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.

From Juvenile Detention to Data Center Leadership: A Story of Redemption and Resilience 💪

The construction and technology industries are filled with unconventional success stories, but few are as powerful as Mike Hastings' journey.

At 15, Mike found himself in the juvenile detention system—far from the traditional path to success. But his story didn't end there. It was just beginning.

In the latest episode of Hands On Heroes, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Mike to explore his remarkable transformation from a warehouse worker at StorageTek to a sales leader at IES Communications, specializing in data center infrastructure.

Mike's journey teaches us:

• Success doesn't require a perfect start—just persistence and a willingness to learn
• Seeking out mentors and volunteering your time can open doors you never imagined
• Getting knocked down is inevitable; getting back up is what defines you
• True gratification comes from seeing the tangible impact of your work—and helping others find their path

Mike navigated company acquisitions, earned his degree while working full-time, survived a layoff during COVID, and found his calling in an industry where you can literally point to the infrastructure you built and say, "I did that."

Today, Mike is dedicated to giving back—mentoring the next generation and helping others discover the same opportunities he found in the construction and technology fields.

Thinking about a career in crane operation? Professional Crane Operator, Tiffany Eckard shares why starting as an oiler apprentice might be your best move.

An oiler apprenticeship isn't just an entry point—it's a strategic foundation for a long-term career in heavy equipment operation. While you're maintaining and servicing cranes, you're actually getting paid to learn from experienced operators, understanding the machinery from the ground up.

What makes the oiler role so valuable:

You gain hands-on knowledge of crane mechanics, hydraulics, and safety systems before you ever touch the controls. You build relationships with experienced operators who become mentors. You develop the situational awareness and safety mindset that's critical in this field. You're earning while you're learning, with a clear path to operator certification.

Many of today's master crane operators started exactly here—greasing cables, checking fluid levels, and asking questions. They understood that you can't safely operate what you don't understand.

If you're looking for a skilled trade with strong earning potential and job security, the crane industry is hiring. And the apprenticeship path remains one of the most reliable ways to build a successful career.

With host Valerie Crafton, she also shares what she loves most about being a crane operator.

At Hands-On Heroes, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of builders, makers, and doers. Through storytelling and STEM education, we promote the skilled trades and empower children to explore their potential.Thank you Mod42 for being our title sponsor!

Learn more about Hands-On Heroes: https://handsonheroes.net/

iMasons Climate Accord is a coalition of companies united on carbon reductions in digital infrastructure.

Host Valerie Crafton of Hands On Heroes had the pleasure to interview attendees from the most recent iMasons Climate Accord Summit.

This episode connects with leaders in the industry.

People you'll hear from in this episode include:

Alison Tyndall, Director of Industrial Innovations at ClimeCo

Amir Ehsasei, Principle at Zamin Consulting LLCSarah Welton, Director at GRESB Foundation

Patricia Leyva, Sustainability Enablement and Engagement at Equinix KC Mares, President and Chief Energy Officer at MegaWatt Consulting Inc.

Eric Gertsman, Director of Tech Sustainability

Louis Liu, Senior Sustainability Project Engineer at Rehlko

Allan Bedwell, Principal at Net Zero Solutions

Roland Ruprecht, Director and Commercial Lead at Teknor Apex Company

Miranda G Gardiner, Executive Director at iMason Climate Accord.

On this episode of Hands-On Heroes, special guest Hiba Agha discusses her role in iMasons and her career in nonprofit organizations.Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) is a global, nonprofit, professional association of individuals connected and empowered to build a greater digital future for all.Hiba shares how her role is focused on building awareness, education, and workforce development by connecting industry, educators, policy makers, and underrepresented talent like veterans, women, and foster youth. They dig into the challenges of scaling initiatives, creating stackable credentials, mentorship opportunities, and the iMasons job matching platform that helps students and professionals find relevant jobs and internships. Hiba explains how aligning stakeholders and standardizing resources across regions can strengthen the talent pipeline and foster real change.

Whether you’re entering the tech workforce, hiring talent, or looking for ways to get involved, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration to help shape the future of the digital infrastructure industry through partnership, education, and community engagement.

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.

Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn more

Thank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!

Shannon Tymosko is a 4th year Electrical Apprentice and proud sister of the IBEW Local 105, Hamilton. She is also a Skilled Trades Ambassador, Speaker, and an Advocate.

She originally completed a Child and Youth work diploma and upon completion she worked at a homeless shelter for youth. Here she found compassion, empathy, hope and a better understanding of people and the challenges life can for Mental Health.

Sadly, this job was not one that an individual could thrive on in the GTA and she needed to maintain her college job. This turned into a 10-year unplanned career, as she worked her way up through different positions. It wasn’t until the age of 29 that she discovered she liked working with her hands.

As an ambassador for the trades this has allowed Shannon to combine her passion for people with her new love for the trades. She uses her voice, story, and platform to educate, motivate and inspire change in the industry and the minds of all.

In this episode of Hands-On Heroes, Shannon discussed the challenges of accessing apprenticeships in Canada, noting that most participants are in their late 20s or early 30s, making it difficult for younger people to pursue them as a first career. She emphasized the importance of providing young people with opportunities to gain transferable skills, financial stability, and the chance to explore different career paths.

Valerie highlighted the financial burdens of balancing work, education, and childcare, and suggested that apprenticeships could offer a solution by allowing learning during the day while children are in school.

They also discussed the benefits of apprenticeships, including the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of community.

Shannon explained the steps involved in becoming an apprentice, including the difficulty of finding an apprenticeship position, which is often due to the requirement for employers to take on educational responsibilities.