Shows
Get Into EnergyFrom Hard Hats to Harnesses: Making Trades Safer for EveryoneCheck out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Join host Concetta Defa and guest Liliana Calderon Castillo, Director of Health & Safety Programs, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, in this episode of PowHER Hour, for a candid discussion on the real-world realities of safety in the construction industry, focusing on the unique challenges women face. Watch t...
2026-04-3035 min
Get Into EnergyThe Art and Strength of Women Bricklayers in Modern Construction and EnergyCheck out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Join host Concetta Defa and guest Liliana Calderon Castillo, Director of Health & Safety Programs, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, in this episode of PowHER Hour, as they dive into the dynamic world of bricklaying, skilled trades, and the essential roles these crafts play within the energy industry. Learn all a...
2026-04-2330 min
Get Into EnergyExploring Apprenticeships: Building Energy Careers and Breaking Misconceptions - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Cindy Sanderfur, Communications Manager, electrical training ALLIANCE (etA), talk about apprenticeship funding, program options, and how workers move from apprentices to journeyworkers—all while adapting to new technology and workforce needs. They go over the role of local training centers, ongoing education for journeyworkers, an...
2026-04-1636 min
Get Into EnergyExploring Apprenticeships: Building Energy Careers and Breaking Misconceptions - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Apprenticeships are a foundational step in building a rewarding career within the energy and construction trades. In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guest Cindy Sanderfur, Communications Manager, electrical training ALLIANCE (etA), break down what apprenticeship really means, who it's for, and how to prepare. They analyze how...
2026-04-0931 min
Get Into EnergyWomen of Iron: Exploring Careers, Skills, and Success in the Ironworking Trades - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Interested in what it takes to launch a successful career as an ironworker? In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guests Adriana Lopez, Assistant Training Director, Architectural Metal Trainee School, and Kasey Clouse, Journeyworker Ironworker, Field Safety Manager, talk about dealing with diverse personalities on the job site, why hands-on e...
2026-04-0231 min
Get Into EnergyWomen of Iron: Exploring Careers, Skills, and Success in the Ironworking Trades - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor What does it really mean to be an ironworker? In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guests Adriana Lopez, Assistant Training Director, Architectural Metal Trainee School, and Kasey Clouse, Journeyworker Ironworker, Field Safety Manager, talk about their career journeys, the realities of being an ironworker, and i...
2026-03-2635 min
Get Into EnergyBlueprint for Beginners: Find Your Start Line – Your Launchpad to the Trades - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Get an inside look at how pre-apprenticeship programs set women up for success in the trades. In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guests Renée Jones, Journey Level Electrician and Program Director for Chicago Women in Trades, and Liv Edens, Journey Level Union Carpenter and Oregon Tradeswomen training Instructor, go...
2026-03-1933 min
Get Into EnergyBlueprint for Beginners: Find Your Start Line – Your Launchpad to the Trades - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Curious about starting a career in skilled trades or construction? In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guests Renée Jones, Journey Level Electrician and Program Director for Chicago Women in Trades, and Liv Edens, Journey Level Union Carpenter and Oregon Tradeswomen training Instructor, cover how pr...
2026-03-1231 min
Get Into EnergyPowHERful Women: Operating Engineers – Earth-Shakers and Path-Makers - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Want to know what it's like to be a heavy equipment operator? In Part 2, Concetta Defa and guests Amber Peterson, Business Agent and Heavy Equipment Operator, and Lena Turek, Heavy Equipment Operator, talk about how to get started, what the work actually involves, and who's really cut out for t...
2026-03-0532 min
Get Into EnergyPowHERful Women: Operating Engineers – Earth-Shakers and Path-Makers - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Curious about what it's really like to operate heavy equipment in the energy industry? In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa interviews Amber Peterson, Business Agent - District 12 & Heavy Equipment Operator, and Lena Turek, Heavy Equipment Operator, about their experiences, careers, and common misconceptions as women in the field.
2026-02-2627 min
Get Into EnergyThe Future of Energy is PowHERful – Mentors Powering the Next Generation - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor In part two, host Concetta Defa and guest Tabitha Hunter, Assistant Business Manager/Organizer at IBEW LU 915, explore what it's really like to be a mentee in the PowHERful Women Mentoring Program, and break down the value of mentorship in kickstarting a career in the trades. Learn how mentees o...
