in June 2025
August 1, 2025:
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

Our Spring Virtual Roundtable is
April 21st (Monday) @ 1PM Eastern.
Click here to learn more and register today!

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. Click here to register today!

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

Resources for Women Owners

Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/content/women-owned-businesses
https://www.sba.gov/content/women-owned-small-business-program

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
http://www.wbenc.org/

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