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In this Sparky Life episode Raya Kenney discusses her 11-year journey building a Memorial for Women On The Home Front during World War II, emphasizing visibility and recognition for their contributions. She details the project's design, fundraising needs, and educational goals. Raya highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and advocating for gender equity in skilled trades.

The conversation addresses overcoming challenges, imposter syndrome, and the significance of self-worth. Raya invites listeners to support the memorial project and engage in discussions on empowering women. With support from mentors like Mae, the original Rosie, and a strong community, Raya aims to preserve family histories and inspire a "we can do it" attitude among women. We explore the evolution of women's roles in the workforce and the importance of education and mentorship for future generations.

Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGO5tWne14
Raya Kenney at the SOTU with CBS Evening News

Sparky Life Supports:National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Financial Advising for the skilled trades:
email [email protected] website  www.PlatinumWealth.net


Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

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Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela and guests Dr. Talia Jackson and Douglas Jensen from the We're Not Fine podcast discuss a stabbing incident at the local 26 JATC in Manassas, Virginia. They talk about the serious issues of bullying and mental health within the construction industry, reflecting on the culture that may contribute to such tragedies.

The conversation underscores the need for a more inclusive and supportive workplace in the skilled trades. Lia's personal connection to the apprenticeship program adds depth to the dialogue about the media's portrayal and the broader implications of the Local 26 stabbing in Manassa, VA.

Connect with us:@sparkylifeoflia on our socials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGO5tWne14

Connect with Guests: https://www.instagram.com/werenotfinepod/
@drtaliajackson
@douglasjensen

https://werenotfine.com/

Sparky Life Supports:
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Financial Advising for the skilled trades: email [email protected]
websitewww.PlatinumWealth.net


Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this podcast episode, Chris Guyatt, a building automation expert, and Lia Lamela, talk about the lucrative and evolving field of building automation. Chris outlines the business potential, emphasizing the importance of branding, marketing, and understanding electrical controls.

He also shares a step-by-step learning path for newcomers, stressing the significance of hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in electrical schematics. The electrical industry is changing. Chris explains learning is about long-term success in building automation careers.

Chris helps electrical businesses develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding required to deliver automation & controls projects in the Smart Home, BMS (Building Management Systems), and Industrial Control Industries.

Connect with us:@sparkylifeoflia
Connect with our guest Chris: @beeautomation

Chris Links:
https://beeautomation.co.uk/training
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisguyatt/

Sparky Life Supports:
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Financial Advising for the skilled trades: email [email protected]
websitewww.PlatinumWealth.net

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela talks with Cate, a second-year apprentice carpenter from British Columbia, about the challenges and experiences of women in the skilled trades. Cate discusses her transition from administrative work to carpentry, and the importance of self-confidence. They address the balance between strength and softness. 

Cate discloses how after leaving school, she had to learn a lot about the real world of construction.  Her goal is to achieve the red seal in carpentry and move into a mentorship role for other young women entering the trades.

Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Connect with our guest Cate Links: https://www.instagram.com/carpenter_cate/

Sparky Life Supports:
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Financial Advising for the skilled trades: email [email protected]
websitewww.PlatinumWealth.net

If you liked this episode you might enjoy: The Power of Humor: An Electrician's Journey Overcoming Sexism, Racism, and Homophobia in the Trades, with Lindsay Kearns. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4kKu5VsTKhNR6EVCcODpV3?si=kBHb8mZ3Rcu6KOrpq1ViXg

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Live Panel is a new modern platform where leaders in the skilled trades discuss compelling issues facing the construction industry. Live Panel shares remarkable stories and points of view of how journeyman and woman build the things that make our lives work!  These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives.

Your hosts on Live Panel Sparky, Lia Lamela host of Sparky Life Podcast, Boots, Lindsay Reynold host of She Wears Work Boots and Alexis Armstrong host of the Smoko Podcast come together for an unscripted live show!


In this podcast episode, Lia Lamela introduces a new show, Live Panel with Sparky, Boots and Smoko.  Lindsay Reynolds and Alexis Armstrong join Lia to explore the challenges of working in male-dominated spaces, including communication hurdles and career advancement issues. These ladies discuss gender bias and differing communication styles between genders. Additionally, they share a quirky anecdote about giving a funeral to a pigeon named Soup, complete with a jug band. These women are on a mission to have candid conversations surrounding STEM, skilled trades and construction industry.

Connect with us:@sparkylifeoflia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGO5tWne14

Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Be apart of history!
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

We support financial advisement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net


Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Did you know that 1 in 5 women prefer to work with men over other women? We dove deep into this curious statistic and explored the challenges of women supporting women in spaces where we're still breaking ground.