2026-02-1922 min
Get Into EnergyThe Future of Energy is PowHERful – Mentors Powering the Next Generation - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Get an inside look at the PowHERful Women Mentoring Program as host Concetta Defa and guest Tabitha Hunter, Assistant Business Manager/Organizer at IBEW LU 915, discuss the practical differences between structured and organic mentorship in the skilled trades. In this episode, they share real-life experiences, actionable advice for new m...
2026-02-1238 min
Get Into EnergyPowHERful Women: Plumbers, Fitters and Welders – From the Torch to the Wrench - Part 2 Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Join us for part two as host Concetta Defa and guests Tanairi González, Journey Level Plumber, Jenny Moore, Operations Foreman, and Nicci Navarro, Journey Level Worker, Welding Instructor for UCC, and VP of Utah Women In Trades, dive into the real-world experiences and training pathways for plumbers, pipe fit...
2026-02-0527 min
Get Into EnergyPowHERful Women: Plumbers, Fitters and Welders – From the Torch to the Wrench - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Discover what it's really like to work as a plumber, fitter, or welder in the energy industry. In this Power Hour, host Concetta Defa is joined by Tanairi González, Journey Level Plumber, Jenny Moore, Operations Foreman, and Nicci Navarro, Journey Level Worker, Welding Instructor for UCC, and VP of Ut...
2026-01-2937 min
Get Into EnergyFind Your Fit – Stop Dreaming. Start Building. - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Curious about career opportunities for women in the trades? In part 2, host Concetta Defa continues the conversation about launching a career in the skilled trades with Janaya Nelson, Labor Steward & Auditor, Kinzie Taylor, Electrical Apprentice, and Liz Wilhelmsen, Electric Utility Groundman. The group shares how organizations like Utah Women i...
2026-01-2228 min
Get Into EnergyFind Your Fit – Stop Dreaming. Start Building. - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Thinking about a career in the trades, but not sure which path is right for you? This Power Hour brings authentic stories from women at various stages of their trade careers, who've navigated the process of choosing their own skilled trade. Join Jenaya Nelson, Labor Steward & Auditor, Kinzie Taylor, Electrical Apprentice, and...
2026-01-1535 min
Get Into EnergyWorkplace Culture & Support Systems - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Curious how women find support, mentorship, and belonging in the energy trades? In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa continues the conversation with professionals Erin Sullivan, Foreperson E-J Electric, Savy Francis, Pipefitter, and Amber Norred, Journey Level Operating En...
2026-01-0829 min
Get Into EnergyWorkplace Culture & Support Systems - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa is joined by professionals Erin Sullivan, Foreperson E-J Electric, Savy Francis, Pipefitter, and Amber Norred, Journey Level Operating Engineer, who share their unique journeys to fulfilling and unexpected roles in unions, energy, construction, a...
2026-01-0138 min
Get Into EnergyMoney, Money, Money - Part 2Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor In this episode of PowHer Hour, host Concetta Defa, an electrician by trade, continues her conversation with industry leader Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity and General Organizer for Ironworkers International, about wages, benefits, and career pathways that support women in the skilled trades. They dive into researching wages a...
2025-12-1825 min
Get Into EnergyMoney, Money, Money - Part 1Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor In this episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa is joined by industry leader Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity and General Organizer for Ironworkers International, to dive deep into what pay and compensation really look like for tradeswomen. In part 1 o...
2025-12-1136 min
Get Into EnergyA Closer Look at High Demand Skilled Trades Careers Within the Energy Industry – Part 4Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor Curious about what it takes to build a long-term career in the energy sector? Host Concetta Defa, an electrician by trade, resumes the conversation with energy professionals Saria Gwin-Maye, Journeyman Ironworker, Sammy Cossairt, Tower Crane Operator, and Sabrina St. Pierre, Journey Level Refractory. In this conversation, the panel d...
2025-12-0422 min
Get Into EnergyA Closer Look at High Demand Skilled Trades Careers Within the Energy Industry – Part 3In this episode of Hire PowHER!, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, host Concetta Defa guides you through an inspiring conversation with women thriving as a Bricklayer, Crane Operator, and Ironworker. Discover what it's really like to work in energy trades as Saria Gwin-Maye, Journeyman Ironworker, Sammy Cossairt, Tower Crane Operator, and Sabrina St. Pierre, Journey Level Refractory, share their personal journeys—how they got started, overcame challenges, and built rewarding careers. What do bricklayers, crane operators, and iron workers actually do on job sites? You'll hear first-hand stories about tackling co...
