The Dreamer Day Fest 2022 will run from October 4 – 5, 2022 at the Enercare Centre – Exhibition Place in Toronto. This two-day conference challenges gender boundaries and barriers, including stereotypes and exclusion, and celebrates the breadth of interesting work fields to be considered by girls and any young person identifying as female.

Dreamer Day Fest 2022 also supports upcoming International Day of the Girl, which takes place each year on October 11th, as a day to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face across the world. This day focuses on promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

This event will include keynote addresses from high-profile women who are leaders in their fields, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), skilled trades, emergency response, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Natasha Ferguson, owner of Ethelfox Construct Group, a development and residential construction services company, will share her unique story to thousands of young women as a female-owned and operated construction company in Canada.

Ferguson’s company helps to break down barriers for women and people of colour in the construction industry. Natasha is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization called A Women’s Work, which supports the development of women in the trades.

Following her keynote speech, Natasha will be accepting applications at her exhibitor booth from women who are interested in learning construction skills, such as how to use power tools, drywalling and tiling. The eight-week course will be offered to provide one-on-one mentoring and skills-training in a safe and supportive environment.

“As a woman of colour, I never dreamed I would one day own and operate a construction company, but I am living proof that with hard work, determination and support anything is possible,” said Ferguson.

Added Ferguson, “As a tradeswoman in a male dominated industry, I have faced a lot of judgement and discrimination because of my gender, however thanks to mentors, a strong support system and a positive mindset I have gained knowledge in seven different trades and now manage more than a dozen other tradesmen and women. I hope other women will follow in my footsteps.”

Virtual and event tickets, including gala tickets, for are available, starting at $20.

 

Related:  Stem