Sudbury, Ont – On March 26, Marymount Academy students participated in a Science Engineering, Trades, and Technology (SETT) focused career fair, titled “Ready SETT Go!” 

The event, organized by Grade 12 Marymount Academy student, Margot Poirier, featured 35 industry professionals and offered students hands-on opportunities to learn about a wide range of careers. Inspired by women working in STEM-related industries, Margot wanted to bring that focus to an all-girls school. 

“I started planning this event because of my personal experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and stigma as a woman in SETT,” said Margot. 

The event featured keynote speaker Jamie McMillan, a Skilled Trades Professional and motivational speaker at Made in the Trades, who spoke of her journey in SETT, mental health, and the different stages of growth she encountered along the way.

“I hope students see that everyone faces challenges, even me. Life will throw obstacles at you, but it’s possible to get through them,” said McMillan. “Don’t give up, even when it feels hard. You can rise above your struggles.” 

“My struggles have become my biggest wins because I can help people learn from my mistakes. That’s the most rewarding part of this journey.”

Students then collaborated on two hands-on challenges: an electric car build and a water filtration design. Working in teams, they used their provided materials to construct a functioning electric car and develop an effective water filtration system. These challenges encouraged collaboration, sparked creativity, and highlighted the fun in SETT, with prizes awarded for the fastest car and most effective filtration system.

The success of the event was met with praise from school staff, who highlighted both its impact on students and the strong leadership demonstrated by its student organizer. Marymount Academy Principal, Stephanie Venturi, reflected on the significance of the initiative.

“It brings me joy to see the leadership and opportunities Margot has brought to our school through this event,” said Venturi. “As an all-girls school, it’s an honour to have such strong female voices leave an impact on our students.” 

Drawing from her own experiences navigating barriers in traditionally underrepresented fields, Margot emphasized the importance of visibility, mentorship, and support in shaping her path forward.  

“I would never have pushed through the barriers that kept me from these fields without the support of Women in Science and Engineering Sudbury,” she said. “By attending their Career Café event, the trajectory of my life changed. That night, I met female engineers, tradespeople, and scientists, and for the first time, I saw myself represented in these roles.”

“It’s not to be underestimated how empowering it can be to know that you have a community of people supporting you and rooting for you. That is the kind of community that was created at Marymount. I think that Regals will leave Ready, SETT, Go! with newfound confidence, inspiration, and hope.” 

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