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, England.
"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.
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