Build a Dream goes virtual to inspire women in workforce

Build a Dream is going virtual with its career discovery expos to keep inspiring young women from a distance through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had to pivot to stay in business and I was concerned that we'd lose that `spark' that we create at live events, that moment where the young women attending realize that they really can do any career they want,” said Nour HachemFawaz, president and founder of Build a Dream. “What we are finding though, is that we have a very focused agenda and with inspirational speakers and the addition of things like interactive games, the audience is engaged and the feedback is phenomenal.”

Build a Dream, a non-profit organization founded in 2014, offers programs to attract, encourage and empower female students to pursue careers in skilled trades, emergency response, entrepreneurship and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).

The next virtual expo, hosted by Build a Dream and the Greater Essex County District School Board, is called #Dreambiggreateressex. It will take place Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The event is for young women from Grades 7 to 12, along with their guardians.

It will feature a Dream Maker Panel with women from various careers sharing their stories. The evening will include an Employer Spotlight where participants can learn about opportunities and what employers are looking for. The Pathway Spotlight will provide information about college, university and apprenticeships. There will also be a Q&A, games and prizes.

The #Dreambig online event is free for young women in grades 7 to 12 who attend schools that are part of the Greater Essex County District School Board. Families can register at dreambiggreateressex.eventbrite.ca/.