Book profiles women in Alaska’s petroleum industry

July 26, 2018

University Relations

The University of Alaska Press recently released "Wildcat Women: Narratives of Women Breaking Ground in Alaska’s Oil and Gas Industry," by Carla Williams.

"Wildcat Women" portrays the lives of 14 women working in Alaska’s North Slope oil fields. They share their experiences working outside in minus-50-degree winds and inside warm offices.

Having left friends and family across the United States, the women arrived to find challenges in the barren landscape and the traditionally masculine jobs. Enduring 12-hour days for weeks without a break strengthened their resolve and reinforced their ability to transcend workplace gender roles. These women represent today’s pioneers as equal agents of progress in a new frontier.

Williams grew up in Crosby, Minnesota. She lived in Alaska for 40 years, in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and graduated from UAF with a bachelor's degree in English. She spent most of her career working in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. She is married to Don Williams and has a son, Shane.

For more information about this title and more, visit www.uapress.alaska.edu or call 800-621-2736.