Role models open doors for young women

Role models hope to inspire young women to explore diverse career alternatives

There may be plenty of available jobs, but few young women ever consider occupations in the fields of construction, skilled trades, engineering or emergency response. The local group Build a Dream has been working hard to help change the perception, provide female role models and encourage teenage girls to pursue occupations some may still consider as male-dominated jobs.

The group hosted a showcase event Thursday at the Ciociaro Club attended by close to 1,200 female students between grades 9 to 12, plus their parents. There were roundtable discussions, plus several information booths set up to visit. They included Windsor police, firefighters, construction companies, tool shops, University of Windsor’s engineering school and faculty from St. Clair College.

Also featured was keynote speaker Sherry Holmes — daughter of television personality Mike Holmes — who has followed in his footsteps as a contractor. “We believe you can’t be, what you can’t see,” said Nour Hachem, president for Build a Dream. “When you see someone like Sherry Holmes, who was inspired by her father to go into the construction field, it sends a message that this is a career option and (in which) you can be successful. “All the employers that are here will network with parents and their daughters to showcase opportunities for young women.” Build a Dream was launched in 2014 to help better diversify the local workforce in sectors that also include STEM programming (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“It is important to show these young women there is a journey to success in these careers — but also their parents,” Hachem said. “We want to make sure each child walks away with a message, but also make sure their parents have the same message so they can help their daughter pursue their career pathway.”

Part of the event was a “dream zone” where the young women were able to try on uniforms, touch equipment and tools to get a feel for each profession.

Local school boards were on hand to discuss educational opportunities to help better prepare for career choices. Workforce WindsorEssex and Women’s Enterprise Skills Training are also strong supporters of Thursday’s event and Build a Dream’s efforts.

“The turnout for today shows the appetite and support in Windsor and Essex County for Build a Dream and helping to better diversify our local workforce,” Hachem said.

For more information about the Build a Dream organization and events, go online at www.webuildadream.com.

PHOTOS: NICK BRANCACCIO Contractor and TV host Sherry Holmes, centre, poses with approximately 1,200 female students and their parents Thursday at the Build a Dream event at the Ciociaro Club. Employers from fields typically seen as dominated by men were there to network with students.

Danielle Robinson, left, Karmen Greene and Emily Price are introduced to potential career options as they wear firefighter and police uniforms.