How iMasons Is Expanding Career Pathways ~ Hands-On Heroes Ep5 w/ Hiba Agha

Описание: On this episode of Hands-On Heroes, special guest Hiba Agha discusses her role in iMasons and her career in nonprofit organizations.

#handsonheroes #podcast #nonprofit

Key Moments:
0:00 - Introduction to Hiba Agha & iMasons
6:15 - Closing the Talent Gap in Digital Infrastructure
9:00 - Data Centers and Nuclear Workforce Challenges
11:35 - Changing Perceptions About New Industries
15:59 - Partnering with Nuclear Energy for Workforce Synergy
18:43 - Finding Talent in Foster Care & Tech Schools
22:22 - The Value of Trades vs. College Degrees
27:15 - What Is The Role of The Pillar?
31:10 - Empowering Women and Underserved Populations
37:02 - Hiba’s Role at iMasons and Workforce Initiatives
43:10 - Standardizing Curriculums Across Regions
50:00 - The Job Matching Platform for Job Seekers
54:00 - Mentorship and Internship Opportunities Tool
1:02:52 - Hiba's Recommendations On Getting Involved
1:08:25 - Closing Remarks: Mod 42’s Support

Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) is a global, nonprofit, professional association of individuals connected and empowered to build a greater digital future for all.

Hiba shares how her role is focused on building awareness, education, and workforce development by connecting industry, educators, policy makers, and underrepresented talent like veterans, women, and foster youth. They dig into the challenges of scaling initiatives, creating stackable credentials, mentorship opportunities, and the iMasons job matching platform that helps students and professionals find relevant jobs and internships. Hiba explains how aligning stakeholders and standardizing resources across regions can strengthen the talent pipeline and foster real change. Whether you’re entering the tech workforce, hiring talent, or looking for ways to get involved, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration to help shape the future of the digital infrastructure industry through partnership, education, and community engagement.

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.

Through Val’s 21+ years of industry experience, her Hands-On Heroes nonprofit, and her storytelling platforms, Val bridges the gap between boardrooms and jobsites, showing that the future of infrastructure isn’t just powered by data, it’s built by people.
This is where construction meets technology. Where blueprints become reality. Where every megawatt delivered, every rack energized, every facility commissioned, and every community engaged represents the heroic work of the Hands-On Heroes building our tomorrow.
Do you want to be a part of the mission?

Visit https://handsonheroes.net/ to learn more
Thank you Mod42 for being our Title Sponsor!