Windsor expo panelists to talk diversity, Olympics, policing, and more
On Thursday, November 7, 2019, Build a Dream Windsor returns to the Ciociaro Club with an updated career discovery expo. Utilizing feedback from attendees, the 2019 expo will have less speakers but will retain the popular panelist discussion where professional women share insight from their own career journeys.
MODERATOR: Irene Moore Davis
Irene is the manager for Continuing Education and English language programs at St. Clair College, where she also teaches Underground Railroad history. She fulfills committee roles with many organizations and is the president of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society. She enjoys speaking about African Canadian history, equity, and diversity and is writing a book about the history of African-descended people in Windsor and Sandwich.
Alyssa Space, ForHer Cosmetics (Pillar: Entrepreneurship)
Alyssa Space is the proud owner of ForHer Cosmetics, a premier makeup brand helping Her bring out the natural beauty within. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. Alyssa is passionate about encouraging youth to pursue science-related fields through a STEAM enrichment program called “Chemistry in Cosmetics.”
Omolade Williams, Highline Mushrooms (Pillar: Skilled Trades)
Before exploring the skilled trades, Omolade acquired a Masters in Innovative Manufacturing and was employed as a Business Analyst. In 2018, she enrolled in the pre-apprenticeship course with no prior shop floor experience. Omolade quickly fell in love with the Skilled Trades. Currently, Omolade is an apprentice Millwright at Highline Mushrooms.
Melissa Bishop, Olympic Athlete (Pillar: Advancing Women in Society)
Melissa is a two-time Olympian, national record breaker, winner of numerous medals, and Silver Medalist at the IAAF World Championship. She realized her love or racing at 12, when she discovered that she could outrun all of her male and female classmates. Melissa is the proud mother to one-year-old Corinne and has returned to Olympic training.
Sandy Ilievski, Ford (Pillar: STEM)
Sandy has been with Ford Motor Company for 21 years and is currently the Global Powertrain Prototype Manager overseeing three facilities in South Eastern Michigan. She is a passionate STEM advocate committed to balancing the pipeline of graduates entering the workforce. She coaches young girls with personal mentoring, lean-in circles and speaking at local schools.
Chief Pam Mizuno, Windsor Police Services (Pillar: Emergency Services)
Chief Mizuno began her policing career in 1994. During her tenure, she has moved up the ranks, serving her community with distinction and making important contributions to policing at every level. In October 2019, she was officially appointed as the Chief of Police, leading over 600 sworn and civilian members. Chief Mizuno is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of policing while developing long-term strategies to build a strong, vibrant and healthy community.
Kerri Charron, Windsor Mold (Pillar: Skilled Trades)
Born and raised in Windsor, Kerri is a graduate of Brennan High School and the University of Windsor where she studied Mechanical Engineering. Through her co-op placements she found her passion for manufacturing and has spent the past 15 years working in the automotive industry. Kerri is a registered professional engineer with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
