When the Business and Professional Women's Club of Bracebridge meet for their monthly dinners there is more on the agenda than just networking or socializing. Each month brings a different speaker to talk on such topics as financial planning for women, workplace diversity in small communities, women’s legal rights, wellness issues and more. All relate to the organization’s mandate, which is to “work toward the improvement of economic, political, employment and social conditions for women.”

  The Bracebridge Club is a local arm of BPW Ontario and works closely with the provincial group on common aims and objectives. One event of the Bracebridge club is the introduction of their ‘Opening Doors’ program, aimed at fostering greater interest in the trades and technology for girls in grade 7 and 8.

  Taking place last Wednesday, Oct 23 at the Port Carling Community Centre, it was designed to be a fun-filled, career event.

  “100 grade 7 and 8 girls from 17 different elementary schools in Muskoka had participated,” states Laurie Harley, Chair of the Opening Doors Committee. Skills Canada hosted the day, with their own Sarah Zamin acting as MC. The keynote speaker was Rachel Ross, the technology reporter with the Toronto Star. “She brought ‘SCHMOO’, her pet robot, with her,” says Laurie.

  “Fifteen local women from a wide range of technical careers participated with our keynote speaker, Rachel Ross, to share their career stories and act as role models for the day,” Laurie explains.

  After spending time with their role models the girls rotated among the other tables for the last hour to meet other professional women. A pizza lunch was planned, and each girl received a special gift at the end of the day.

Sponsored in part by FedNor and Muskoka Community Futures development Corporation, with the help of many volunteers, it was the first of what is hoped will become an annual event in Muskoka.