Women and girls looking for careers in fields traditionally dominated by men are invited to a series of free hands-on experiences this fall.
The Achieve Anything Foundation has three events coming up in September and October that give women the opportunity to explore the Canadian Coast Guard, airport operations and the navy.
The non-profit organization, which was founded by Langley pilot Kirsten Brazier, has a mission to inspire female future leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering & math), and STEM-based fields such as aviation, aerospace, marine and defence.
With the mantra “From shop floor to top floor” the Foundation employs a unique hands-on approach towards changing perceptions and improving gender diversity in high tech fields.
“Since the number of women in high tech industries remains low, the result is that few girls and women have women in their network to share their experience and passion for these fields,” Brazier said.
“In day to day life, women generally don’t ‘see’ themselves reflected in these areas, and this is continually reinforced in media and social media.
“Therefore, if women are not aware of these opportunities, it is unreasonable to expect them to be interested in pursuing STEM-based fields. We’ve implemented Operation: This IS You! to develop this network of experience by providing year-round hands-on events for girls and women in the native environments of our agency and industry partners.”
SEARCH & RESCUE WITH CANADIAN COAST GUARD
When: Saturday, Sept. 15
Where: Richmond
Minimum age: 14 years
Activities include tours of base duty stations, an interactive simulated search and rescue exercise, dive demonstration, educational games, firehose challenge, pilot the zodiac rescue craft and go for a ride to sea in the hovercraft. Bring your own lunch.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT YVR AIRPORT OPERATIONS
When: Saturday, Sept. 29
Where: Richmond
Minimum age: 16 years
Activities will explore Aircraft Rescue/Firefighting, Airfield Maintenance, Wildlife Control (Eagle/Hawk demo), K9 Explosive Detection, Operations and Emergency Operations Centres, Air Traffic Control Tower tour, Commercial Airline Cockpit tour. Lunch will be provided.
DAY SAIL ON ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY WARSHIP
When: Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Esquimalt
Minimum age: 12 years
Activities include tours of ship duty stations, crew quarters, war room and operational equipment; Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) joint search and rescue demonstration, ship firefighting simulation, simulated attack scenarios that demonstrate the warship’s impressive manoeuvring capabilities. Lunch will be provided.
For more information on these events and to register, visit www.achieveanything.ca.
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