Hands-On Heroes with Valerie Crafton

The future of construction starts here at the advancing data center construction conference on Ep 15 of Hands-On Heroes. Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/In this special multi-guest episode of Hands On Heroes, we’re live from Advancing Data Center Construction West, diving into the future of data centers, skilled trades, AI infrastructure, and the women helping lead the industry forward. From workforce challenges to the rapid growth of AI and technology, these conversations explore what it really takes to build the infrastructure powering the modern world.

Guests share their experiences in construction, leadership, and the evolving culture of the trades while discussing why diversity, innovation, and opportunity matter now more than ever.

If you’ve ever wondered how data centers are built, who’s building them, and where the future of construction is headed, this episode gives you an inside look at one of the industry’s biggest conversations.

Featured in this episode:

👤 Darren Fouts — Smart PM Technologies

👤 Alan Brumley— Industrial Tent Systems

👤 Matthew Holt— Founder, MJH Personnel Associates

👤 Steve Causseaux — Cla-Val

👤 Jeff W Leeper — President, WWPS

👤 Gordon Baier — CEO, Gigawatt Land

👤 Matthew Holt — Director of BDHands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades.

Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond.

Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Have you ever watched a giant machine move mountains and wondered — who's behind the controls?

In Episode 2 of the Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series, we go inside the world of Heavy Equipment Operation — a career that literally shapes the ground beneath our feet. We get to meet a real woman working in the field as a Heavy Equipment Operator, and follow along on an adventure that is equal parts inspiring, educational, and just plain fun.

This episode has something for everyone. Little ones will be captivated by B-Boop — our adorable animated guide who breaks down exactly how heavy machines work in a way that makes even the biggest equipment feel like something a kid could dream of operating one day. And the grown-ups? You'll walk away reminded of something important too.

Because at the heart of this episode is a message that applies to all of us:

"No job is too big if you believe in yourself."

The Hands-On Heroes Day In The Life Series was created for families — to pull back the curtain on the careers that keep our world moving, and to make sure every child grows up knowing that the people who do this incredible work are heroes worth looking up to.

Clear the couch, gather the crew, and press play. This one is for the whole family.

Along the way, kids will learn about teamwork, problem-solving, STEM skills, and careers in construction through fun, hands-on experiences.Perfect for kids who love trucks, diggers, construction vehicles, engineering, and learning how things work! Learn more about Hands-On Heroes and their mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it mean to be more than what people expect you to be?

In this episode, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Grace Vanderhei — Nuclear Fuels Engineer and Clean Energy Advocate at Constellation, Miss America 2023, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and one of four women named by CNET as leading America's energy transition — for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, grounding, and refreshingly real.

Grace's story defies easy labels.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during her year as Miss America. She now works in Pressurized Water Reactor Core Design, travels the world educating people about energy, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Arizona State University — all while writing a book.

But this conversation goes far deeper than a résumé.

Valerie and Grace explore what it truly means to show up as a whole person — not just a title, not just a crown, not just a career.

They talk about how you can be deeply feminine and deeply passionate about engineering at the same time, and why the world is better when people stop choosing between who they are and what they do.

They also dig into the power of optimism — why Grace believes we shouldn't be afraid to strive for the best possible outcomes, even when that means embracing change, challenging assumptions, and imagining a future that doesn't exist yet.

And Grace shares something she hasn't talked much about publicly: the inspiration behind the book she's currently writing.

At the end of the day, Grace reminds us, we're all just people. Whole, complex, multidimensional people — and that's exactly what makes us powerful.

🎙️ Guest: Grace Vanderhei, Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate, Constellation | Miss America 2023 | Forbes 30 Under 30

Thank you to our title sponsor MOD 42

Join the mission at: https://handsonheroes.net/

What’s behind the workforce shortage and when should we start talking about it? Thank you to 7x24 for having a golf scramble that Hands-On Heroes benefited from!In this episode of Hands On Heroes, we took the conversation somewhere unexpected… the golf course. We asked everyday people what they think is really causing the workforce shortage, and their answers might surprise you.From shifting priorities to lack of awareness about career paths, this video highlights real perspectives on a growing issue that impacts businesses, communities, and future generations.In this video:• What people think is causing the workforce shortage• When the conversation about careers should really begin• Why early exposure to different career paths matters• How we can better prepare the next generationThe workforce conversation isn’t just for adults—it starts earlier than you think.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders.

