Based on the current pace, it will take over 200 years for women to achieve full equality in the workplace – but Be Your Own Best Friend (BYOBF) Network, a South Asian women’s networking group wants to speed up progress. On May 16th the BYOBF Network is teaming up with Khalsa Secondary School in Surrey to host 150 grades 10-12 students from the Surrey School District at WE FOR SHE to learn about diversity, unconscious bias, leadership, innovative career opportunities and understand the need for gender equality in the workplace.
BYOBF Network founder, Sukhi Ghuman and WE FOR SHE Event Chair, wants to bring working professionals together to help young women and men step up, imagine a more diverse workplace and hear from successful women and men who are leading the way. “WE FOR SHE is a movement to boost gender equality in the workplace, grow women leaders and empower girls to be bold in their careers. I wish conferences such as these were available when I was in Secondary School as they provide the youth with mentors, champions and support,” explains Sukhi Ghuman.
Riya Khanna, Student Chair, was inspired by attending a previous WE FOR SHE event. She convinced Khalsa Secondary School, which she is part of, to take on the project. The BYOBF Network is organizing this full-day conference with support from the student council of the school. The day includes dynamic inspirational speakers, table discussions, thought-provoking workshops, panel discussions, and a career fair including 40+ mentors. Students will leave inspired, motivated and excited about their career options.
All students between grades 10-12 within the Surrey School District can register for free to attend WE FOR SHE: https://byobfnetwork_weforshe.eventbrite.ca
WE FOR SHE is supported by the WE FOR SHE NextGen Leaders Program, which is presented by Minerva Foundation in partnership with Women’s Enterprise Centre. WE FOR SHE events like this one are being rolled out at different schools around the province to help girls gain the skills and confidence to make bold career choices.
Local businesses can show their support by sponsoring the conference. For more info visit: http://byobfnetwork.com/get-involved/donate/