The LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program hosted its annual N.E.W. Opportunities workshop on October 22, inviting middle school girls from eight area middle schools to visit the A. K. Smith Career Center to check out career options that may not be on their radar.

The N.E.W. (Nontraditional Employment Workshop) Opportunities event introduced eighth-grade girls to a variety of jobs in which women have been traditionally under-represented – in fields such as construction, manufacturing, dentistry, welding, finance, firefighting, corrections, and more.

The workshop featured a keynote speaker, roundtable discussions with industry professionals, and a “try it” segment during which the students could explore hands-on elements of many of these professions.

Dr. Sandra Wood, Superintendent of the LaPorte Community School Corporation, was the keynote speaker for the event.

Wood shared her journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a superintendent, emphasizing the importance of education, perseverance, and overcoming self-doubt.

“When I was your age, I thought about being a teacher, but I never would have imagined I would be a superintendent,” she said. “I also had no idea what a superintendent was or did.”

After asking students what they thought a superintendent did (Answer: Announcing a 2-hour delay of school), she explained the role as being similar to a CEO. “It’s about being a leader – managing people, finances, and resources, and ensuring everyone has the tools they need and that everyone is safe.”

Wood encouraged the students to keep all possibilities open and to be ready to pivot. “Your career will be a big piece of your life, so take the time to listen to your gut and know where you are being pulled,” she said.

After beginning her career as a Spanish teacher, Wood earned a Master’s degree and became a principal, at a time when only 18 percent of high school principals in Indiana were female. “I was confident that this was the right path for me, but it was also hard. I learned that struggle is necessary to grow.”

After serving as a principal, Wood earned her PhD and became a superintendent, first at Westville and now at LaPorte. At times, she said, she has struggled with Imposter Syndrome. “You all may have felt this,” she said. “You are doing something, and then you have a moment when you feel you are not good enough, that you are faking it.” 

She challenged girls to think about things that make them amazing, and then to text a message about this to themselves. “The next time you are feeling you don’t have what it takes, I want you to go back to that text and refocus your energy and thought process on that text.”

Girls, she said, should consider all of the careers available to them – including those that are usually filled by males. “We need more female leaders, not just in education but in all fields,” she said. “Fresh perspectives come from you and women like you.” 

Companies and organizations that took part in the N.E.W. workshop included Chicago Pipefitters Local 597, Castle Ford, Cleveland Cliffs, D. Martin Enterprises, Dash Financial Technologies, the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana State Police, Ion Group, LaPorte County Community Corrections, the Michigan City Mayor’s Office, Michigan City Dental, the Michigan City Fire Department, the Michigan City Police Department, Purdue Extension LaPorte County, Patrick’s Grille, Skills USA, Tonn and Blank Construction, Urshel, U.S. Air and Space Force, Weil-McLain, and Worthington Steel. 

More information about the La Porte County Career and Technical Education program is available at www.EducateMC.net/CTE.