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

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 experience matters when moving into roles like safety manager or training director, and share real stories of mentorship and support, highlighting how a solid network can make all the difference for women and newcomers in the industry.

They break down the application and apprenticeship process, including required traits, math skills, certifications, and details about the interview and physical evaluations, as well as common concerns about seasonal work, unemployment, and financial planning, and explain the value of union membership, benefits like health insurance, and maternity leave.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FYwwSb8cvjE

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QhxUWaC9lCQ

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Ironworkers – Steel, Spark, and Soul" from March 17th, 2026.

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

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

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 insider tips on building successful paths as women in the trades.

They go over the key differences between welding techniques, the variety of jobs you might do in the field, the importance of safety and proper rigging, what it's actually like working with rebar, and how skills like critical thinking, asking questions, and effective communication set top ironworkers apart.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QhxUWaC9lCQ

Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FYwwSb8cvjE

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Ironworkers – Steel, Spark, and Soul" from March 17th, 2026.

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

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

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 over core skills, overcoming barriers, and real steps to launch a fulfilling career in energy or construction.

Find out how pre-apprenticeship programs develop confidence and leadership, help with challenges like childcare and housing, and provide critical support networks. Learn practical advice for getting started, and learn what makes a standout apprentice as you build your path in the trades.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u7ak7J9GXMo Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/acdFH_prcQw

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Blueprint for Beginners: Find Your Start Line – Your Launchpad to the Trades" from March 3rd, 2026.

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

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

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 pre-apprenticeship programs help women find their fit, build confidence, and launch successful careers.

Learn all about their inspiring journeys, the Chicago Women in Trades and Oregon Tradeswomen programs, find out how hands-on training and physical fitness play a key role, and get answers to common questions about career changes and mentorship opportunities.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwcZze1ad6s

Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u7ak7J9GXMo

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "Blueprint for Beginners: Find Your Start Line – Your Launchpad to the Trades" from March 3rd, 2026.

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

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

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 the job.

They dive into everything from union apprenticeships, hands-on skill requirements and the true physical demands to the importance of teamwork and practical tips for anyone considering this rewarding career path.

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

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NB6qYF4zFTk

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Operating Engineers – Earth-Shakers and Path-Makers" from February 17th, 2026.

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

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

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.

Find out how these women found their way into heavy equipment, what the apprenticeship process involves, and what their day-to-day work looks like.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NB6qYF4zFTk

Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/acdFH_prcQw

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Operating Engineers – Earth-Shakers and Path-Makers" from February 17th, 2026.

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

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

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 overcome challenges like perfectionism and imposter syndrome, discover the unique career paths available in the energy sector, and hear firsthand how experienced tradeswomen support newcomers every step of the way.

Whether you're just getting started or looking for guidance, this episode lays out why mentorship matters and how to take your next step with confidence.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gblh2-E--9I

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pGGrvCmJ6b4

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar The Future of Energy is PowHERful – Mentors Powering the Next Generation" from February 3rd, 2026.

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

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

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 mentors, and tips on building successful mentor-mentee relationships—even at a distance—while highlighting the most rewarding moments of mentoring in the energy sector.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pGGrvCmJ6b4 Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gblh2-E--9I

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar The Future of Energy is PowHERful – Mentors Powering the Next Generation" from February 3rd, 2026.

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

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 fitters, and welders in the energy sector.

This episode breaks down the key differences between apprenticeship programs and in-house utility training and explores why hands-on fieldwork is essential for safety and skill development. Learn about the importance of licenses and certifications in plumbing, welding, and gas fitting, and hear a candid discussion on the pride and responsibility that come with high-stakes trade work.

Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M7yDB_IhIio

Part 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw4AdJrjSbo

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Plumbers, Fitters and Welders – From the Torch to the Wrench" from January 20th, 2026.

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

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

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 Utah Women In Trades. This panel of tradeswomen share their honest stories, from getting started to overcoming career challenges and advancing in the field.

In this episode they share their experiences and advice about career transitions, apprenticeships, job security, strategies for long-term career growth, and the realities of working in the pipe trades.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mw4AdJrjSbo

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

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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

This episode features the webinar "PowHERful Women: Plumbers, Fitters and Welders – From the Torch to the Wrench" from January 20th, 2026.

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