The Covergalls Inc. creator and founder joins the respected community of the world’s most influential women leaders in mining
Press Release
For Immediate Release
SUDBURY, ON, Nov. 19, 2020 | 9 AM EST - We are delighted to announce Alicia Woods, founder and CEO of Covergalls Inc., has been named in Women in Mining UK’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100).
The biennial “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” publication released today celebrates the “above & beyond” contributions of women to the global mining industry, across all roles, seniority & jurisdictions. The publication pays tribute to outstanding women who advocate for diversity in the workforce and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Alicia Woods designed and launched the Covergall “the female coverall” and pitched her business on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, in 2014. The Covergalls workwear line has since grown and is now sold across the country. Today Alicia continues her work and strives to inspire, encourage and equip women to break barriers. She is a strong advocate for women in the mining and supply industry, drawing from her own experiences working in the field. Alicia attended the International Women in Mining’s “Inclusive Workplace Design in Mining'' event and joined all-women industry expert panels to discuss innovative methods to cultivate gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. She’s an active member of the Artemis Project, an organization that is the conduit between Female Entrepreneurs and Mining Organizations. In the fall of 2019, Covergalls launched CG Aligned Consulting to engage directly with companies to help them in creating inclusive work environments while supporting them in achieving the UN Sustainable Goals. She was the first female board of directors & President for SAMSAA and Chairs the Board of Directors for the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation.
Recently Alicia & the Team at Covergalls partnered with Impala Canada and Ontario-based seamstresses, like Fashion Designer Lesley Hampton to make reusable cloth masks to help keep employees and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am very honored to receive this award. Mining can provide a sustainable, profitable and a rewarding career. There is a wonderful, strong network of not only women but men too that can and will act as mentors and are there to support. I have been blessed with many supporters along my career path. There is power in numbers, similar to my fellow nominees and this very organization, we are here to lift each other up and support one another. I would encourage them to continue to act as change makers,” said Alicia in response to the nomination.
"Although 'safety first' is one of the most common mantras we hear from mining companies, many still only provide male-designed PPE to their female staff, making it oftentimes uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous for women on site. Alicia's determination to start her own company that focuses on safety and comfort of women thereby making the mining industry more inclusive and safer, exemplifies what it means to be a WIM100 woman - a trailblazer, advocate and force for good. Congratulations Alicia,” said Alex Buck, Managing Director of Women in Mining UK.
WIM UK will be celebrating the success stories within the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” publication and through their social media channels.
For a full list of the nominees and a copy of the 4th Edition of the WIM100, please visit https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wim100/.
About Women in Mining UK
Women in Mining UK is a volunteer non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the employment, retention and advancement of women in the mining sector. Women in Mining UK offers a strong international network to progress professional goals and career aspirations and hosts numerous networking, educational and mentoring events to support personal development. Membership is free and everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, location or role.
About Covergalls Inc.
Covergalls Inc. is a Sudbury, Ontario-based company specialized in creating personal protective equipment for women. Inspired by her female mining experience, creator and founder Alicia Woods caught herself wondering why, with so many women joining unconventional careers, did they wear garments designed for a male's body type? The reason was simple – they didn’t have a choice. There were no coveralls for women available on the market. This is where the idea for Covergalls Workwear was born. With unique features like rear trap door for easier bathroom breaks and tailored fit for improved safety, there finally is a garment designed by women and for women working in the industrial sector. Covergalls is the next step for industries, taking workplace diversity to workplace inclusion.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Alicia Woods or Alex Buck, please contact:
Covergalls Inc.
Joanne Pearce
Communications
joanne [at] covergalls dot com
Women In Mining UK
Ariadna D. Peretz
Head of Communications
Email: ariadna.peretz@womeninmining.org.uk
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