Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

In this episode of PowHER Hour, join host Concetta Defa and guest Kacee May Madsen, 1st-year Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker, to find out what breaking into the trades today is like. Kacee shares how joining the sheet metal union changed her life, from overcoming self-doubt and physical challenges to the practical realities of shop versus field work. They go over support systems and how teamwork, mentorship, and the right attitude can open doors. Get firsthand advice on what to expect, what tools to have, and how to build confidence both on and off the job.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3mn4auzkwLY

Watch our previous episode with Kacee: https://youtu.be/ZCWWwslpftM

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Does finding the right fit matter?

Join host Concetta Defa and guest Kacee May Madsen, 1st-year Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker, in this episode of PowHER Hour as they navigate an honest conversation about what it takes to change careers, the essential role of mentorship and community among tradeswomen, and the value found in following the unexpected path. Hear about Kacee's journey, who went from feeling underappreciated in her job to becoming an inspiring sheet metal worker in Utah's trades industry, how she leveraged social media for support, tackled the challenge of choosing a trade, and overcame doubts about age and experience.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZCWWwslpftM Watch our second episode with Kacee: https://youtu.be/3mn4auzkwLY

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

In this episode of PowHER Hour, join host Concetta Defa and guest Cassidy Gallagher, 4th-year ironworker apprentice with Local 63, as they discuss Cassidy's insights on the welding certifications she's earned, the challenges and skills required for fieldwork, and her ambition to keep advancing her expertise in areas like flux core and TIG welding. They go over Cassidy's experiences in local apprentice competitions, including being the only woman competitor, the mentorship that's shaped her journey, and the importance of support networks for women in the trades, including events like Trade Women Build Nations and benefits such as maternity leave.

Watch our previous episode with Cassidy Gallagher: https://youtu.be/u18CSQygeJU

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Curious about what it really takes to start a career in the trades?

Join host Concetta Defa and guest Cassidy Gallagher, 4th-year ironworker apprentice with Local 63, in this episode of PowHER Hour and learn about every step of the application process, from testing and interviews to physical and aptitude requirements, and what it's like to work on job sites and balance trade school. Hear about Cassidy's journey from considering photography to joining her family's ironworking legacy as a 4th-generation apprentice, how she built her confidence, learned from experienced mentors, and the challenges unique to women in the field.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u18CSQygeJU

Watch our second episode with Cassidy on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KAqG3RvK6Jo

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/ 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Julie Strzempko (Lead, Career Pathways) dive into how Hire PowHER! and the Center for Energy Workforce Development are working to make the energy industry more accessible to women, especially in the skilled trades. They discuss ongoing workforce demands, explain why women are crucial to filling these roles, and explore how organizations such as NABTU and TradesFutures are providing essential training and apprenticeship pathways.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HLW1qL6RPz0

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UOW-q5kUr5g

Find Jobs in Energy Today: https://getintoenergy.jobs/

Learn more about Building Trades: https://nabtu.org/

Tradeswomen Build Nations: https://tradesfutures.org/initiatives/tradeswomen-build-nations/

PowHERrful Women Mentoring Program: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

Tradeswomen Taskforce: https://tradeswomentaskforce.org/about-us/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Discover how the energy industry is opening doors for women in skilled trades with this episode of PowHER Hour, with host Concetta Defa and guest Julie Strzempko (Lead, Career Pathways).

Learn about the mission and work of the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), how the Get Into Energy platform serves as a comprehensive resource for career explorers, and about the critical importance of diversity and opportunity in the trades. They go over Julie's personal path from working with Job Corps to leading initiatives at CEWD and illustrate how real-world tools—like the Career Explorer quiz and tailored pathways for women, veterans, students, and career changers—help connect people to promising new careers in energy.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UOW-q5kUr5g Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/HLW1qL6RPz0

Find Jobs in Energy Today: https://getintoenergy.jobs/

Learn more about Building Trades: https://nabtu.org/

Tradeswomen Build Nations: https://tradesfutures.org/initiatives/tradeswomen-build-nations/

PowHERrful Women Mentoring Program: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

Tradeswomen Taskforce: https://tradeswomentaskforce.org/about-us/

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Darlene Leineweber, Journeyman Wireman for the IBEW, talk about the inspiring story behind Trade Women Chat, one of the very first all-women construction groups on Facebook that not only fosters mentoring, networking, and resource sharing, but has also inspired subgroups focusing on business ventures and wellness. Find out how a simple idea born from a night out with fellow tradeswomen in Chicago quickly expanded into a worldwide movement, connecting and supporting women in the skilled trades.

Learn all about the impact of in-person meetups at major industry conferences, including fundraisers like the renowned tradeswomen quilt raffle, which gives back directly to sisters in need, key resources, and the vital role of mentorship and allyship in helping the next generation thrive.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hCLrrPCR8-w

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh_y3IVBASg

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Join host Concetta Defa in this episode of PowHER Hour as she sits down with Darlene Leineweber, Journeyman Wireman for the IBEW, to discuss her 32-year journey in the electrical trades.

In this episode, Darlene talks about navigating the demanding field from her first days as an apprentice to establishing herself as a seasoned professional, and shares insights on the intense yet rewarding Chicago apprenticeship program, the importance of building strong bonds and support systems among women in the trades, and how to recognize which early challenges are about learning the ropes versus dealing with gender dynamics. This episode provides practical advice for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades, highlighting that everyone starts out learning, and success is built one step at a time.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh_y3IVBASg

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Kelly McClellen, Operating Engineer Rank and File Member, IUOE Local 101 KS/MO, dive deep into what it takes to recruit, retain, and support women in the trades.

Kelly talks about her journey, her involvement in founding Heartland Women in Trades, and her advocacy for women in construction and energy. They highlight the power of grassroots organizations, national task forces, and global partnerships in advancing policy changes, promoting safe and equitable workplaces, and overcoming barriers like childcare and maternity leave that uniquely affect women in the skilled trades. They also discuss the necessity and impact of mentorship, building supportive communities, and fostering a culture where women can thrive as both workers and leaders.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-xs41rHrOk Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/onmmXB0bEj4

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades or become a mentor for someone entering the trades: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powherful-women/

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

Join host Concetta Defa and guest Kelly McClellen, Operating Engineer Rank and File Member, IUOE Local 101 KS/MO, in this episode of PowHER Hour for a conversation about what it means to be a woman in the trades, focusing on the world of operating engineers.

Kelly shares her 30-year journey from starting out as an apprentice to working on major construction projects and navigating both challenges and opportunities along the way. Learn about the evolution of women's roles on job sites, about union benefits, pay, and layoffs, and why targeted recruitment, industry advocacy, and strong mentorship are so important for bringing more women into the field and keeping them there.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/onmmXB0bEj4

Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-xs41rHrOk

Hire PowHER! introduces women to the skilled trades of the energy industry by offering a career roadmap and diving into the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers with purpose. Concetta Defa, experienced IBEW journey worker and proud supporter of women in the trades, brings real role models from women in the trades for real talk and real guidance. A new initiative by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Hire PowHER! is for anyone with passion or curiosity about the energy sector. There's a place and need for you in energy, whether you're hands-on, strategic, creative, or community-driven.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/