In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins held a day of workshops, panels, and discussions for 100 Toronto District School Board (TDSB) students that was hosted by KPMG in Canada. The event was among a series of initiatives and lessons held in TDSB schools and classrooms across the City on Friday in recognition of International Women’s Day.
“International Women’s Day is about educating ourselves about the contributions of women past and present, while standing united in resolve to make progress on women’s rights by amplifying our voices,” said Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins in her opening remarks. “Find your mentors, your peers, and your friends who bring out the best in you and who you can support too. There is very little that is more powerful than communities where young women support one another.”
Students and staff from North Albion Collegiate Institute, Downsview Secondary School, West Hill Collegiate Institute, and Northern Secondary School came together at the KPMG office in downtown Toronto for a series of workshops and panels, presenting students with ideas about academic and career opportunities in a variety of industries. Female leaders in finance, human resources, and technology spoke to students about their own professional journeys and answered questions from students about navigating challenges throughout their careers.
Students also had the chance to take part in a beading workshop led by Scarborough arts entrepreneur Huney Studios and created elevator pitches through a personal branding workshop led by their TDSB peers. Praveena, a Grade 9 student, from Jarvis Collegiate Institute designed the original T-shirts for students for the occasion.
“As a student leader, my time within the KPMG environment was absolutely incredible! The International Women’s Day event was so special to me as a young Black woman being able to see all of the spectacular things we as a community are able to achieve despite all obstacles,” said Angelika Bell, a Student Trustee who attended the International Women’s Day celebration. “When speaking to the girls at the event, I was privileged to witness the impact the event had on them – from being able to network during our student-led workshop and being inspired by the corporate leaders’ panel one to being relaxed and focused during the beading and mental health workshop.”