2025-11-2736 min
Get Into EnergyA Closer Look at High Demand Skilled Trades Careers Within the Energy Industry – Part 2As we continue the conversation with Traci Mitts, Journey Level Industrial Painter, Chantel Richard, Journey Level Electrician, and Jessica Downey, Journey Level Lineworker, we get an inside look at the challenges and strengths women bring to high-demand skilled trades careers in the energy industry. Hear real stories and practical advice from those who've overcome physical and mental obstacles on the job. In Part 2 our panel dives into: What it's really like working in physically demanding energy sector roles Smart strategies for thriving when strength isn't enough The impact of teamwork and asking for...
2025-11-2025 min
Get Into EnergyA Closer Look at High Demand Skilled Trades Careers Within the Energy Industry – Part 1Get an inside look at skilled trades careers through real stories from women professionals within the energy industry. This time we are joined by Traci Mitts, Journey Level Industrial Painter, Chantel Richard, Journey Level Electrician, and Jessica Downey, Journey Level Lineworker. This episode dives into the daily lives, the challenges, and the pathways they took in their roles. In Part 1, our panel breaks down: What a typical day looks like for a line worker, electrician, and industrial painter The apprenticeship process, including steps, hours, and advancement Project-based work versus location-based assignments...
2025-11-1331 min
Get Into EnergyUnderstanding the Workforce Opportunities & Demand in Skilled Trades Within the Energy Industry Pt 2Curious what's driving demand for skilled trades in the energy sector—and who's hiring? In this episode of Hire PowHER!, host Concetta Defa is joined by expert Stephanie Krabbe, Energy Industry Executive & Consultant, for a deep dive into the ever-evolving energy industry. They unpack: Why aging infrastructure, clean energy transitions, and growing technology needs mean new opportunities in skilled trades How retirements and workforce turnover are reshaping energy careers—and why it's urgent to start now What it really takes to succeed in roles like line construction or equipment operation The impa...
2025-11-0629 min
Get Into EnergyUnderstanding the Workforce Opportunities & Demand in Skilled Trades Within the Energy Industry Pt 1Curious about careers in the energy industry? In this episode, host Concetta Defa and guest Stephanie Krabbe, Energy Industry Executive & Consultant, break down the broad range of skilled trades and workforce opportunities available, especially from the contractor perspective. What defines the energy industry and the various sectors within it The critical role contractors play, alongside utilities, in building and maintaining infrastructure Skilled trades in demand—including electricians, line workers, equipment operators, pipefitters, welders, and more Career pathways, including earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships and advancement into management, safety, and quality roles How th...
2025-10-3029 min
Get Into EnergyEnergy Career Conversations: What Did We Get Into? - Part 2Curious about what a career in the energy industry really looks like for women? In this episode of Hire PowHER, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa continues the conversation with guests Shannon Skinner, Lechana Rankins, and Michelle Gianelli. Together, they share the realities of working in the trades—the benefits, the challenges, and the support systems that make a difference. You'll hear how jobs in the energy sector have helped women build solid foundations for themselves and their families, offering strong wages and life-changing benefits. The discussion explores how wo...
2025-10-2333 min
Get Into EnergyEnergy Career Conversations: What Did We Get Into? - Part 1Curious about careers in the energy industry? Welcome to Hire PowHER—a new series introducing women to the skilled trades that power our world. In this first episode, brought to you by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), host Concetta Defa sits down with energy professionals Michelle Gianelli, Operating Engineers, Lechana Rankins, LIUNA, and Shannon Skinner, IBEW to share their career journeys and insights into the trades. Here's what the conversation covers in this first episode: What skilled trades are and how apprenticeships work in the energy sector Real stories from women working in...
2025-10-1643 min
2025-10-0715 min
Sparky LifeWhy Skilled Trades Are the Best Career for Women in 2024Send us a textWelcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Concetta Defa, the President of Utah Women in Trades. Concetta beg...
2024-09-0545 min