Michael Emery
With over 600 attendees, this year’s Women as Career Coaches (WACC) event once again brought together students, educators, and volunteer Career Coaches for an evening of mentorship and meaningful connection. Across the room, students were asking questions, listening closely, and learning from the journeys of women who were once in their seats.
It was a powerful reminder of what makes WACC so special: not just the inspiring speakers on stage, but the conversations happening at every table. You could hear the buzz of curiosity and encouragement between every activity and speaker.
As one educator who attended with students shared:
“Thank you so much for organizing the WACC event! It was an inspiring evening. The speakers were incredible, and the energy and enthusiasm of everyone were non-stop. The girls had a great time!”
A Community Built on Mentorship
For more than two decades, Women as Career Coaches has created a space where students can explore possibilities, ask questions, and build confidence.
Students were seated alongside mentors, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, icebreakers, and guided discussions over dinner. These moments are where confidence begins to grow, and new ideas start to form.
As shared in Burlington Today, the impact of the evening was felt throughout the packed Burlington Convention Centre. One student attendee reflected:
“It’s really nice to have events like this for women to support each other. I want to learn more about how everyone finds their path through life… You don’t learn about all your options at school, this really helps.”
You can read more coverage from Burlington Today here:
‘Never be afraid,’ Women as Career Coaches inspires youth once again
Doreen Sebben has attended WACC for years and also now volunteers as a Career Coach with HIEC’s Ontario Career Lab. She recognized many faces from her different areas of life at the event:
“Connecting the dots from table to table, schools, neighbours, women across industries and roles. You start to realize it’s not random. One conversation… and people show up again and again. Local, global, neighbours, colleagues, schools, it all blends together in the best way. Lots of great speakers. Storytelling at its finest. Impact at its greatest. And hearing [Burlington Mayor] Marianne Meed Ward share her journey. I didn’t know it took her three attempts, over many years, to get into municipal government. Such a great reminder she shared:
FAIL = First Attempt In Learning
Just one of those nights that stays with you. A night that sparks even more conversations, women supporting women in your own backyard. I love it. Grateful to be part of it.”
Messages That Resonated
Throughout the evening, Spotlight Speakers shared reflections that reinforced the power of perseverance, courage, and community.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward reminded students of the importance of showing up and investing in themselves:
“Just showing up here tonight shows you are investing in yourself. That's what visibility does. It travels and reaches people who aren't even in the room.”
Judy Lung, Vice President of Strategy, Communications and Stakeholder Relations at the Toronto International Film Festival, encouraged students to embrace growth and new opportunities:
“The path you build doesn't end with you, it becomes part of a path that someone else will follow.”
“Sometimes it's only one small pivot that changes everything — and that's why nights like tonight matter.”
Kylia Mulvee, a 3rd Year Electrical Apprentice with Gordon Wright Electric Ltd., IBEW Local 303, reflected on the importance of support and confidence:
“Being graciously surrounded by people who believe in me has reminded me to believe in myself.”
“One closed door doesn't mean that there aren't windows. Sometimes no means yes.”
Dr. Shazia Akbar, CEO of Okare AI, inspired students to take bold steps forward:
“Being scared doesn't mean you shouldn't start.”
“Go outside the box, that's where all the good ideas are.”
These reflections, combined with the conversations happening at every table, created an evening rooted in encouragement and possibility. It was felt all throughout the room.
Looking Ahead
Every year, Women as Career Coaches continues to grow — not only in attendance, but in impact. With hundreds of students engaging in conversations, building confidence, and discovering new possibilities, the evening once again demonstrated the power of mentorship and community.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, supported, and shared their stories. The conversations started at WACC will continue long after the evening ended — and we look forward to building even more connections next year.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Women as Career Coaches would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Speaker Sponsor
RBC
Student Transportation Sponsor
Affiliated Insurance
Program Sponsors
HCDSB-OYAP
HDSB-OYAP
Student Giveaway Sponsor
Skills Ontario
Student Sponsors
Sheridan College
Innosphere
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128
Table Sponsors
BMO Student Life Expo
Boilermakers Local 128
Centre for Skills Development
Century 21 Heritage Group
Conestoga
CWB Association
Dare To Be You(th)
eLoft Careers
Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery
Hossack Architecture
Innosphere
Mohawk College
Oakville Fire Department
Sassafras
Sheridan
