Sparky Life

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 ordi...

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 p...

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 pro...

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. 

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 s...

In this Sparky Life episode Raya Kenney discusses her 11-year journey building a Memorial for Women On The Home Front during World War II, emphasizing visibility and recognition for their contributions. She details the project's design, fundraising needs, and educational goals. Raya highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and advocating for gender equity in skilled trades.

The conversation addresses overc...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela and guests Dr. Talia Jackson and Douglas Jensen from the We're Not Fine podcast discuss a stabbing incident at the local 26 JATC in Manassas, Virginia. They talk about the serious issues of bullying and mental health within the construction industry, reflecting on the culture that may contribute to such tragedies.

The conversation underscores the need for a more ...

In this podcast episode, Chris Guyatt, a building automation expert, and Lia Lamela, talk about the lucrative and evolving field of building automation. Chris outlines the business potential, emphasizing the importance of branding, marketing, and understanding electrical controls.

He also shares a step-by-step learning path for newcomers, stressing the significance of hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in elec...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela talks with Cate, a second-year apprentice carpenter from British Columbia, about the challenges and experiences of women in the skilled trades. Cate discusses her transition from administrative work to carpentry, and the importance of self-confidence. They address the balance between strength and softness. 

Cate discloses how after leaving school, she had to learn a lot abo...

Live Panel is a new modern platform where leaders in the skilled trades discuss compelling issues facing the construction industry. Live Panel shares remarkable stories and points of view of how journeyman and woman build the things that make our lives work!  These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives...

Did you know that 1 in 5 women prefer to work with men over other women? We dove deep into this curious statistic and explored the challenges of women supporting women in spaces where we're still breaking ground.

Our guest Bogi is a committed automotive industry advocate, dealer-trained BMW and ASE master certified technician, and a fierce proponent for inspiring women to pursue opportunities within the automotive and...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks to Jeff Naeem, the owner of a New Jersey-based junk removal company. Jeff shares his journey from working in financial services to starting his own business in the skilled trades. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a license in New Jersey, the day-to-day operations of his company, and the importance of treating employees well to ensure high-quality service. He...

This is Sparky Life's One Year Anniversary!

I just want to thank all the listeners.  I am so grateful to you; Sparky Life would never be able to serve the skilled trades community on the level it has if it wasn't for you.  You have helped Sparky Life introduce the skilled trades to people who had no idea all the opportunities available to them within these career paths.

You have helped create a safe spa...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Shana Francesca, a life designer and CEO of Concinnate LLC, about her unique background making her an expert on transformative leadership. We discuss the impact of toxic leadership in the construction industry, with Shana advocating for intentional and ethical leadership practices. 

The construction industry, stands at a crossroads between outdated, tox...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela  speaks with Bettina, founder of Women in FIFO, about her experiences in the mining industry. They discuss the challenges women face, such as sexual harassment and underrepresentation, and the financial benefits of FIFO roles. Bettina shares her journey in the industry and how she achieved financial stability as a single mother. The conversation highlights the importance o...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela chats with Kelly McNamara, a soon to be red seal carpenter, about her career transition into carpentry and her experiences as a woman in the trades. She emphasizes the importance of finding a company that values workers and the economic need for new talent in the trades. Kelly also reflects on the societal perceptions of trades and her personal growth, highlighting compass...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela speaks with Kimmy the Sparks,  an electrician who shares her journey in the male-dominated electrical industry. Despite facing discouragement and gender discrimination, the electrician rose from an administrative role to become a qualified professional.

She discusses the versatility of her job, the importance of female camaraderie, and her experiences with gender bias....

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Trish Conville, a seasoned professional from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They discuss the importance of safety, cleanliness, and proper accommodations in the construction industry, with a focus on the electrical trade.

Trish shares insights from her work in power distribution and the advancements in technology that have improv...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela and fellow electrician Chessa Trimble discuss the challenges and rewards of being in the skilled trades industry. Chessa shares her journey from apartment maintenance to becoming an electrician, the decision to go non-union, and the importance of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. They also discuss the unique strengths women bring to the electrical field...