Our guest Bogi is a committed automotive industry advocate, dealer-trained BMW and ASE master certified technician, and a fierce proponent for inspiring women to pursue opportunities within the automotive and skilled trade industries. Her desire to do more for promoting, empowering and increasing the number of women in the trades, combined with her strong belief in advocacy, inspired her to create Girl Gang Garage.

Bogi is also a prominent speaker and educator, leveraging her 20 years of industry experience, passion, and genuine love for cars. She has consulted and taught thousands across the country, focusing on creating a culture within a business that creates space for diversity, increases the professionalism and respect for the automotive industry and emphasizes that by creating a culture where female employees and customers are valued and respected, everyone wins. Bogi has been teaching basic car care classes and workshops for 20 years, blending her knowledge and passion for empowering women to create a unique teaching style that uses automotive knowledge to empower women in their personal and professional lives. She has been featured in countless news articles and stories, been awarded Phoenix 35 under 35, 40 under 40, Women in Auto Care Female Shop Owner of the Year and many other prestigious awards. Additionally Bogi has been the host of the TV show All Girls Garage on Motortrend TV for 12 years, and is the creator and host of the With Her Two Hands podcast for 3.5 years.

Connect with our guest Bogi's Links: IG: @bogisgarage
Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia

Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Be apart of history!
Here's the link to donate: 
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

We support financial advisement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks to Jeff Naeem, the owner of a New Jersey-based junk removal company. Jeff shares his journey from working in financial services to starting his own business in the skilled trades. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a license in New Jersey, the day-to-day operations of his company, and the importance of treating employees well to ensure high-quality service. He also shares unique and wild situations he's encountered, particularly with a hoarder cleanout. 

Jeff Naeem is the owner of Junk-A-Haulics. He has been running the business for over a decade and one of his favorite things about it is how there is always an exciting new story or interesting discovery that his team encounters. 

Are you ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of junk removal and entrepreneurial grit? Tune in to the Sparky Life podcast!

Jeff's Links: Junkahaulics.com
Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia

Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Be a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Here's the link to donate:
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
"We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree.”

We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This is Sparky Life's One Year Anniversary!

I just want to thank all the listeners.  I am so grateful to you; Sparky Life would never be able to serve the skilled trades community on the level it has if it wasn't for you.  You have helped Sparky Life introduce the skilled trades to people who had no idea all the opportunities available to them within these career paths.

You have helped create a safe space for women in the skilled trades. You have helped debunk myths and stereotypes in the skilled trades.  You have created a platform where leaders in the skilled trades discuss issues facing the construction industry. 

You help share remarkable stories and points of view of how journeymen and women build the things that make this world work.  You honor the people who build the world we live in. You played a role in elevating the skilled trades environment.  Thank you.

If you want to continue to support Sparky Life, please share your favorite episode with a friend.  We appreciate however you're able to support whether its subscribing to the platform, writing a review, sharing the Sparky Life podcast, or donating to the link tree tip jar.  All forms of Sparky Life support are valuable and appreciated.  You are the reason Sparky Life can continue to create content for you.

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

https://linktr.ee/sparkylife

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In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Shana Francesca, a life designer and CEO of Concinnate LLC, about her unique background making her an expert on transformative leadership. We discuss the impact of toxic leadership in the construction industry, with Shana advocating for intentional and ethical leadership practices. 

The construction industry, stands at a crossroads between outdated, toxic leadership practices and a future of ethical, intentional leadership. Shana Francesca's story and insights remind us that the path we choose can transform not only our workplaces but also the fabric of our society. It's time to build a better tomorrow.

Connect  with Our Guest Shana's Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-francesca-36b79217
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanafrancesca?_t=8cLJ8Liict1&_r=1
https://www.concinnate.world/
Link to Workshops: https://www.concinnate.world/workshops

Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia

Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Be a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected] 

website www.PlatinumWealth.net

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela  speaks with Bettina, founder of Women in FIFO, about her experiences in the mining industry. They discuss the challenges women face, such as sexual harassment and underrepresentation, and the financial benefits of FIFO roles. Bettina shares her journey in the industry and how she achieved financial stability as a single mother. The conversation highlights the importance of support networks, mentorship, and maintaining femininity in the workplace.

Connect with Bettina: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_fifo/
linktr.ee/womeninfifo
I help Women get into FIFO
Cert Life Coach Master Hypnotherapy
🛫8 yrs FIFO ⚒20 yrs Mining 

Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia


Be a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

Here's the link to donate: https://marnie-kenneysfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea

Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
"We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree.”

We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net

Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

Support the show