The A.K. Smith Career hosted its annual N.E.W. Opportunities Workshop last week, inviting area middle school girls to check out career options that may not be on their radar. The N.E.W. Workshop introduces 8th grade girls to a variety of jobs in which women have been traditionally under-represented.

These jobs include police, fire, and EMT first responders; welding, construction, and other trades; the military; and several leadership positions with businesses.

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

Alicia Cannon, CEO of Apex Filling Systems, was the keynote speaker for the event, telling her story of success and inspiring young women with lessons she’s learned along the way. She said CEOs are successful because they enjoy meeting challenges, encouraging students to “take the hard classes and find a way to succeed. Don’t take the easy A.”

Cannon also told young women that although confidence is significant, it is not the most important skill. CEOs need inner courage, a positive vision of the future, and resiliency, she said. “The strongest leader is a person who can bring people together. They may not have all of the answers but, collectively, we can move a team forward.”

Delincia Smith, Director of La Porte County Career and Technical Education, said she looks forward to this event every year. “Women like Ms. Cannon and our other volunteers today are paving the way for young women in the workforce - they are inspirational role models for our middle school students.”

Companies who took part in this workshop were Big C Lumber, Michigan City Fire Department, U.S. Marines, Rieth-Riley Construction, Superior Ambulance Services, Cleveland Cliffs, Apex Filling Systems, Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, U.S. Army, Indiana Army National Guard, Century 21, Sullair, U.S. Steel, La Porte County Library, United Airlines, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City Police Department, Urschel Laboratories, Pulse Technology, A.K. Smith Career Center, U.S. Navy, Howmet Aerospace, MCAS Food Service Department, and Purdue University Northwest.