In this special multi-guest episode of Hands-On Heroes, we explore engineering and data center careers through conversations with both students and instructors across the Valley. Filmed at Mesa Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and West-MEC, this episode brings together a range of perspectives from the classroom to the field. Hear directly from students pursuing technical paths and the teachers guiding them, as they break down what it’s like to train for careers in engineering and data centers.

Topics include hands-on learning experiences, certifications, career pathways, and the real skills needed to succeed in today’s tech-driven workforce. By combining insights from both learners and educators, this episode gives a well-rounded look at how these programs prepare the next generation of engineers and technicians, and what it takes to succeed in the industry today.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades.

Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving, from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond.

Learn more and join the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it take to turn a complex clean energy idea into something that actually gets built? In this episode, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Julia Weigel — Founder and Principal of Plexura Advisory to find out.Julia is a clean energy strategist and climate policy navigator with a background in engineering. She's spent her career doing the rare and difficult work of translating between worlds: technical and non-technical, policy and product, big-picture vision and on-the-ground execution. Whether she's building decarbonization frameworks from scratch or helping organizations move past the "infinite planning loop," Julia brings both rigor and creativity to the clean energy transition.In this conversation, Valerie and Julia dig into some of the most pressing questions shaping the field right now: How do we harness innovative clean tech in an era of AI-driven energy consumption? How do we build products and policies that accelerate progress rather than slow it down? And how do you lead across teams when everyone speaks a different language?If you've ever wondered what it looks like to be the person who makes the complex stuff actually happen — this one's for you.

In this episode of Hands On Heroes, Valerie sits down with Donya Ziraksari, a mechanical engineer and senior technical program manager at Microsoft, whose life story is anything but ordinary. Donya shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the United States as a refugee from Iran in 2007 to building a thriving career in data center construction and engineering leadership — a path shaped by resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to human connection.

Donya opens up about her two books — her published memoir Tehran to Miami, which traces her family's history and cultural roots, and her upcoming release Random Beings, which explores women's vulnerability and self-doubt. She also previews her next project, How to Be a Woman, a collection of stories about the challenges and expectations women face across all areas of life. Donya shares the behind-the-scenes reality of self-publishing, including the lessons learned from navigating the editing process largely on her own after a difficult experience with an outside editor.

Beyond her career and writing, Donya discusses her deeply personal work as a human rights activist — including her role as a spokesperson for the Iranian-American community in Texas, her advocacy around trafficking and sexual harassment awareness, and her involvement in a short film documenting religious minority persecution in Iran. She makes a compelling case for embedding human rights values into technology and engineering design from the very beginning, rather than treating them as afterthoughts or compliance checkboxes. For Donya, building ethical technology isn't a side conversation — it's a core responsibility of anyone working in engineering and program management.

The conversation also digs into the value of diversity in the workplace, with Donya reflecting on how her background as a refugee gave her a unique lens on project management, team dynamics, and problem solving. She and Valerie explore how diverse thought — drawn from different cultures, life experiences, and perspectives — builds stronger, more adaptable teams, and why allies play a critical role in making that diversity sustainable over time.

From there, the discussion turns to practical workplace wisdom: how to build genuine human connections with colleagues rather than relating to them purely through titles and credentials, how to understand different appreciation languages, and how to adapt communication styles to foster real collaboration. Donya shares specific examples of how she carves out intentional time to connect with teammates on a personal level, and why she believes knowing someone as a whole person — not just a professional — leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Valerie and Donya also tackle the challenge of managing competing priorities with honesty and clarity, supporting colleagues through personal hardship, and creating a work culture where women feel encouraged rather than judged for pursuing balance. They reflect on their own experiences navigating career ambition alongside personal commitments, including the very real weight of mom guilt, and share their philosophies on setting clear goals, protecting personal time, and staying intentional about how energy is spent — both at work and beyond.

