Empowering the Next Generation
On August 22, 2024, the Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network (WCAN) proudly hosted its seventh Evolution Conference & Apprenticeship Fair, held at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Themed “Confidence is Queen,” the event welcomed over 100 black female students aged 15-18 from social mobility backgrounds, aiming to empower them with confidence, guidance, and opportunities as they explore higher education and careers.
The day provided an immersive experience for attendees, from career panels and workshops to engaging networking sessions, each crafted to help these young women take significant steps toward their futures.
A Powerful Keynote by Nia Cerise
The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Nia Cerise, a dynamic speaker and content creator known for empowering young women. Nia shared her own journey of overcoming obstacles, building self-confidence, and thriving in male-dominated spaces. Her energetic delivery and real-world advice left a lasting impression, encouraging attendees to take bold steps in their personal and professional lives.
Navigating Career Paths
The Deep Dive into Career Paths session was expertly led by WCAN team members Richel Ama and Nife, who guided attendees through the often-confusing world of career choices. Whether considering university or an apprenticeship, the session provided clarity on different career routes, offering strategies to align personal passions with professional aspirations. They also shared practical advice on how to stand out during the application process and build a successful career from day one.
Mental Health and Wellness: Building Resilience
Mental health and well-being were central themes of the day, with a session led by Heidi Pickett, a seasoned finance professional and Chief of Staff at The Tie. Drawing on her extensive experience, Heidi discussed the importance of mental resilience during major life transitions, such as moving from school to university or entering the workplace. She emphasized the need for self-care, balance, and maintaining mental health while pursuing ambitious career goals—a message that resonated with many of the young women in attendance.
Insightful Panel Discussion
The Career Panel brought together an inspiring mix of professionals from various industries, including AI engineers, solicitors from Travers Smith, and bankers from RBC. The panelists candidly shared their personal journeys, offering valuable insights into their respective fields. They discussed the challenges they faced, the skills that helped them succeed, and the importance of diversity in the workplace. This was a rare opportunity for attendees to hear directly from women who had walked similar paths, providing both inspiration and practical advice.
Exploring Apprenticeships
The highlight of the afternoon was the Apprenticeship Fair, where students explored a wide range of apprenticeship programs offered by leading firms like EY, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), and Travers Smith. This two-hour session was packed with opportunities for attendees to speak directly with recruiters, ask questions, and get a firsthand look at how apprenticeships can be a viable and rewarding alternative to university. The fair provided a wealth of information on the various industries available to them, from finance and law to technology and beyond.
A Day of Transformation
What set this event apart was the sense of empowerment it fostered among the young women. This wasn’t just about information; it was about inspiration, confidence-building, and providing the tools necessary for success. Every session, from Nia Cerise’s powerful keynote to the one-on-one interactions with recruiters, left a lasting impact. The combination of practical advice, personal stories, and professional guidance created an environment where these young women could see themselves not just as students but as future leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the day came to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for the journeys ahead. The Evolution Conference & Apprenticeship Fair is more than just an annual event—it is a pivotal moment in shaping the futures of these young women, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to pursue their dreams.
A Special Thanks
WCAN extends heartfelt gratitude to RBC for hosting this empowering event, and to all our incredible sponsors and volunteers, including Travers Smith, EY, and HSF, whose support made the day possible. Their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in education and the workplace is helping to create a more equitable future for young black women.
If you’re interested in getting involved in future WCAN events or exploring sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at info@wcan.uk or sponsorship@wcan.uk.
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