Discover how to get more women involved in engineering, tech and construction by giving them exposure early and often. Learn more on this episode of Hands-On Heroes - Ep2 AIDC25. Learn more about Hands-On Heroes: https://handsonheroes.net/Discover powerful insights on breaking gender barriers in STEM! In this episode of Hands-On Heroes from AIDC25 (Arizona Infrastructure & Data Center Summit 2025), we explore practical strategies for increasing women's participation in engineering, technology, and construction careers.
🎯 Featured in This Episode:*Exclusive interview with Kirk Busch, CEO & Chairman of BigData Southwest and founder of AZ4Solar.org*Inspiring father-daughter story: How early exposure to tech events shaped an 8-year career journey (from age 10 to 18)*On-site interviews with industry leaders at AIDC25*Real-world insights on workforce development in the data center industry*Actionable advice for parents, educators, and industry professionalsHands-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.