The United Way of Long Island organization launches «Girls Who Build», a practical professional exploration initiative designed to provide young opportunities in construction, clean energy, engineering and specialized trades, with the support of Haugland Group.
The program carried out on August 13 and 14 at the E3 Smartbuild Training Center of United Way, located in Deer Park, was possible thanks to the support of Haugland Group and associated organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of the Nassau and Suffolk counties, Girls Inc. of Long Island and National Grid Ventures.
22 young people between 15 and 17 years participated in interactive workshops, visits to facilities and learning stations taught by industry leaders and referents of organizations such as PSEG Long Island, the North Atlantic State Carpents Council, Opportunities Long Island, WDI, Orsted, Morrison Mentors, Interplay VR with Daniele and the National Society of Black of Black Engineers
They participated in Construction Sciences demonstrations, virtual reality professional simulations that immersed them in different occupations and helped them visualize new professional trajectories, and in a conservation -centered visit to the Energy and Nature Center of Jones Beach, which included a construction workshop with drones. The first day tools were also distributed, which allowed young women to take home practical resources to continue exploring.
An outstanding moment of the event was the master conference of Sally Librera, president of National Grid New York State, who shared ideas about “the art of change of course”, inspiring young women to adopt adaptability and resilience in their future careers.
Through “Girls Who Build”, United Way of Long Island creates significant opportunities for young women to explore fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, connect with mentors and acquire confidence to imagine future professional careers in energy, engineering and construction.
“By investing in programs such as Girls Who Bild, we present to the young new professional trajectories with promotion potential, while we connect them with exemplary women who stand out in high growth and high demand sectors, where there is a wide margin for a greater female representation,” said Theresa Regnant, president and executive director of United Way of Long Island.
“Together, we are creating an access road to ensure that the next generation of innovatives in energy, engineering and construction is solid, diverse and empowered.”
For more information on labor development and young people visit www.unitedwayli.org .
