Meet The 2025 WofA X Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship Recipients
Each year, National Women of Asphalt is reminded why this work matters, because of women like these.
After reviewing 125 applications from across the country, we are proud to announce the six recipients of the 2025 WofA x Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship! Each recipient will attend the week-long Caterpillar Training Operations Course in December, combining classroom learning with hands-on training. The scholarship covers full tuition ($4,200) along with travel support, representing an estimated $6,200 investment in each woman. With a wide range of roles, backgrounds, and career stages, they all share one thing in common: a deep commitment to the asphalt industry.
This scholarship class reflects exactly what this opportunity was created to support: hands-on education, confidence-building, and community for women who are shaping the future of our industry.
Below, we’re honored to introduce each of the 2025 scholarship recipients and share a bit of their story.
Autumn Cates
Operator | Ghilotti Construction | California
Autumn’s asphalt career began eight years ago when she made the bold decision to leave a corporate customer service role and step onto a job site as a flagger. Within just three months she transitioned into the paving division, a move that would shape her career and passion for the industry.
Over the years, Autumn has worked her way up from traffic control to running a paver, proving her skill, grit, and leadership every step of the way. She knows firsthand what it means to be underestimated as a woman in the construction industry, and instead of letting that slow her down, she’s used it as fuel. Today, she continues to push herself to grow technically and professionally, while mentoring others and proudly representing women in the field.
For Autumn, the Caterpillar Training Operations Course is about more than sharpening skills - it’s about continuing to build confidence, strengthening her leadership, and being part of a community that understands the journey. Her pride in the work and commitment to paving the way for others embodies the heart of Women of Asphalt.
Angelina Maselli
Asphalt Quality Control Technician | Tilcon New York | New York
Angelina entered the asphalt industry just two and a half years ago, but her vision for her future is already clear: she aims to become the first female asphalt manager in Tilcon New York’s history.
A childhood cancer survivor, Angelina brings resilience, determination, and perspective to everything she does. She currently works in quality control and has already earned asphalt testing certifications in both New York and New Jersey - making her one of only two women in her company certified in both states, and the youngest employee to achieve that distinction!
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Technology, Angelina continues to expand her technical experience and seek opportunities that bring her closer to field operations and leadership. The Caterpillar Paving School represents a critical next step: bridging her quality control expertise with hands-on operational knowledge.
Angelina’s journey is a powerful reminder that barriers are meant to be broken, and no obstacle is too big to overcome. Her drive to succeed is matched only by her desire to open doors for the women coming behind her.
Casey Russo
Vice President / Director of Operations | Young & Sons Asphalt Paving, Inc. | Indiana
Casey never planned on a career in asphalt...until life led her there. When her father asked her to join the family business, she stepped into an unfamiliar world and quickly discovered a passion she never expected.
Over the past seven years, Casey has taken on the challenge of running an asphalt paving company, learning the business from the ground up. While she manages everything from financials to customer relations, she’s also committed to earning respect the same way she expects of anyone else does: by showing up, jumping in, and learning firsthand. Whether shoveling, flagging, loading trucks, or helping with repairs, Casey leads by example!
As her father begins to step back, Casey is focused on deepening her field knowledge so she can lead with confidence and credibility. The Caterpillar Training Operations Course offers exactly what she’s been seeking: hands-on experience with paving equipment and operations to complement her leadership role.
Casey’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and an undeniable love for an industry she now proudly calls her own.
Reagan Decker
Pneumatic Roller Operator | R.W. Tomlinson | Canada
Reagan’s construction journey began in traffic control in 2020, where she quickly developed an appreciation for safety, communication, and teamwork on the job site. Within a year, she transitioned to a paving crew full-time and found her passion.
Now a pneumatic roller operator with five years in the industry, Reagan is focused on growing into leadership roles, with goals of becoming a foreman or supervisor. She is also a foster parent and a strong advocate for mental health, holding certifications in trauma-informed care, inclusivity, and health and safety.
For Reagan, attending Caterpillar training is about building technical confidence and gaining the skills needed to lead crews safely and effectively! She hopes her journey, from traffic control to paving and beyond, will encourage other women to see a future for themselves in the trades.
Her commitment to growth, safety, and leadership reflects the values at the core of Women of Asphalt.
Rebecca Plummer
MOT Supervisor | Duval Asphalt | Florida
Rebecca’s path into construction started unexpectedly, but quickly became a lifelong career. After entering the industry through a labor hall, she spent eight years learning every corner of the job, from dirt crews and milling to surveying, MOT, and paving support.
Now with Duval Asphalt, Rebecca has found a company that believes in her potential and supports her growth. With 10 years of industry experience, she’s ready to focus on mastering paving operations and working toward her goal of becoming one of the company’s first female asphalt foremen!
Rebecca’s passion for the asphalt industry is contagious. She believes strongly in learning from the ground up and leading with knowledge, confidence, and heart. The Caterpillar Training Operations Course represents a critical first step toward achieving her goals and becoming the leader she once needed herself.
Tonette Townsend
Roller Operator | Superior Bowen | Missouri
With 14 years in asphalt and nearly two decades as a member of Operating Engineers Local 101, Tonette is a respected and accomplished professional in the field. Her work has contributed to nationally recognized projects, including award-winning highways and airport runways known for exceptional smoothness and compaction.
A single mother, Tonette has balanced the demands of the job with raising her daughter who proudly tells anyone who asks, “My mom is fixing the roads!” Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, Tonette continues to push forward with determination, humor, and heart.
Training excites Tonette because she knows the industry is always evolving and she’s committed to evolving with it. Her long-term goals include becoming the first woman in Superior Bowen’s history to serve as a lead, superintendent, and eventually a project manager.
Tonette brings pride, perseverance, and purpose to everything she does, and we’re honored to support her continued growth.
Looking Ahead
These six women represent just a fraction of the talent, passion, and leadership within our industry. Selecting recipients from such a competitive pool of applicants was no easy task, and we are grateful to every woman who applied.
We extend our sincere thanks to Caterpillar for their continued partnership and commitment to creating opportunities for women to grow and thrive in the asphalt industry. Together, we’re not just supporting careers—we’re building confidence, community, and the future of our workforce.
Congratulations to the 2025 WofA x Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship recipients. We can’t wait to see what you pave next.
