From Hard Hats to Harnesses: Making Trades Safer for Everyone

Supporting Women in Energy: How the IBEW Creates Opportunity

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee [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 [https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor] Join host Concetta Defa and guest Jennifer Gray, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Director of Civic and Community Engagement, in this episode of PowHER Hour, as they explore how the IBEW is helping women break into and thrive in the energy and construction industries. From early career opportunities at utilities to the support provided through local and international women's committees, they shed light on the pathways available for women and the community that supports them. They discuss the impact of IBEW's Women's Conference, mentorship, and strong leadership, and share personal stories and the lasting value of camaraderie found within the union. Discover how visibility, advocacy, and education are driving positive change and opening doors for the next generation of women leaders in the trades. Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7oDXUVzA81s [https://youtu.be/7oDXUVzA81s] 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/ [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. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Building a Building, Growing a Baby: Motherhood in the Trades

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee [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 [https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor] What does it mean to balance motherhood and a skilled trades career? In this second Mother's Day episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guest Mallorie Davies, State Regulatory and Policy Coordinator, Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers, talk about managing pregnancy and parenting as a laborer, and the practical realities women face in the trades. They go over how Mallorie found her calling as a laborer, what kinds of work and support the job really involves, how to safely and confidently work through pregnancy without compromising safety, dealing with physical changes on the job, communicating boundaries, and leveraging both union and medical support to get through challenging moments. They discuss the transition back to work after maternity leave, setting up accommodations for breastfeeding, and facing down the real issues of mom guilt, missed events, and personal growth. Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CJvERVKx-68 [https://youtu.be/CJvERVKx-68] Last week's Mother's Day episode with Dr. Rosemary Lesser: https://youtu.be/0WXxZwScT6U [https://youtu.be/0WXxZwScT6U] 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/ [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. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

Navigating Pregnancy in the Trades

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee [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 [https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor] Pregnancy in the skilled trades comes with unique challenges, but planning and open communication can make all the difference. In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guest Dr. Rosemary Lesser, OB/GYN physician, give practical advice on advocating for yourself, working with your doctor, and ensuring a safe, successful experience in the energy industry. Learn how to communicate your work environment and hazards to your healthcare provider, understand your rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and navigate accommodations on the job. Discover the latest on physical activity and safety during pregnancy, ways to involve coworkers and supervisors for support, and tips for choosing the right physician for your needs. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0WXxZwScT6U [https://youtu.be/0WXxZwScT6U] If you want to learn more about pregnancy and safety in the trades, visit the Center for Construction Research and Training: https://www.cpwr.com/about-cpwr/cpwr-websites/ [https://www.cpwr.com/about-cpwr/cpwr-websites/] Pregnant Construction Worker Safety and Health: https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/PA-Pregnant_Construction_Workers.pdf [https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/PA-Pregnant_Construction_Workers.pdf] Work-Related Task Lists by Construction Occupation: https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/Construction_Tasks_by_Occupation.pdf [https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/Construction_Tasks_by_Occupation.pdf] 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/ [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. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

From Hard Hats to Harnesses: Making Trades Safer for Everyone

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee [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 [https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor] Join host Concetta Defa and guest Liliana Calderon Castillo, Director of Health & Safety Programs, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, in this episode of PowHER Hour, for a candid discussion on the real-world realities of safety in the construction industry, focusing on the unique challenges women face. Watch to find out why safety isn't just a checklist, but a mindset that impacts workers' well-being both now and into retirement, and learn all about the ongoing problems with ill-fitting PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), the shift from the outdated "one size fits all" mindset, and how evolving safety standards and equipment are making the workplace more inclusive. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wpI6KADaB7A [https://youtu.be/wpI6KADaB7A] Click the link to watch our previous episode with Liliana Calderon Castillo: https://youtu.be/8R8AAJiLrj0 [https://youtu.be/8R8AAJiLrj0] 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/ [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. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

The Art and Strength of Women Bricklayers in Modern Construction and Energy

Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentee [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 [https://cewd.mentorcollective.org/register/cewd-corporate/mentor] Join host Concetta Defa and guest Liliana Calderon Castillo, Director of Health & Safety Programs, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, in this episode of PowHER Hour, as they dive into the dynamic world of bricklaying, skilled trades, and the essential roles these crafts play within the energy industry. Learn all about how Liliana, a professional bricklayer and safety director, built her career from an unsure young apprentice into a leader and mentor for women in the trades. They cover the importance of sisterhood and peer connection, the range of allied crafts—like tile setting, terrazzo, and cement masonry—under the BAC umbrella, and they share firsthand experiences, career insights, and concrete tips for women looking to succeed in non-traditional pathways. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8R8AAJiLrj0 [https://youtu.be/8R8AAJiLrj0] 👉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. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/