Inspiring Future Pathways at the Women in STEAM Career Fair

The BEP was proud to attend the Women in STEAM Career Fair at Galt Collegiate Institute, an event focused on empowering students through mentorship, career exploration, and meaningful conversations about opportunities in STEAM fields.

Originally created three years ago by GCI’s student-led feminist club, The Women’s Alliance, the event continues to make an impact within the school community. As organizer Dan Reiss shared:

“One of their goals was to empower young women through mentorship... and, as for the young men who will also attend, they'll come to a deeper understanding beyond their preconceived stereotypes about ‘what women do’ (everything, of course!).”

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to hear from an incredible group of speakers and volunteers representing a wide range of industries, educational pathways, and lived experiences. Conversations covered everything from skilled trades and engineering to healthcare, entrepreneurship, architecture, finance, and post-secondary education.

Our featured Speakers Bureau volunteers included:

• Tracy Andrade — Marnoa Private Wealth at Raymond James

• Nawaal Fatima — Software Engineering and Management student at McMaster University 

• Jackie Morris — Welding Instructor at Conestoga College

• Leila Stevens — SHAD Canada

• Shannon Knelsen — Healthcare, Education, and Entrepreneurship at Olive Branch

• Julianne Arcese — Engineer at J.L. Richards & Associates

• Wafa Maryam — History student at University of Guelph

• Mandeep Mandu — Occupational Therapist at CBI Health

• Emily Boone — Architect at Alter Studio d’Abrie

The BEP was also onsite throughout the event promoting the Youth Creativity Fund, a program that supports youth in Waterloo Region through microgrants for creative learning projects. The event provided a great opportunity to connect with students and share how the fund encourages young people to explore ideas, solve problems creatively, and build confidence through hands-on learning and innovation.

Events like this are so valuable in helping students learn more about programs, industries, and career paths they may not have otherwise considered. Having the opportunity to ask questions directly to professionals and students currently pursuing these pathways helps make future possibilities feel more tangible and accessible.

A huge thank you to the team at GCI, and all of the volunteers and speakers who helped make this event such a meaningful experience for students. We’re grateful to continue supporting opportunities that encourage mentorship, curiosity, and career exploration for the next generation.