Michael Emery
Annual Women as Career Coaches Event Inspires Youth in Career Exploration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
When young women connect with mentors, they gain more than advice—they become part of a community of support, find the confidence to pursue their goals, and discover new opportunities for their future. Supporting Women as Career Coaches helps make these connections possible.
This year, the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) celebrates 35 years of building community connections to help young people make informed and inspired career decisions. We’re also marking 20 years of Women As Career Coaches (WACC)—a signature event that has empowered over 12,000 youth to explore their potential through mentorship and career discovery.
Since 2004, WACC has brought together
hundreds of community members—students, educators, and professional women from diverse industries—for an inspirational evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Guests hear from a panel of distinguished speakers, enjoy dinner, and engage in meaningful dialogue with mentors from various career paths.
This empowering event gives the next generation the tools and role models they need to navigate the professional world. As this is a crowdfunded event, it’s only possible because of supporters like you.
Mark Your Calendar: WACC 2025
April 2, 2025 5:15-9:00 p.m.
Burlington Convention Centre 1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington ON L7L 6P8
Women As Career Coaches is more than an event—it’s a movement to ignite potential and create pathways for success.
Your generosity ensures that every young person can attend WACC at no cost, breaking down financial barriers and creating opportunities for mentorship and career exploration. Together, we’ve made a difference for thousands of youth—and with your help, we’ll continue to inspire bright futures.
How You Can Help
1. Donate Today
Every gift creates opportunities for mentorship and career discovery.
- $30: Every little bit helps
- $60: Dinner for a student
- $120: Dinner for two students
- $240: Become a WACC Advocate
2. Become a Sponsor
Join us as a champion for youth and enjoy recognition for your impact.
3. Attend as a Career Coach
Your story can help the young people you meet at Women as Career Coaches as they begin to think about their future. Everyone has a story about their career path – even if that journey is still in progress. By joining us as a Career Coach, you can share your experience and advice with a group of youth exploring potential career paths.
Your Impact in Action
Hear directly from last year’s attendees about how WACC has shaped their futures:
“This event made me feel much less anxious about the future, especially navigating academics as a woman of colour. Inspiring, insightful, and truly a necessary and wonderful experience.”
– Craig Kielburger SS Student
“This event is great. It’s an amazing opportunity for everyone, and I really have learned a lot. These women are so inspiring. I believe this should be a national, if not global, movement!”
– Student
“I love this event! It is such an honour to participate. Please continue this event! You are changing the lives of women!”
– India Snoj, Spotlight Speaker
Why WACC Matters
At WACC, young people connect with strong role models who help them see what’s possible. Mentors and career coaches share their journeys, representing diverse professions, post-secondary pathways, and education levels. The result? Students leave inspired and equipped to take the next steps in their careers.
Your support powers this life-changing experience. Your donation ensures that WACC continues to break barriers and build futures.
Make your Giving Tuesday count. Together, we can open doors to a brighter future for thousands of youth.
Thank you for believing in the power of mentorship and making a difference with HIEC.
Women As Career Coaches is an inclusive event that warmly embraces women, women-identifying, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender-fluid attendees.
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