Brunch and Build Held to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Staff Reporter

Build a Dream held a successful event last week in Toronto to celebrate International Women’s Day, in partnership with main event sponsor Enbridge Gas, and table sponsors Spark Power and APMA (Automotive Parts Manufactures Association).

The event, called Brunch and Build, consisted of interactive photo booths and stations; learning and mentorship opportunities to build personal and professional toolkits; gourmet brunch service; tool bag giveaways; and so much more.

“This is the first Brunch and Build event hosted by Build a Dream and we couldn’t be more excited with the results,” stated Nour Hachem-Fawaz, president and Founder of Build a Dream. “We had over 220 people attend: students from across the province, stakeholders, and female trailblazers.”

The Honourable Minister Marci Ien, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, was able to attend and share her experiences with the audience.”

“We are incredibly proud to sponsor this important event in honour of International Women’s Day,” said Michele Harradence, president of Enbridge Gas. “Women are a vital part of the future, and our ongoing partnership with Build a Dream is helping us to foster a community that supports the next generation of young women looking to pursue a career in Skilled Trades and STEM.”

The event was held to highlight women in male-dominated sectors and promote the skilled trades and other careers in which women are underrepresented to the youth in attendance. The demand for apprentices in the skilled trades is real.

In the next five years, 122,383 new journeypersons will be required in the 50-plus Red Seal trades. An estimated 256,003 apprentices must be recruited over the next five years to keep pace with certification requirements over the long term.

“It’s so important to introduce young girls to women trailblazers so they can get the information and knowledge from women already in the industry. The only way to embrace equity is to enhance exposure, tools, and role models,” added Hachem-Fawaz.

About Build a Dream:

There are still many barriers holding young women back from career opportunities in skilled trades, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), emergency response, entrepreneurship, and advancing women in society.

This gap in industry is depriving Canadian businesses of the innovation that diversity brings.

This is why we exist.

Build a Dream is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure equitable opportunities for EVERYONE to succeed. In short, we believe in the power of diversity and the edge of advancement it provides.

For more information on Build a Dream and upcoming events, visit www.webuildadream.com