Podcast

Where We Belong is a podcast dedicated to women in the asphalt industry. Listen in as we talk with women across the country and hear their stories; how they got into this business, non-traditional roles they’ve taken on, obstacles they’ve overcome, and how they’re changing the face of the asphalt industry.

EPISODE 15 

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, WofA Board member Debbie Novak, Marketing/Asphalt Purchasing at Missouri Petroleum, and WofA Missouri Branch member Nichole Engelhardt, formerly with Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association, chat with 92-year old Shirley Norris, Transportation Project Manager at Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Norris has been with MoDOT for 45 years, and shares her insights on lessons learned throughout her career. 

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EPISODE 14:

On this episode, listen as Kirsten Fowler, Executive Director of Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana, leads a casual conversation with Jazmin Ramirez, Project Manager, Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc.; Ashly Rieman, Project Manager, Milestone Contractors LP; and Sky Block, Business Development Representative, Baumgartner & Co. Asphalt Services about many topics including how they have seen the professional environment toward women slowly evolve, practical advise on how they dress when in the field, and what they love most about the asphalt industry.

EPISODE 13:

On this episode of WofA's #WhereWeBelong, Audrey Copeland sits down with Ellen Voie, Founder, President & CEO of the Women in Trucking Association to discuss representation of women in media and the international span of women in the asphalt industry. 

EPISODE 12:

Listen as Ashley Batson speaks to Christy Hall, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation. 

EPISODE 11:

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, Natasha Ozybko speaks with Kristina Swallow, Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation. They discuss memorable experiences along her career, the importance of mentors and why women should not be afraid to try something new.     

 EPISODE 10:

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, Natasha Ozybko and Kari Shiflett speak with Dana Wuesthoff, Vice President of Exhibitions & Event Services at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Wuesthoff discusses AEM’s partnership with Women of Asphalt and why it’s so important to give women visibility at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.            

EPISODE 9:

On this episode of Where We Belong, Natasha Ozybko and Amy Miller share the table with Sandy Draper, Director of Inside Sales and Operations at Wirtgen America. Listen as Draper details the evolution of Wirtgen America under her 28-year tenure and how the company sets itself apart from its competitors by setting high standards.    

EPISODE 8:

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, Ashley Batson speaks with Melinda McGrath, Executive Director for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Through their candid exchange, we learn about McGrath's journey across the asphalt industry and how she maintains the hunger and drive required of effective leadership.         

EPISODE 7:

Tune in to this episode of our #WhereWeBelong podcast as Natasha Ozybko sits down with Julie Lorenz, recently named Secretary of Transportation for the state of Kansas. Lorenz details the triumphs and challenges of her new position, the Managing A Girl In Construction(MAGIC)program and why seating women at the table is not simply a choice, but a responsibility.           

EPISODE 6:

This is the second episode of our series on women in leadership roles within state DOTs and the FHWA. Amy Miller speaks with Leslie Richards, the current Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Richards details her experience running for office, balancing the logistics of being a working mother and how diversity allows for the most effective solutions to increase your bottom line.     

EPISODE 5:

This episode of Where We Belong kicks off our series on women in leadership roles within state DOTs and the FHWA. Hosts Amy Miller and Tracie Schlich sit down with Nicole Nason, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration to discuss her recently confirmed position, the growing number of women in leadership positions at the Department of Transportation and how women in male dominated industries often reflect the unique, resilient qualities of asphalt.

EPISODE 4:

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, the #WomenofAsphalt set up shop at the 2019 World of Asphalt Conference in Indianapolis. Dr. Rita Leahy, the “Original Woman of Asphalt,” moderates a panel of five women who share their diverse experiences in the male-dominated asphalt industry.     

EPISODE 3:

On this episode of #WhereWeBelong, we sit down in beautiful Northern Colorado with Abby Glasser, Project Coordinator at Martin Marietta. Glasser describes splitting her time between the field and the office, her search for guidance and industry knowledge, and why any interested, ambitious woman can achieve her own success in the asphalt industry.              

EPISODE 2:

During the 2018 APA California Conference Amy Miller and Natasha Ozybko sat down with Dr. Rita Leahy, the acclaimed “Original Woman of Asphalt,” and the first guest in a series of interviews highlighting women in the industry.                                                                                                                                                                             

EPISODE 1:

In our first Where We Belong podcast episode, founding members Amy Miller and Natasha Ozybko discuss Women of Asphalt and how more women can join the movement.