Building the Future, One Trade at a Time
At Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), women are proving that craftsmanship knows no gender. From painting and pest control to HVAC maintenance and safety, these skilled professionals are not only keeping schools running—they’re inspiring the next generation to see the trades as a path filled with opportunity, purpose, and pride.
For Women in Construction Week (celebrated each year in March) we’re spotlighting some of the dedicated women behind the scenes at VBCPS:
- Lien Roach, painter craftsman III – Bringing color and life to classrooms and hallways.
- Chala Dozier, pest control technician – Ensuring schools remain clean, safe, and pest-free.
- Brooke Smith, occupational health & safety specialist – Keeping schools compliant and safe.
- Melisa Curtis, general maintenance craftsman (filters) – Maintaining air systems across VBCPS buildings.
- Jade Davis, refrigeration craftsman – Keeping refrigeration systems running to support school operations.
Each of these women has carved out a place for themselves in the trades, overcoming challenges and proving that skilled labor isn’t just a job—it’s a career of resilience, problem-solving, and impact.
Lien Roach: Painting a Path to Success
With over 30 years of experience, Lien Roach has built a career in painting—one that has taken her from subcontracting to a role at VBCPS, where she beautifies learning environments for students.
While many may not immediately associate painting with craftsmanship, Lien’s work is about more than just color. She sees firsthand how a freshly painted classroom can boost student morale. “This kid walked by the room and thanked me for making it look better. Little stuff like that is rewarding… that’s the best part of it, really.”
Her journey in the trades wasn’t always easy. Early on, she found herself as the only woman on construction sites, working twice as hard to gain respect. But her persistence paid off. Now, she hopes to see more women take up tools and embrace the financial independence, flexibility, and sense of accomplishment that come with a career in the trades.
Chala Dozier: Protecting Schools, Inspiring Students
For nearly 19 years, Chala Dozier has worked in the trades, and today, she plays an essential role in keeping our schools pest-free and safe for students and staff. Her work isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about education and prevention.
One of her favorite parts of the job? Interacting with students who are curious about her work. “They think I’m a glorified chemist,” she laughs, explaining how she uses chemicals safely to control pests while protecting the environment.
Breaking into the industry wasn’t without challenges. Early in her career, she faced pushback from those who didn’t believe a woman belonged in the trades. But she never let that stop her.
Her advice? “Trades are never going to die. Once you learn that skill, it’s yours—you own it.” She believes that as long as women are encouraged to explore these career paths, more will see the value in skilled trades.
Brooke Smith: Ensuring Safety & Environmental Health
With an educational background in environmental science, Brooke Smith didn’t initially picture herself in the trades. But after starting as an occupational health & safety technician at VBCPS, she quickly realized the impact she could have on creating safe, compliant school environments.
She works closely with craftsmen, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC teams, ensuring that school facilities meet health standards. Whether she’s coordinating the testing of drinking water for lead or inspecting the quality of indoor environments, her role is all about keeping schools safe for students and staff.
What has made her experience even more rewarding? The mentorship and support she’s received. “You can do hard things. You just have to be willing to learn and listen.” She encourages others to stay curious, eager to learn, and never stop growing in their careers.
Melisa Curtis: From Bus Driver to General Maintenance Craftsman (filters)
Melisa Curtis didn’t start her career in maintenance—she was a bus driver with VBCPS for eight years before transitioning into the role of general maintenance craftsman. But with a background in construction technology and a Class C contractor’s license, she knew she had the skills to thrive in the trades.
Today, she maintains air filtration systems across the division, ensuring that students and staff have clean, well-ventilated environments.
Melisa does not back down from challenges. “You can do anything you want to do. Try it—if you don’t like it, try something else.” She encourages young women to explore different paths and find what fits them best.
Jade Davis: A Fresh Start in Refrigeration
Jade Davis is proof that a willingness to learn and the drive to improve every day are key to success in the trades.
With no prior experience in skilled trades, Jade transitioned from customer service roles to becoming a Refrigeration Craftsman at VBCPS in October 2023. With 86 schools and centers in the division, her days are busy maintaining freezers, cleaning ice machines, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems—skills she’s built through on-the-job learning, mentorship, and hands-on training. She is also taking classes to further develop her expertise and plans to continue growing in the field.
One of the most rewarding parts of her job? Visiting schools and talking with others about her job and the trades—something she wishes she had been exposed to earlier. “If I had known about the trades in school, I would have gone straight into them.” She hopes that by sharing her experience, more young women will see skilled trades as a viable and fulfilling career path.
Her advice for women entering the trades? “Be patient and give yourself time to learn everything… Push yourself and believe in yourself.”
More Women, More Opportunities
While each of these women took a different path into the trades, they share a common thread—a passion for craftsmanship, problem-solving, and demonstrating that women belong in the industry.
The future of women in construction and trades is growing and more young people are being encouraged to explore technical and career education. Programs like those at the Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center open doors for the next generation of skilled tradeswomen.
As Women in Construction Week reminds us, the trades offer stability, opportunity, and purpose—and these women are proof of that.
Interested in a career where you can make an impact? VBCPS offers opportunities to build futures—and grow yours.
Explore career paths in maintenance, skilled trades, and beyond. Learn more and apply today: www.vbschools.com/careers.