Workforce In Focus: Women Of Asphalt
CATERPILLAR PAVING OPERATIONS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS SHARE TAKEAWAYS
Launched to support workforce development and provide women in the asphalt industry with hands-on technical training opportunities, the Women of Asphalt Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship selected six women from across the country to attend Caterpillar’s Paving Operations Training.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by Women of Asphalt and Caterpillar to invest in training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities that strengthen the future asphalt workforce.
In December, those half-dozen participants gained practical experience in paving fundamentals, screed operations, mat quality, safety, and field troubleshooting as part of the program.
NAPA Quarterly worked with Women of Asphalt to chronicle the scholarship experience.
REBECCA PLUMBER
Duval Asphalt | Florida
For Rebecca Plumber, the training helped connect the “why” behind paving operations. Through handson instruction and field demonstrations, she gained a deeper understanding of screed angle, machine reaction, and how small adjustments impact paving quality in the field.
“Learning about screed angle and how to maintain it through the pull completely changed my understanding of paving operations.”
Rebecca shared that the experience made her even more intrigued by paving and strengthened her understanding of how equipment reacts and performs during operations. She also emphasized the value of workforce training opportunities that help employees continue learning and building confidence in the field.
Read more on Rebecca from Duval: “This training program provides hands-on, immersive paving operations training at Caterpillar’s facility in Clayton, North Carolina. It’s an incredible opportunity for emerging leaders in the paving industry to expand their technical expertise and understanding of paving operations.”
ANGELINA MASELLI
Tilcon New York | New York
Angelina Maselli entered the training eager to grow her technical understanding of asphalt operations. Throughout the program, she learned how paving quality depends on multiple moving parts — from plant operations and material production to field execution and mat texture.
“My biggest takeaway was understanding the multiple factors required to achieve proper mat texture and quality paving results.”
The scholarship motivated Angelina to continue expanding her knowledge of asphalt operations both in the plant and in the field. She also highlighted the importance of programs that create technical growth opportunities while helping women build industry connections and long-term careers within asphalt.
TONETTE TOWNSEND
Superior Bowen | Kansas
Tonette Townsend entered the program looking to expand her field knowledge and left with a deeper understanding of screed operations and the precision required throughout the paving process.
“My biggest takeaway was learning more about screed operations and understanding how much precision goes into paving.”
Tonette shared that the scholarship gave her additional confidence, motivation, and eagerness to continue growing professionally. She emphasized the importance of continued workforce training opportunities as the asphalt industry continues to evolve and advance.
AUTUMN CATES
Ghilotti Construction | California
For Autumn Cates, programs like the WofA Caterpillar scholarship help showcase the wide range of opportunities available within asphalt construction while encouraging more people to explore field-focused careers across the industry.
She highlighted the importance of investing in workforce development and hands-on technical training to help strengthen the future of the asphalt workforce and support the next generation of industry professionals.
CASEY RUSSO
Young & Sons Asphalt Paving Inc. | Indiana
Before entering the asphalt industry, Casey Russo admits she “knew absolutely nothing” about paving operations. Attending Caterpillar’s Paving Operations Training gave her handson exposure to pavers, mat defects, machine settings, and the technical precision required behind every paving job.
“Being able to attend this training and have hands-on experience with running pavers was vital to my understanding of operations.”
As a business owner and female leader in the industry, Casey shared that the experience gave her even greater respect for operators and field crews while strengthening her operational knowledge and confidence. She emphasized that technical workforce training opportunities like this are critical for helping professionals continue learning, growing, and advancing within the industry.
REAGAN DECKER
R.W. Tomlinson | Ontario, Canada
For Reagan Decker, the training reinforced just how much teamwork, timing, communication, and material flow contribute to a successful paving operation. Through hands-on learning, she gained a stronger appreciation for the coordination and technical skill required across the field.
“I learned how critical timing, teamwork, material flow, and communication are to a successful paving operation.”
The experience also solidified Reagan’s desire to continue building a career within asphalt construction. She shared that workforce development programs, mentorship, and industry training opportunities help encourage more women to pursue long-term careers in the field.
GET TO KNOW THE WOFA 2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2026 President Rachel Quam has served on the National Women of Asphalt Board for over four years and was a founding leader of the Minnesota Women of Asphalt Branch, where she helped build and grow the organization at the local level.
The Executive Committee works closely with the Board of Directors, national partners, and staff to advance strategic priorities and continue building momentum nationwide.