Third Annual WofA x Astec Leadership Summit Draws Record Attendance
In May, Women of Asphalt welcomed more than 100 women from across the asphalt industry to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the third annual WofA x Astec Leadership Summit, the largest Leadership Summit in the program's history and the first to sell out.
Highlights:
- 100+ members in attendance
- 35+ companies represented
- Two days of leadership development, networking, and professional growth
- Behind-the-scenes tour of Astec's headquarters and manufacturing facility
- Panel discussion featuring WofA members and National Partners
- Powerful conversations centered on leadership, mentorship, and workforce development
While attendees arrived from different companies, backgrounds, and career paths, many left with the same takeaway: great leadership starts with investing in people.
Throughout the two-day Summit, participants explored topics including leadership, communication, workforce trends, and professional growth while building meaningful relationships with women from across the industry. Conversations reinforced the importance of mentorship, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for the next generation of asphalt professionals.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Summit was the willingness of attendees to share their personal stories. Although every journey into the industry was unique, common themes emerged: resilience, confidence, continuous learning, and the courage to pursue new opportunities.
Hosted at Astec's headquarters, the Summit also provided attendees with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, technology, and people helping shape the future of the asphalt industry.
Women of Asphalt is incredibly grateful to Astec Industries for its continued partnership and investment in developing current and future industry leaders.
A special thank you to the many speakers and industry leaders who generously shared their expertise throughout the Summit, including Jaco van der Merwe, President & CEO of Astec Industries; Aletheia Silcott, Global Vice President of Human Resources at Astec Industries; Jay Winford, President of Prairie Contractors; and the many additional presenters, panelists, and volunteers who helped make the event such a success.
What’s next:
The need for strong leaders has never been greater.
Through events like the Leadership Summit, Women of Asphalt continues to create opportunities for women to connect, grow, and lead while strengthening the future of the asphalt industry.
Interested in partnering with Women of Asphalt to support leadership development, workforce initiatives, or new programming? We'd love to continue the conversation! Please contact Brittyn Heisler.
Want another perspective?
Astec Industries also shared a recap of the 2026 WofA x Astec Leadership Summit, highlighting the impact of the event and its continued commitment to developing industry leaders.
