Get Into Energy

Concetta Defa
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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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

  1. 3d ago

    From Apprentice to Mentor: Insights and Advice for Women in the Trades - Part 2

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/   In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Darlene Leineweber, Journeyman Wireman for the IBEW, talk about the inspiring story behind Trade Women Chat, one of the very first all-women construction groups on Facebook that not only fosters mentoring, networking, and resource sharing, but has also inspired subgroups focusing on business ventures and wellness. Find out how a simple idea born from a night out with fellow tradeswomen in Chicago quickly expanded into a worldwide movement, connecting and supporting women in the skilled trades. Learn all about the impact of in-person meetups at major industry conferences, including fundraisers like the renowned tradeswomen quilt raffle, which gives back directly to sisters in need, key resources, and the vital role of mentorship and allyship in helping the next generation thrive.   Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hCLrrPCR8-w Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh_y3IVBASg   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/

  2. Jul 16

    From Apprentice to Mentor: Insights and Advice for Women in the Trades - Part 1

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/   Join host Concetta Defa in this episode of PowHER Hour as she sits down with Darlene Leineweber,  Journeyman Wireman for the IBEW, to discuss her 32-year journey in the electrical trades. In this episode, Darlene talks about navigating the demanding field from her first days as an apprentice to establishing herself as a seasoned professional, and shares insights on the intense yet rewarding Chicago apprenticeship program, the importance of building strong bonds and support systems among women in the trades, and how to recognize which early challenges are about learning the ropes versus dealing with gender dynamics. This episode provides practical advice for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades, highlighting that everyone starts out learning, and success is built one step at a time.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh_y3IVBASg   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/

  3. Jul 9

    Recruiting, Supporting, and Advancing Women in Construction and Energy - Part 2

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/   In part 2, host Concetta Defa and guest Kelly McClellen, Operating Engineer Rank and File Member, IUOE Local 101 KS/MO, dive deep into what it takes to recruit, retain, and support women in the trades. Kelly talks about her journey, her involvement in founding Heartland Women in Trades, and her advocacy for women in construction and energy. They highlight the power of grassroots organizations, national task forces, and global partnerships in advancing policy changes, promoting safe and equitable workplaces, and overcoming barriers like childcare and maternity leave that uniquely affect women in the skilled trades. They also discuss the necessity and impact of mentorship, building supportive communities, and fostering a culture where women can thrive as both workers and leaders.   Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-xs41rHrOk Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/onmmXB0bEj4   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/

  4. Jul 2

    Recruiting, Supporting, and Advancing Women in Construction and Energy - Part 1

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/   Join host Concetta Defa and guest Kelly McClellen, Operating Engineer Rank and File Member, IUOE Local 101 KS/MO, in this episode of PowHER Hour for a conversation about what it means to be a woman in the trades, focusing on the world of operating engineers. Kelly shares her 30-year journey from starting out as an apprentice to working on major construction projects and navigating both challenges and opportunities along the way. Learn about the evolution of women's roles on job sites, about union benefits, pay, and layoffs, and why targeted recruitment, industry advocacy, and strong mentorship are so important for bringing more women into the field and keeping them there.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/onmmXB0bEj4 Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-xs41rHrOk     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/

  5. Jun 11

    Exploring High Voltage Careers: Women Finding Success in the Utility Industry - Part 2

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/   What does a power systems technician really do? Join host Concetta Defa as she sits down with Darlene Arcese, Power Systems Technician, UWUA Local 369 Executive Board VP, to get a look at what it's really like working in the utility industry. In this episode of PowHER Hour, Darlene Arce details her journey from learning about a co-op degree program to landing her role and thriving in a field often overlooked by women. Learn about the specifics of the job, the training path, how women can successfully navigate opportunities in a male-dominated environment, what to expect in the field (including wildlife encounters), the reality of pay during training, and the importance of visibility, community, and mentorship for women entering the trades.   Sign up for EPUT*, the program Darlene went through: https://www.bhcc.edu/eput/ Sign up for the program at National Grid**: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Our-Company/NE-Clean-Energy-Academy/Energy-Infrastructure-Academy  *The Electric Power Utility Technology (EPUT) program is a partnership between Bunker Hill Community College, Local 369 Utility Workers Union of America, and Eversource. The program gives students an opportunity to gain real-world job experience while earning an associate's degree in Electric Power Utility Technology.  **The Energy Infrastructure Academy is an 8-week, 200-hour upskilling pre-apprenticeship program that prepares work-ready adults for entry- and mid-level union roles at National Grid.    Watch this (Part 2) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9QNe9hSgodc Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I1qR3XK2DAU   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/

  6. Jun 4

    Exploring High Voltage Careers: Women Finding Success in the Utility Industry - Part 1

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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 👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/ In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guest Darlene Arcese, Power Systems Technician, UWUA Local 369 Executive Board VP, dive into the challenges women face when traditional career advice doesn't fit, and how perseverance and hands-on training can open the door to rewarding opportunities in the energy industry. Learn about the realities of utility work, the importance of union support and leadership, and the complex, high-voltage equipment Darlene -who shifted from studying astronomy to finding her passion and purpose as a power systems technician- works on daily.   Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I1qR3XK2DAU Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9QNe9hSgodc 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/

  7. May 28

    Building a Diverse Workforce: Women's Impact and Growth in the IBEW

    Check out the PowHERful Women Mentorship Program and find a mentor in the trades: 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   Get an inside perspective on how the IBEW is paving the way for women in the electrical industry. In this episode of PowHER Hour, host Concetta Defa and guest Jennifer Gray, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Director of Civic and Community Engagement, dive into the history and evolution of support systems for women, including the rollout of the IBEW women's mentorship program, and how it is providing both new and seasoned members with invaluable resources and guidance. They discuss the impact of women's caucuses and conferences, the importance of building community within the trade, and new local efforts, such as pre-apprenticeship programs, that help women enter the trades with confidence. They also highlight the vital need for intentional outreach, how representation and mentoring are shaping the next generation of electrical workers, and how the IBEW is building a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hnD2bKFLldk Watch our previous episode with Jennifer Gray: 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/ 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/

  8. May 21

    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 Want to be a mentor for someone entering the trades? Sign up here: 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   👉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/

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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. Join our next webinar here and step into a career where your PowHER truly matters: https://getintoenergy.org/hire-powher/powher-hours/

Information

  • Creator
    Concetta Defa
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Get Into Energy