Empowering Future Leaders: Women as Career Coaches Celebrates 21 Years of Inspiration

Empowering Young Women Through Mentorship

The Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) hosted the 21st annual Women as Career Coaches (WACC) event on April 2nd, aimed at inspiring young women across the region by connecting them with female mentors who resonate with their aspirations.

Held at the Burlington Convention Centre, the event buzzed with young women seated alongside career coaches at each table, facilitating genuine and impactful conversations based on shared experiences and insights.

Opening Doors to New Possibilities

“The initiative began because we recognized the need for young individuals to have access to adult role models with whom they can engage in meaningful dialogue,” shared Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC. “Many youths lack mentors outside their family who share similar interests and career trajectories. Our aim is to shift the perception that career paths are linear, encouraging them to view their journey as a unique and evolving experience.”

Attendees were motivated to connect with each other during dinner, utilizing icebreakers and discussion prompts to delve into their aspirations and career dreams.

Cultivating Confidence and Optimism

Michelle Murray, HIEC’s Director of Operations, emphasized the importance of fostering confidence and positivity in the workforce for young people. “Our goal is to inspire career conversations that highlight the abundance of diverse occupations, pathways, and resources available, rather than forcing immediate decisions. Extending learning beyond traditional settings has a profound impact on young individuals, as it opens their eyes to various career options.”

Spotlight Speakers Inspire the Next Generation

The event featured four remarkable speakers who shared their personal career journeys to inform and inspire the participants:

• Catherine Jones, CEO of Business Diversified Inc.
• Sarah Francom, Deputy Chief at Halton Region Paramedic Services
• Daniela Torelli, Welding Technical Advisor at CWD Association
• Chelsee Pettit, Owner of Aaniin, a fully Indigenous-owned boutique in Toronto’s Eaton Centre

Pettit, who self-identified as an underdog, encouraged the audience by stating, “Regardless of feeling unqualified or not being the top student, what truly matters is taking that first step and pursuing your true potential, rather than conforming to societal norms.”

Francom shared her own journey of determination, revealing how she balanced three jobs while striving to become a full-time paramedic. She faced rejection from 25 services across Ontario before finally breaking into the field, where she has since gained 25 years of experience in a profession that is increasingly embracing gender diversity.

Returning Faces and New Perspectives

While many attendees were new to the WACC event, some returned for subsequent years. Karina Bhana, a grade 12 student involved with the Dare To Be Youth charity, reflected on how last year’s event broadened her understanding of career possibilities.

“As a woman, I’m thrilled about this new chapter in my life,” said Bhana. “Events like this reinforce that career paths are not confined to a single direction. Initially, I was intent on pursuing a career in policing given my headstrong nature. However, I’ve since discovered a desire to engage in social work and work with children, embracing a more empathetic side while still retaining my strength.”

A New Initiative for Career Guidance

HIEC is also set to launch the Ontario Career Lab with support from the Ontario Ministry of Education, a program designed to integrate career coaching into the classrooms of grade 9 and 10 students across the province, expanding the impact of initiatives like WACC to empower even more young individuals.