Be a part of the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

What does it take to build a better future for children in foster care — and what role can the skilled trades play in getting them there?

In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, host Valerie Crafton welcomes Bronwyn Beabeau and Maureen Noe, President & CEO of The Foster Alliance — one of the largest foster care organizations in Arizona and New Mexico, supporting more than 8,000 children each year through programs like safe sleep, birthday dreams, basic needs, and foster care licensing.

Together, they explore why awareness and community support are so critical for children navigating the foster care system, and why stable, meaningful career pathways can be life-changing for young people growing up in challenging circumstances. Valerie shares her vision for introducing foster youth to careers in the skilled trades — fields that offer not just a paycheck, but purpose, pride, and long-term opportunity.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that it takes a community — organizations, mentors, and industry leaders alike — to open doors and build brighter futures for the next generation.

🔗 Learn more about The Foster Alliance: https://thefosteralliance.org/

Key Topics Covered:

• The mission and programs of The Foster Alliance
• Why awareness matters for children in the foster care system
• Creating stable career pathways for foster youth
• How the skilled trades can offer purpose and long-term opportunity
• The role of community, mentors, and industry leaders in changing lives

Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades — breaking stereotypes, promoting representation, and showing kids the powerful, creative careers that keep our world moving.

Support the mission: https://handsonheroes.net/

Thank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, A Day In The Life Of An Electrician, creator and host Valerie Crafton introduces kids to the exciting world of skilled trades and STEM through storytelling, animation, and real-world exploration. The episode begins with a storybook reading from That Construction Worker is My Mom – The Electrician, showing young viewers that women can thrive in careers like electrical work and that anyone can become a builder, maker, or problem solver.Next, the lovable robot mascot B-Boop guides kids through a fun STEM kit project in an animated segment that teaches basic problem-solving and curiosity about how things work. The learning continues in a hands-on segment where Val and her children build the same project together, showing viewers how STEM ideas come to life at home.The episode concludes with an on-site interview with electrician Tara Stevenson, giving kids a real look at what it’s like to work in the trades and how careers in construction and electrical work help build the world around us.Through storytelling, creativity, and real-world role models, Hands-On Heroes encourages the next generation to explore STEM, believe in their abilities, and discover that heroes sometimes wear tool belts instead of capes.Hands-On Heroes assembles the most powerful voices across construction, mission-critical infrastructure, power, and design – from general contractors and civil engineers to hyperscale developers, edge and modular data center operators, semiconductor facility builders, AI factory pioneers, MEP specialists, architects, and infrastructure leaders. Hands-On Heroes is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering children through early exposure to careers in the skilled trades. Our mission is to break stereotypes, promote representation, and introduce kids to the powerful and creative careers that keep our world moving, from electricians and heavy equipment operators to carpenters, welders, and beyond. Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.This is where construction meets technology. Where blueprints become reality. Where every megawatt delivered, every rack energized, every facility commissioned, and every community engaged represents the heroic work of the Hands-On Heroes building our tomorrow.Do you want to be a part of the mission? Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn moreThank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Renae Sams has built her career on the foundations of hard work, integrity, and vision. With experience spanning every phase of construction, she’s supported design teams through complex deliverables, led field operations under general contracting environments, and delivered high-impact projects across the country and abroad.

Her portfolio includes infrastructure and transportation work in Southern California, federal mission-critical facilities in Hawaii and Guam, and large-scale data center campuses in Phoenix, Arizona, where she served as Senior Program Manager overseeing program delivery and optimizing coordination between teams to drive results.

Known for her ability to lead with clarity, collaboration, and composure under pressure, Renae brings both strategic vision and grounded execution to every project she touches.

She understands that success in construction isn’t just about what gets built—it’s about how people are led, heard, and supported along the way.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Build-Her.org and Author of Build-Her, Be Heard, Renae is redefining what leadership looks like in construction and the skilled trades.

Her mission is to increase visibility, representation, and growth for women in every stage of their careers—empowering them to build with confidence, lead with purpose, and lift others as they rise.

Renae’s leadership continues to inspire a new generation of builders to believe that progress doesn’t just happen—it’s constructed, one bold voice at a time.