About 200 people were on hand at Lakeshore Recreation to take part in an International Women's Day Event.
Jamie McMillan of Hamilton wowed the crowd with her experiences to where she is now a Journeyman ironworker/boilermaker and a much in-demand speaker on employment barriers.
McMillan says her message to students is to look into the skilled trades market for a future occupation.
She says, “Skilled trades put me in a whole different place, It changed my life and made me a different person.”
However McMillan knows the struggles that women face in male-dominated occupations and she's determined to equal the playing field.
She says, “It's important to encourage people; find their own path.”
Also during the event, Ruth Montgomery of Lucknow was given the Woman of Distinction award.
She founded what is called the Maven Project which is an initiative of bringing awareness to the importance of personal development to small town Ontario.
The Young Woman of Distinction award went to Morgan Ritchie of Kincardine who has inspired others through her music and dance at her high school and community.
A special one-time Inspiring Woman of Distinction Award was also handed out posthumously to Amy Bross of Formosa who lost her life this past August, following a tragic accident.
The 41 year old Bross was recognized for the joy and inspiration she brought to all her crossed her path.
The Tuesday night Women's Day event was presented by Business to Bruce and Bruce County and was a fundraiser for the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey.