Hands-On Heroes with Valerie Crafton

Hands-On Heroes Day in the Life Ep.2 Heavy Equipment Operator

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/

More Than a Title — Grace Vanderhei on Nuclear Energy, Authenticity, and Daring to Be Whole ~ Hands-On Heroes Ep14

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/

Trade Workforce Shortage: What’s Really Going On? | Real Answers from the Golf Course

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.

From Classroom to Engineering Careers ~ Hands-On Heroes EP13 w/Instructors & Students

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/

From Blueprint to Reality: Clean Energy, AI, and the People Connecting the Dots ~ Hands-On Heroes Ep12 w/ Julia Weigel

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.