With the onset of COVID-19, Build a Dream - a non-profit that empowers young women to explore careers where females are underrepresented - had to cancel six career discover expos scheduled for the Spring. Utilizing support offered from partners, the organization has taken career exploration online and on May 27, 2020, Build a Dream will present a free, interactive digital expo for young women (grades 7 to 12) and their parents to attend remotely.
"While we will miss meeting these amazing young women face-to-face, we are still dedicated to providing them with the tools, resources and network to help them navigate their future," says Nour Hachem-Fawaz, President & Founder of Build a Dream. "We are so thankful to all of our speakers and partners who are so dedicated to helping young women make informed career decisions and believe in their potential."
Career discovery expos are energetic events full of inspiration and despite going digital, it was important to still include many of the real-life elements as part of #DreamHomeEdition. The evening runs program includes:
- Greetings from Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ontario)
- Keynote Speaker, Rola Dagher, President & CEO, CISCO Canada
- Female Dream Maker panel sharing career insight and inspiration (including a teen inventor, police chief, and Olympic athlete!), and taking questions from the audience
- Building Your Toolbox' segment where representatives from organizations like FIRST Robotics and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program suggest ways to explore careers while still in high school
- Live lab demo and create-at-home DIY with a beauty chemist
- Post-secondary pathways segment with college and university awareness
- Games, prizes, and an On-demand Video Zone
Hachem-Fawaz says that it's amazing to see Build a Dream grow from hosting a 130-person event six years ago to expanding across Canada, and preparing to welcome 3,000 families for a new way of career exploration. "It's about having these young women understand all of the opportunities that are out there, to see other females in different roles and realize that gender does not need to define career choice. And once a young woman begins to recognize her potential, that recognition cannot be undone."
About the Event
Build a Dream is excited to present its digital career discovery expo, #DreamHomeEdition, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, from 5pm to 8pm, for young women in grades 7 to 12 (and parents/guardians). Highlights include greetings from Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ontario), a keynote address from Rola Dagher, President & CEO, CISCO Canada, career insight from female professionals, information on resources, and lots of games, prizes, and inspiration.
The event is free but attendees must register in advance as the event is capped at 3,000 guests. Visit http://dreamathome.eventbrite.ca/ to sign up.
About Build a Dream
Build a Dream spotlights exciting career opportunities that fall under five pillars: skilled trades, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), emergency response, entrepreneurship, and advancing women in society. Specialized programming is delivered through career discovery expos, hands-on camps and workshops, highlighting Dream Maker professionals, and providing keynotes, consultation, and Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) training. Along with launching additional services and programs in 2019, Build a Dream has grown from a grassroots organization servicing 3 cities, to a national movement.
