Women in Non-Traditional Careers

CNM celebrates women studying and working in non-traditional fields. Learn more about the programs and awards available for women pursuing non-traditional careers.

WATT Student Group

The Women Advancing in Technology and Trades (WATT) student group offers networking opportunities, access to resources, and a chance to help encourage more women to enter non-traditional industries and occupations.

The WATT student group is open to all women pursuing non-traditional careers at CNM, and we encourage you to join. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Klecker at (505) 224-4000 Ext. 52531 or jklecker@cnm.edu.

Non-Traditional Careers

Non-traditional careers are careers that have been traditionally dominated by men. As demand for skilled trades workers increases, Central New Mexico Community College works to recruit more women to the degree and certificate programs that meet workforce demands.

Women in Non-Traditional Career Awards

The Women in Non-Traditional Career Awards (WIN) are designed to celebrate and validate the successes of our CNM community members working and studying in non-traditional fields. The goal of the WIN awards is to inspire all women to seek pathways that lead to their success and open the doors of opportunity in all careers. The WIN Awards are sponsored by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), the School of Skilled Trades & Arts, and Women Advancing in Technology and Trades (WATT).

WIN Awards
Non-Traditional Career Student of the Year
This award is to recognize a student who has achieved a skill level respected by their peers and instructors that show a passion for their chosen field. This individual will exemplify CNM's core values of being caring, ethical, inspiring, courageous, connected, and exceptional. Preference is given to a student in their last year/term of any non-traditional program.

Emerging Leader
This award is to recognize a student in a non-traditional program who shows leadership characteristics in their given program/career. A leader is someone who is responsible, accountable, honest, and willing to share best practices with their fellow students. The student nominated for this award may be in any year/term of a non-traditional program.

The Rosie Award
This award is to recognize a first-year student (including dual credit students) enrolled in a non-traditional program that shows a sign of future excellence and achievement in their program and field. The student nominated for this award will be optimistic, an agent of change, and a mentor to other students. They will display integrity, civility, and respect.

Community Outreach and Engagement
This award is to recognize a student who has encouraged and supported women at CNM and/or in the community in pursuing non-traditional pathways. This student can be seen volunteering in the classroom, community, or locally. They engage with CNM and other students in their program, demonstrate exceptional leadership, and have the highest ethical standards. The student nominated for this award may be in any year/term of a non-traditional program.

Outstanding Student
This award is to honor a student who shows the qualities of an outstanding and successful student in a non-traditional program. This student should show exceptional work ethic, tenacity, and determination in the achievement of their goals. The student nominated for this award may be in any year/term of a non-traditional program.

The WINograd Award
The WINograd Award is to honor a person in the industry who has increased the number of women in their trade field. This person will show high integrity and passion for changing the culture of the industry while creating an equitable environment for women. This award expresses our gratitude to anyone in the industry with the courage to make a change in the culture by creating a place where women can thrive.

CNM Employee Advocate
This award will be presented to a CNM faculty or staff member of any gender who has played a positive role as a teacher, mentor, and/or advocate for women's success in a specific non-traditional career or program at CNM.

Celebrating Women's Success

Learn more about the women who have taken steps to pursue careers in non-traditional fields. 

The Future of Welding
The Future of Welding

Esperanza Montoya felt fortunate to get a well-rounded degree at CNM that not only grew her passion for welding, but also helped her learn additional skills including blueprint reading and CNC work. Read more about Esperanza's experience with the CNM Welding program. 

Finding Financial Independence
Finding Financial Independence

CNM grad Rita Johnson had a lot to learn in order to become a journeyman, but thanks to her training and hard work, Rita now makes enough money to support herself and her two kids. Read more about Rita's experience with CNM's Electrical Trades program. 

Upskilling at CNMI
Upskilling at CNMI

At CNM Ingenuity’s Internet of Things bootcamp, Marlene Trujillo got the training she needed to secure a job with a fast-moving Albuquerque tech company. “CNM Ingenuity has been great for me and for this community, and the college continues to support me to this day,” she says. Learn more about Marlene's experience at CNMI. 

Carrying on the Tradition
Carrying on the Tradition

Marissa Brown might not be what most people think of when they hear “HVAC technician,” but don’t let that fool you. Not only does she already work in the HVAC industry, but she’s also a third-generation HVAC professional. Learn more about Marissa's experience in CNM'S HVAC/R program.

“It’s important for me to show other women that they can do any job they want and that they don’t have to settle." - CNM Graduate Rita Johnson