Digging Deep to Be Part of the Change

With more than 20 years’ experience in the mining industry, Alicia Woods understands what it means to push boundaries. She is the founder and CEO of Covergalls Workwear, and an independent consultant and speaker. She’s a strong advocate in encouraging more young women to consider a career in the mining industry. Part of this means creating an environment that acknowledges, accommodates and celebrates gender specific differences. Motivated to improve the underground mining experience for women, Woods designed the “covergall” (female coverall) for women and then successfully pitched her business on CBC’s TV show Dragon’s Den. The Covergalls’ workwear line has since grown and evolved to be so much more than a workwear company. Covergalls now exists to conquer three main pillars: health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and education and advocacy. Woods has appeared at speaking engagements across North America and is focused on motivating and educating her audience, and works to inspire, encourage and equip the women breaking barriers. She challenges companies to be a part of the change by working toward increasing diversity and creating inclusive work environments. Woods is the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, 40 Under 40, was named to the class of 2017 Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum and, most recently, was recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.