The Women's Industry Network (WIN) has committed
$10,000 to SkillsUSA over the next two years in support of 2011 WorldSkills automotive
refinishing contestant, Kayla Toncik.
In 2009, Kayla became the first female gold medal winner
in automotive refinishing technology in the history of SkillsUSA, which also earned her the WIN
NACE Scholarship award last year. She was recently selected to compete at WorldSkills to be
conducted in October 2011 in London.
"A fundamental mission of WIN's is to recognize and promote excellence among women in the
industry and cultivate opportunities to attract more women. Kayla is a talented young woman
who deserves this honor, and we are pleased to be able to assist in sending her to this world stage
to compete with the best of the best and represent not only her country but the collision industry
as well," said Kim White, WIN's chair.
In addition, one of WIN's newest board members, Teresa Bolton and her husband, Rodney,
welcomed Kayla into their home recently. Rodney is the WorldSkills Car Painting Chief Expert
and will guide Kayla in her training over the next year. During her three day stay, Rodney
evaluated her E-coat preparation, application of sealer, application of basecoat/clearcoat, dry
sand detailing, scratch repair, primer surfacer application, preparing for a blend, and blending
basecoat/clearcoat. As the event gets closer, they will begin training with the specific waterborne
paint that will be used during the 20-hour competition.
For more information on WIN, visit www.womensindustrynetwork.com.
