HHW Ohio is committed to helping women pursue careers in high-demand, high-wage professions as a pathway to economic security, and making Ohio more economically competitive.
An Economically Competitive Ohio
Supported by a statewide community of women discovering, entering and excelling in an array of high-wage, high-demand jobs that provide meaningful economic security
About Us
Since 1979, Hard Hatted Women (HHW) has engaged industry and community leaders to match women who need lifelong careers with employers who need a qualified, skilled workforce. Pioneering programs like Pre-Apprenticeship Training for Women, Rosie’s Girls, Tradeswomen TOOLS and WISE Pathways have inspired and provided skills to hundreds of women and girls in our community, and put many families on the path to economic security.
Collectively and individually, we’ve served time in the trenches at every level—as individuals fighting for a voice, as program developers helping others learn from our experience and knowledge, as vocal champions calling for attention to this issue, as an organization watching for change here locally and more globally. We’ve learned a lot. And a lot of people have joined us in our commitment to…
Inspire, Connect and Support women of all ages to:
1) pursue careers in high demand, high wage professions, and
2) achieve their highest aspirations in their careers and as community leaders
That commitment won’t change. But as a largely volunteer-driven organization in an ever-evolving non-profit sector and a more-competitive global economy, we also understand that to be even more effective we needed to change. That is why HHW Ohio is moving from a program-based organization to a people and partnership-centered organization using the “Find Out, Get In, Move Up, Give Back” model to mobilize role models and mentors, industry leaders and community champions.
Like many nonprofits, HHW was hugely impacted by the financial collapse of 2008. Since that time, HHW programs were re-invented to help it survive and evolve. This work was supported by our dedicated volunteers and donors, donations via Community Shares and the United Way, as well as other foundation and federal program grants. The Business of Good Foundation provided coaching to HHW leadership and helped us complete a new business plan. A grant from the US Department of Labor supported a demonstration project to partner with community colleges. Remarkable partnerships with national groups including the Center for Energy Workforce Development, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, provided new vehicles for collaboration. At one point, HHW hosted 17 AmeriCorps VISTA members throughout Ohio. The future seemed bright!
Want to Support HHW?
HHW is always looking for energetic volunteers, more resources and great ideas to support our mission.