This October, Toronto witnessed an extraordinary gathering of ambition, resilience and opportunity as Dream Week unfolded. Hosted by Build a Dream, Dream Week brought together industry leaders, aspiring women in skilled trades, STEAM, and emerging sectors, as well as employers and advocates dedicated to creating a more diverse and equitable workforce. Over the week, we celebrated our Annual General Meeting (AGM), Dreamer Day, the vibrant Afterglow, the You’re Hired! Roadshow and our Dream & Build 2-Day Professional Development conference. Here’s a recap of this transformative week:
Our Dream Week kicked off with Build a Dream’s Annual General Meeting, a gathering of leaders, board members and allies committed to Build a Dream’s mission of empowering young women and closing the gender gap across skilled industries. At this year’s AGM, we reflected on a decade of progress and outlined our ambitious goals for the future, addressing the importance of sustainable partnerships, supporting diversity and fostering mentorship programs that create lasting change.
We celebrated the successes of the past year, highlighted our advocacy initiatives, and set our focus on expanding programs to reach even more communities. The atmosphere was one of optimism and commitment, with discussions centering on tangible ways to drive equitable opportunities for women in male-dominated sectors.
Dreamer Day was a high-energy, inspiring day designed to spark interest among young women and girls in career paths they may not have previously considered. Through interactive workshops, hands-on exhibits, and empowering talks by women already making strides in skilled trades, STEAM fields, and beyond, Dreamer Day was a chance for attendees to explore new possibilities and dream big.
A highlight of Dreamer Day was the Q&A sessions with women in diverse careers who shared their personal journeys, challenges and triumphs. From hands on activities to virtual reality heavy equipment operation, Dreamer Day introduced attendees to career pathways that were once out of reach. The day was capped off by powerful messages from incredible speakers who took the stage to share their dreams, reinforcing the importance of visibility, representation and breaking barriers.
Afterglow was all about fostering connections and building networks that support career advancement. Held in the heart of Toronto at Palais Royale, this vibrant networking event brought together jobseekers, industry partners, mentors and advocates. Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with insights, panel discussions and informal networking with industry professionals who are passionate about driving diversity in their fields.
The relaxed yet purposeful setting allowed for engaging conversations, valuable mentorship exchanges, and opportunities for attendees to learn about different career paths in a social environment. From exchanging stories to discussing shared challenges, Afterglow helped strengthen community bonds and pave the way for lasting professional relationships.
The You’re Hired Roadshow marked an exciting and impactful part of Dream Week. As the Roadshow travels across Canada, it aims to connect jobseekers with employers who prioritize diversity and inclusion. Our Toronto stop provided attendees with direct access to employers in skilled trades, STEAM and emerging industries actively seeking to diversify their workforce. From construction and engineering firms to technology companies, recruiters were on hand to discuss career paths, hiring processes and the skills needed to succeed in these fields.
Workshops, resume reviews and interview preparation sessions equipped attendees with tools to make confident first impressions. Attendees left empowered and better prepared to take the next step in their careers, with many already networking with prospective employers.
Dream Week concluded with our highly anticipated Dream & Build conference, a cornerstone event dedicated to supporting women in skilled trades and STEAM. This year’s conference featured keynote speeches from industry leaders, thought-provoking panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering topics like mentorship, leadership strategies and overcoming career obstacles.
Dream & Build provided attendees with actionable strategies to advance their careers and take up space in male-dominated fields. The energy in the room was palpable as women came together, motivated by a shared vision of equity and opportunity.
Reflecting on Dream Week: A Community United in Purpose
Dream Week in Toronto was more than a series of events; it was a celebration of potential, resilience, and community. Each event—from the AGM to the Dream & Build conference—highlighted the power of collective action in creating a more diverse and equitable workforce. By connecting learning, and uplifting one another, we’re building a future where women are empowered to #TakeTheirSpace in every industry.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, from the young dreamers to the seasoned professionals, and we look forward to the journey ahead as we continue to empower and support women across Canada. All in, we win!
For those inspired by Dream Week, stay connected and consider joining us for future events. Here’s to dreaming big and building a more inclusive world, one step at a time!