More than 1,000 students and parents packed the Ciociaro Club in the hopes of connecting young women with their future career Thursday night.
Build a Dream's Career Expo drew over 50 vendors to help young women from grades 9 to 12 to explore career paths in fields such as emergency services, science and technology and skilled trades.
Kris Bertrand drove in from Lakeshore with his daughter Dylan and his wife Tracy. He says Dylan may be young, but it's never too soon to show kids their options for the future.
"To have her see some of the careers available for women out there today, a lot of things that I think she hasn't thought of and the ability to have choices and figure out what she wants to do," he says.
A "Dream Maker" panel of women working in several fields throughout Windsor-Essex also spoke at the event.
"I think it's great to see the women up there on the panel talking about their careers and accomplishments," says Bertrand. "I think it's good for her self-esteem and get knowledge on where she can head in life."