Sparky Life Lia Lamela

In this episode , Lia Lamela welcomed electrician Andrea O'Connell, who shared her empowering story of transitioning from a struggling single mother to a passionate tradeswoman. Andrea recounted her serendipitous entry into the construction industry, where she discovered a fulfilling career path. She candidly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her apprenticeship and the importance of finding supportive employers. Andrea's determination to succeed in a male-dominated field and her advocacy for women in trades shone through as she spoke about overcoming stereotypes and using social media to inspire others. Her journey underscores the skilled trades as a viable and rewarding option for financial stability and personal growth, particularly for single parents.

Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia




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

Be a part of history!




Raya Kenney website is 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 Jennifer@PlatinumWealth.net 




website
Support the Show.
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.

In this episode, Lia Lamela speaks  with Will Betances, a master electrician and founder of Energize Us, about his initiative to transform skilled trades education. Energize Us ia an accredited Not for Profit 501(c)(3) Education Center Trade Pre-Apprenticeship program, training the next generation. A revolution is underway, spearheaded by Energize Us Edu Inc. This visionary institution,  Energize Us Edu Inc. doesn’t settle for ordinary; it aspires to be the ‘Ivy League’ of trade schools, a testament to the pursuit of excellence in trade education. From high school students exploring their first sparks of interest to seasoned professionals seeking continuous improvement, Energize Us Edu Inc. is committed to fostering a passion for trades at every level.
Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Connect with our guest Will: https://www.instagram.com/energize_us_edu/
Register for Will's  Most Anticipated Convention For Skilled Trades here: https://growthconvention.org/

Sparky Life Recommends the Book: End of Average by Tod Rose
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 the link to donate.
https://marniekenneysfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donatedonatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea


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


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


Support the show
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Ryan, an 18-year-old entrepreneur and HVAC apprentice. They discuss the urgent need for tradespeople and the opportunities within the HVAC industry. Ryan shares his proactive approach to learning and his plans to obtain multiple trade licenses. They discuss the academic system and encourage exploring various fields, including skilled trades, to find one's passion. Ryan emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and offers practical advice to those entering the trade.

In our discussion, we delved into the concerning trend of fewer young individuals entering the skilled trades. It's a topic that's close to my heart, as I've seen firsthand the misconceptions surrounding these essential careers. Ryan, with his entrepreneurial spirit, has recognized the immense opportunities that lie within the HVAC field. He's a first-generation tradesperson who has taken a proactive approach to his future, and his insights are a testament to the value of exploring the trades.

Forget the cliché of "follow your passion." I'm all about exploring as many avenues as possible to truly discover what lights your fire. Ryan's journey is a testament to this approach, and it's something I wish more young people were encouraged to do.

Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia

Ryan's Link:
@tradesovercollege

🛠️New Content Daily
📈Follow Me Along My Journey
💡18 Years Old In Trade School With A Vision
🧑‍🎓Empowering The Younger Generation To Do Better


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

Be a part of history!


Raya Kenney website is 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


Ap
Support the Show.
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.

Viola Vargas, is 12 years old and already a trailblazer.  She started her journey with the trades when she was a toddler and growing up she always loved working with tools with her dad. Viola started with cutting wires, but today she helps her dad with HVAC projects.  Not only is she skilled in HVAC but she is an athlete as well, taekwondo, soccer, and track and field. Viola hopes to continue in HVAC as she gets older. She is a proud member of the non for profit Women Pioneers In Unity since August 2023. At such a young age, she has already developed a keen interest in HVAC systems, a field that many might consider unconventional for someone her age. 
Sparky Life is on a mission to expose students to the vast career opportunities in the skilled trades. With hand-selected industry leaders, we're sparking direct conversations and building networks for the future craftsmen and women of America.

🤝 Support Our Mission: For just $3 a month, you can help us expand this program and reach more schools. Your subscription makes a difference! If you're connected to a school that could benefit from our visit, drop us an email at thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com.


Even if you can't support us financially right now, your presence in our community is invaluable. I'm excited to share this journey with you.
Connect with our Guest Viola IG: @kickin2fixin


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 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 Jennifer@PlatinumWealth.net
website www.PlatinumWealth.net


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


Support the Show.
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia speaks with electrical engineer Ayesha Wilson about her career and advocacy for STEM outreach. Ayesha shares her inspiration from astronaut Kalpana Chawla and her path to circuit design.  Ayesha's dedication to teaching and mentorship shines through as she discusses breaking down academic gatekeeping and the value of collaboration between different skill sets in engineering. 

Ayesha is an Electrical Engineer committed to climate-focused technology solutions. She has worked on developing sensors for the restaurant industry, aimed at reducing water and power consumption in dishwashers. 
Ayesha has also worked on farm robotics, where she designed electronics for robots for harvesting fruit in hydroponic grows and designed solutions for UV treatment to replace chemical pesticides. Helping make farms more resilient to labor shortages and climate change.

She combines art and electronics to craft pretty PCB jewelry and conducts workshops in electronics, programming, and soldering. Ayesha is a strong advocate for open-source principles, sharing her designs to foster inclusivity in engineering and reverse gatekeeping.


Connect with our guest Ayesha IG: @Ayesha.ifiqhar
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/


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


Support the Show.
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.

In our latest episode on March 7, 2024, Two Students Stabbed at Local 26 Electrical Training Center: Bullying and Mental Health in the skilled trades we discussed the tragic events which occurred on Feb 13th 2024 in Manassa, VA.  

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast we follow up on the heart-wrenching events that have shaken our community at Local 26. I sat down with a courageous member of our team, who, for their safety, remains anonymous, to discuss the recent tragedies that have left us all searching for answers and longing for change.
Our guest shares personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the atmosphere that seems to have taken root. From the disconnect between students and instructors to the concerning instances of bullying and harassment, it's clear we need to take a hard look at ourselves and the culture we're part of. It's time for a shift towards a more equitable environment.

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 Jennifer@PlatinumWealth.net 
website www.PlatinumWealth.net
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com



Support the Show.
Sparky Life Membership Subscription Opportunities
Click on the Buzz Sprout Support Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111003/supporters/new

Did this Sparky Life episode entertain you, did you enjoy this episode, did you learn from this episode? Then Join Us and Subscribe!

Membership Subscription Levels
1. Be a Part of The Circuit…for only 10 cents a day or $3. Per Month

As a Circuit Member you have made the choice to support Sparky Life so it can develop and grow. You will be the first to know about special online events and sneak peaks about upcoming episodes.

2. Be a Part of Live Wire…for only 17 cents a day or $5. Per month

Get a digital thank you directly from Lia Lamela, with an invitation to join the Sparky Life network. Sparky Life as a thank you will send you a free $5 Starbucks card.

3. Be an Honorary Sparky…for only 33 cents a day or $10 Per month

Sparky Life invites Honorary Sparky members to submit to the podcast, any questions you may have about the skilled trades, or the construction industry. Your questions will be digitally answered directly by Lia Lamela and a few questions may actually be selected to be answered on air on the Sparky Life Podcast. You can send your questions to thesparkylifeoflia@gmail.com or DM us @sparkylifeoflia.