Our Story

Nour utilizes her 13 years of experience as a workforce advisor, mentor, and influencer to inspire youth to make informed career choices that challenge the status quo. Her experiences are not just limited to the workplace. Nour watched her mother struggle and persevere as she started and grew a successful auto parts company in a male-dominated field. Through her work with other non-profits, she dreamt of the idea of Build A Dream and decided to go full force with the organization to bring it to life. She is a passionate force of nature and a workforce disruptor, challenging ideas and companies views of women in the workforce and how we can improve them. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Masters in Business Administration

With over four decades as a marketing, public relations, and events professional in both private and public sectors, Ann is Build a Dream’s ‘secret weapon’ with an incredible talent for fostering relationships and partnerships within our community.  Her volunteer pursuits include many years as a Rotarian where she held numerous chair positions, as well as chairing the local Easter Seals Telethon for five years. Ann’s extensive experience at St. Clair College provides the organization with unparalleled comprehension of post-secondary and apprenticeship programs. 

 Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications. 

Victoria has 20 years’ experience in marketing and project management in different sectors including tech and manufacturing. She spent 8 years in the tool and die industry where she was responsible for special projects (like continuous improvement and apprenticeships) and purchasing steel and components for die builds. She started as a volunteer with Build a Dream, driven to encourage more women to explore rewarding careers like those found in advanced manufacturing.  

Education: Masters Certificate in Project Management, Marketing Certificate, Manufacturing Leadership Certificate Program. Currently enrolled for BBA at Yorkville University. 

A fountain of knowledge and a connector at her core, Karen has 20+ years’ experience supporting the growth of women in the workforce and working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives for large organizations. From building gender equitable teams to facilitating opportunities for women to pursue new career paths, Karen passionately believes that gender equity and inclusivity are central to the strength of an organization. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies

Kassey spent 10 years managing 300 in-person and virtual events each year for a large Toronto Law firm. She is excited to apply her event skills to the non-profit sector, working on an expanding portfolio of projects that will help young women shape and navigate their future. 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from McMaster University, Post-graduate certification in Advertising Management, Sheridan College. 

Clarine is an enthusiastic academic with 2 years’ experience in contributing to community enhancement and working professionally in a variety of sectors. She is an advocate for ensuring the next generation challenges societal norms and is devoted to giving back to the community in any way possible. Her goal is to make a positive impact in all that she does. 

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Schulich School of Business 

Jaquelyn’s 3 years of event experience gained her a spot as an intern with the Canada Summer Jobs program, but her energy and ideas have made her a permanent fixture on the Events team. She’s passionate about volunteerism and has been the lead for Relay for Life through the Canadian Cancer Society and Brock University. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing 

Originally an intern with the Canada Summer Jobs program, Chelsea now applies her 4 years of event planning, social media marketing, writing, and public relations experience as part of Build a Dream’s Marketing team. 

Education: Public Relations Diploma, Web & Interactive Advertising Certificate, Human Resources Management Certificate 

Harpreet has over 7 years of experience in the marketing and events industry. From working in editorial to corporate, to now in the non-profit sector, she hopes to inspire and elevate young women to help them succeed.  

Education: Diploma in Media Communications 

Delaney attended Build A Dream Expos in high school where she connected with The Carpenters Union Local 494. Upon completing her secondary school education, she signed in as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator. Now in her second term, her job consists of a variety of different tasks from steel stud framing to drywall boarding to installing ceiling systems. Her goal is to inspire change within the industry, making it better for future generations of women pursuing the skilled trades.

Rebecca began her career in the skilled trades six years ago through a WEST (Women’s Enterprise Skills Training) and St. Clair College program for Industrial Millwright Mechanic. From there she acquired a job at Centerline as a machinist apprentice. She took on the apprenticeship as a single mom with three kids, working full time, and balancing school at night. She completed her 3 year apprenticeship, developing many skills along the way, and is now a Red Seal Machinist. Amid the pandemic she started working at the college at night as a teaching assistant for the apprenticeship programs. Although happy in her career with Centerline, when an opportunity arose to become a mechanic at Hiram Walkers, she couldn’t resist the exciting career change. She is currently transitioning into this new role, and is a master tackling big life changes. Her goal is to simply let women know these careers exist and are available to them. And to be a resource, as needed, to those just starting out or considering a career in the skilled trades.