Take Our Kids to Work Day 2021 | You Belong Here!

Summary

Take Our Kids to Work Day 2021 is an engaging event that highlights the diversity of career opportunities and emphasizes the importance of inclusion. Through inspiring stories from professionals in various fields—such as science, skilled trades, technology, law, and healthcare—students are encouraged to explore their interests and believe in their potential. The event also includes workshops and mentorship opportunities, promoting hands-on learning and personal growth. With a focus on representation, the event encourages young people to pursue careers in diverse sectors, reminding them that they truly belong in any field they choose to pursue.

Takeaways

• 😀 Take your kids to work day helps students explore various career opportunities and sparks inspiration for their future paths.
• 😀 Diversity and inclusion are crucial for innovation, as diverse teams outperform non-diverse teams in creativity and productivity.
• 😀 Students should believe that they belong in any profession they are passionate about, regardless of their background or gender.
• 😀 The future of work is rapidly changing, with 65% of the roles in 2030 still to be defined, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
• 😀 Skilled trades are in high demand, with many job openings expected as over 700,000 skilled tradespeople are set to retire by 2028.
• 😀 The STEM field is vast and offers opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math across many industries, such as healthcare, business, and software development.
• 😀 Technology plays an important role in problem-solving across industries, providing endless career opportunities.
• 😀 Encouraging mentorship and community-building is vital to supporting underrepresented groups, such as Black women, in entering and excelling in the workforce.
• 😀 Students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and seek mentors to explore new career options and understand diverse industries.
• 😀 Technology and its applications are not only about coding and software, but also about creativity, innovation, and offering solutions to real-world problems.
• 😀 The event was made possible through partnerships with key sponsors like RBC Future Launch, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Toronto Hydro, who are committed to supporting youth development.

Q & A

What was the main theme of Take Our Kids to Work Day 2021?

The main theme of Take Our Kids to Work Day 2021 was 'You Belong Here,' emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and encouraging students to pursue careers in diverse fields, no matter their background.

Who is Sam Effa, and why is he an important figure in this event?

Sam Effa is a Canadian Olympian sprinter, a former contestant on *The Amazing Race Canada*, and a master's student at Queen's University. He is an important figure for this event as he shared his personal experiences overcoming barriers as a Black athlete, and encouraged students to believe in their potential to succeed in any career.

How did Sam Effa relate his personal experiences to the theme of 'You Belong Here'?

Sam Effa shared how, as a Black athlete, he often found himself as the only person of color in certain spaces, whether in sports or academics. His message was that, despite these challenges, he always believed he belonged and that students, regardless of background, belong in any profession they choose.

What was the significance of land acknowledgment in the event?

The land acknowledgment at the beginning of the event was important for recognizing the Indigenous peoples of the land, honoring their history, and reflecting on the ongoing work to repair relationships and support Indigenous communities in education and beyond.

Why did Debra Kirby highlight diversity and inclusivity in the workforce?

Debra Kirby emphasized that diversity and inclusivity are crucial for innovation. Research shows that diverse teams outperform non-diverse ones by over 50%, and inclusive work environments lead to better results, higher job satisfaction, and more creative solutions.

What advice did Manny Ewara give students about exploring careers in healthcare and science?

Manny Ewara encouraged students to explore the many different career paths in healthcare and science beyond traditional roles like doctors and nurses. He emphasized that his career in the pharmaceutical industry combined his interests in science, healthcare, and business.

How did Angela Uma contribute to the event, and what was her message for students?

Angela Uma, a third-year law student and co-founder of *Hey Black Girl*, shared her story of overcoming challenges as an immigrant student in Canada. Her message was about the importance of mentorship, giving back to communities, and encouraging students to embrace leadership roles, even if they are daunting.

What is the significance of mentorship according to the speakers at the event?

Mentorship was highlighted as an essential tool for personal and professional growth. Speakers like Angela Uma and Hilary Nowak stressed that seeking mentorship helps students navigate challenges, build networks, and gain confidence as they pursue their careers.

How did Hilary Nowak break stereotypes in the skilled trades industry?

Hilary Nowak, the owner of Ink and Iron Automotive, broke stereotypes in the skilled trades by running an all-female auto body shop. She encouraged students, particularly women, to consider skilled trades as a rewarding and respected career choice, challenging the outdated notion that trades are less prestigious than other professions.

What role does technology play in the future of work, according to Prudigto from IBM?

Prudigto from IBM discussed the broad applications of technology in solving problems across various industries. She explained that technology is not just about programming but also fosters creativity and curiosity, and that careers in tech can be fulfilling and diverse, offering solutions to real-world challenges.