VAA Virginia Asphalt Fall/Winter 2021

32 FALL/WINTER 2021 Alicia Brooks, technical sales support specialist for Luck Stone and co-chairwoman WofA Virginia, speaks at WofA Kickoff Event. TO LEAD AND INSPIRE and goals of Women of Asphalt. The states with current WofA branches include Col- orado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota/Dakota, Missouri, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In April 2021, the Virginia branch was formed when the Virginia Asphalt Associ- ation agreed to partner with WofA. As of October 2021, WofA Virginia is the second largest state branch, with 73 active mem- bers. Blair Williamson, president of S.L. Williamson Co., is the current chairwoman of the branch. She initially addressed the Virginia Asphalt Association’s Board of Directors, as a board member herself, to consider the partnership with WofA and form the Virginia branch. Blair’s desire for representation and advocacy within the asphalt industry sparked the flame to create something very much needed, and so far, it has been a great success. Blair then asked Alicia Brooks, technical sales support spe- cialist for Luck Stone, to lead alongside her as co-chairwoman. Alicia couldn’t think of a better way to be involved and has become an asset to the branch. Both chairwomen were asked what the branch means to them and what they think it means for the industry. Blair stated, “There are such incredible opportunities for women in the construction and asphalt field that are simply and typically not investi- gated because there are not many role mod- els to hold up as examples. It is important to me to introduce women, of all ages, to the amazing careers in our field. Most compa- nies are experiencing severe labor shortages on all levels, and historically they have only been looking at half of the population to fill △ continued from page 31 this need. Having worked in this industry for 30 years, starting at the bottom as a laborer on a crew, moving to an estimating role, and now in an executive role, I can personally attest that all the jobs and skillsets required are gender-neutral. It is time to introduce women to the fabulous asphalt industry and all that it has to offer.” Alicia addressed the question and stated, “Women of Asphalt Virginia will make a huge difference in the industry as it will provide a platform for each of us to support one another along our journey. Each of us has a contribution that can make our comrades stronger when communing as one. If there is a chance for Workforce development is vital in the coming years, and there is potential for women to fill the gaps within the industry.