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

Curious about what it takes to build a long-term career in the energy sector? Host Concetta Defa, an electrician by trade, resumes the conversation with energy professionals Saria Gwin-Maye, Journeyman Ironworker, Sammy Cossairt, Tower Crane Operator, and Sabrina St. Pierre, Journey Level Refractory.

In this conversation, the panel dives into the physical and mental demands of skilled trades—and how to navigate teamwork on the job site and stay safe. They share stories about navigating real-life challenges and successes, including how women compensate for physical limitations by leveraging unique strengths. Learn about certifications, expanding skillsets for career mobility, the unique world of crane operation, and transitioning from the military to trades, with firsthand stories of camaraderie, union support, and overcoming adversity.

Don't miss Sammy Cossairt's original song about tradeswomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5DljsxXvTM

👉Are you interested in energy industry careers or want insight into the real experiences of women building the future? Visit https://www.hirepowher.org/

To hear from Traci Mitts, Journey Level Industrial Painter, Chantel Richard, Journey Level Electrician, and Jessica Downey, Journey Level Lineworker, check out Part 1: https://youtu.be/lF609u89GS4

And Part 2: https://youtu.be/w_zBK7Wc78g

Check out Part 3 for more from Saria Gwin-Maye, Sammy Cossairt, and Sabrina St. Pierre: https://youtu.be/uteutYGwxg4

Part 4, this episode, on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAUAwHfV6RI

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Power Hour episodes from Hire PowHER!

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/

This episode features the webinar "A Closer look at high demand skilled trades careers within the energy industry – Part 2" from November 5, 2025.

Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/