iMasons is proud to introduce iM Spotlight, a new Q&A interview series that shines a light on the people shaping the future of digital infrastructure. For our inaugural feature, we’re joined by Hiba Agha, Executive Director of the iMasons Foundation, to discuss how the Foundation is moving beyond conversation to create tangible career pathways and measurable workforce outcomes.
Q: The iMasons Foundation just launched the RFP for Local Chapter Scholarship Grants. How will those grants help job seekers become job-ready faster?
Hiba Agha: We are investing directly in people, not just programs. These grants allow local chapters to fund education and training that align with real workforce needs in their regions. When industry steps in early, supports skill development, and connects learners to employers, we reduce friction between education and employment. That’s how we accelerate readiness, by aligning opportunity with demand.
Q: What is your strategy for making digital infrastructure a known and desirable career path for K–12 and college students?
Hiba Agha: Digital infrastructure powers the world and yet most students don’t know it exists as a career path. Our strategy is to make it visible, tangible, and attainable. That means early exposure in K–12, strong community college and university pathways, opening doors to trade and technical career pathways, and direct industry engagement. When students understand that this industry builds the backbone of the digital economy, it becomes purpose-driven and impactful work and not just a job.
Q: The iMasons Foundation champions veterans and career-switchers. How are you building onramps to a career in digital infrastructure for people open to changing industries?
Hiba Agha: This industry needs disciplined operators, problem-solvers, and mission-driven leaders. Veterans and career-switchers already embody those strengths. Our role is to remove translation barriers. We work to convert experience into hiring pathways, and ensure employers recognize transferable skills. Talent doesn’t always come from the traditional routes, sometimes we need to think outside the box.
Q: The iMasons Foundation’s new approach emphasizes “building outcomes.” What metrics are you tracking to demonstrate that you are moving the needle on industry resilience?
Hiba Agha: We measure scholarships awarded, credentials completed, internships created, and jobs secured. But resilience goes deeper than placement numbers. We are focused on building repeatable regional ecosystems where education, employers, and chapters collaborate continuously. True resilience means the pipeline doesn’t rely on urgency; it becomes part of how the industry operates.
Q: As the inaugural Executive Director of the rebranded iMasons Foundation, what is one “big win” you are chasing this year that will define your leadership?
Hiba Agha: I want us to prove that industry-led collaboration can produce measurable workforce outcomes at scale. If we can demonstrate that chapters, employers, and educators working together lead to real careers for real people, we won’t just be talking about the talent gap, we’ll be actively closing it.
To learn more about our education and workforce development initiatives, explore the iMasons Foundation, follow the iMasons Foundation on LinkedIn, and connect with Hiba.