Latest news with #HeatherTodd
Techday NZ
6 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
ShadowTech25 inspires Manawatū girls to explore tech careers
UCOL Manawatū welcomed students from Palmerston North Girls' High School, St Peter's College, and Freyberg High School for a day-long ShadowTech25 event aimed at providing insights into technology careers. The event, a collaboration between UCOL, the Manawatū Business Chamber, TechStep, and ManawaTech, involved 24 Year 11 students experiencing various aspects of Information Communications Technology (ICT). Panel discussions Over the course of the day, students attended two panel discussions featuring six women working in ICT across different sectors. These sessions provided students with personal stories and advice from professionals in the field. The first panel included Heather Todd from Yorb, Claire Durant from Trio Technologies, and Theresa Byrne from Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ, while the second featured Kerrie Hardgrave from UCOL's IT team, Harriet Lockett from FMG, and Clare Thomas from Nodero. Paula Richardson, Academic Portfolio Manager ICT & Business, said: "ShadowTech25 offers girls in Years 9-11 an opportunity to discover the world of tech, spark their curiosity and explore career pathways. This year, we brought local industry leaders together to share their experiences and the range of pathways into ICT to encourage and inspire these young women to consider careers in Information Communications Technology (ICT)." "The day featured two engaging panel discussions, each showcasing three women working in various areas of ICT across multiple sectors. These panellists shared their personal journeys, discussed the diverse pathways into ICT, and offered advice on navigating the industry as women in tech." "A huge thank you to these women: Heather Todd from Yorb, Claire Durant from Trio Technologies, Theresa Byrne from Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ in our first panel, and Kerrie Hardgrave from UCOL's IT team, Harriet Lockett from FMG, and Clare Thomas from Nodero in our second panel." Hands-on activities Students also participated in activities designed to foster creativity and problem-solving. One challenge involved developing an app concept on paper in a rapid-fire session, followed by using an online app builder to create app prototypes. These activities emphasised the importance of collaboration and practical technology skills. Scarlett Baker and Isabelle Tan, students attending from Palmerston North Girls' High School, reflected on the experience of hearing directly from women in tech. Tan commented, "Neither of us are sure what specific career we'd like to go into but are open to what comes our way." Baker added, "One of the key points for me from the first panel was that there are so many different tech pathways and the different journeys the women had come from – from costume making to planning to work in sport at high school." Both Year 11 students expressed enthusiasm for the problem-solving aspects of technology and said they are looking forward to further studies in computer science next year. Tan said, "We definitely enjoy the problem-solving aspect of IT - I can't even imagine how many problems are waiting to be solved through technology. We're not sitting around coding in a dark room all the time like people might imagine." Industry perspectives The keynote address was delivered by Nancy Taneja, Chief Information Officer at Toyota New Zealand. She shared her pathway into ICT and addressed topics such as overcoming self-doubt and the importance of leadership and resilience in the sector. "It's about showing young women that there's a place for them in this industry. No matter where they've started, whether they're interested in cybersecurity, coding, design, data, or leadership - there are so many pathways, and we want them to see what's possible," said Taneja. Nancy Taneja also emphasised that the value of ShadowTech25 goes beyond simple career exposure, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available in technology fields. Nicola King, Digital Technologies Teacher at Palmerston North Girls' High School, noted the importance of the event in promoting confidence and real-world engagement. "It's fantastic to see our young women engaging with real-world tech professionals and gaining confidence in their own potential. The industry is constantly changing, which is exciting, so regardless of whether our girls are looking at going into animation, film, coding or any tech-adjacent roles there are opportunities out there for them to incorporate their passions into tech." Workforce needs Paula Richardson addressed New Zealand's need for more ICT professionals, stating the importance of these events in addressing national skill shortages. "Events like this are critical in getting our rangatahi interested and involved in careers that Aotearoa needs more people in," she said. Richardson added, "ICT careers are included in the Government's long-term skills shortage list, and it's one of those skills that are needed across all industries – whether it's ICT for education, government, health, trades, or private business. The opportunities in filling this skills gap are vast, so to enable that first step is fantastic." Student experience The event included lunch and goody bags provided by TechStep, contributing to a positive and engaging atmosphere. Attendees left with new knowledge of the diversity of technology careers and what pursuing a future in tech might involve.
CBC
25-05-2025
- CBC
Injured hiker learns how Cape Breton does hospitality
Heather Todd never imagined something good could come of a broken leg. But Cape Breton hospitality after she fell while hiking has given her a lifetime of good memories. Todd, from Oromocto, N.B., planned to show her friend, who lives in Toronto, the scenery of Cape Breton. However, on Thursday, the second day of their trip, Todd slipped and broke her leg. What could have been a bad memory actually made for a memorable visit as locals helped the pair feel comfortable following the accident. "We were just overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity, the professionalism of everybody we encountered in this," said Todd. Todd had visited the area before and was excited to show it to her friend. The second day of the trip was to include lunch in Chéticamp. With time to spare in the morning, the pair decided to do a hike. Todd suggested Egypt Falls after she had seen signs for it. It was a sunny day. But just 10 or 15 minutes into the hike, the pair encountered some hilly terrain. That's when Todd slipped. "It happened really fast," said Todd. They were about half way to their destination. Todd encouraged her friend to continue. They would reconnect later. Another group of hikers saw Todd and wanted to stick around to help, but she assured them she was OK and she would call 911. Todd thinks she was likely in shock by this point. The rescue When she contacted 911, they asked how far into the trail she was. They told her it might take some time to get there but they were on their way. It took about an hour for emergency services and volunteers to arrive. They went to work stabilizing her leg and foot. It was at this point that her friend looked at Todd and told her that there were 17 people there. "I only thought there were like four or five," said Todd. There were that many people to assist in case extra hands were needed to carry Todd out. She was eventually transported to hospital in Inverness, where she learned she would need surgery to repair a broken tibia and fibula. How Cape Breton does hospitality It was at the Inverness hospital that the doctor arranged for her friend to stay at a local bed and breakfast. Cheryl MacEachern, the manager at Dusky Diamonds, said they were happy to accommodate Todd's friend. "When anything goes wrong in a small community, everybody's willing to help anyway they can," said MacEachern. "It's just the way Cape Bretoners are brought up." The bed and breakfast arranged for Todd's friend to go to a local restaurant. The restaurant provided her with a free meal and then invited her to a little fire they were having outside. She met another lady who owns a bed and breakfast in Ingonish and Todd said they were offered a free night there to have a do-over. "They were all very upset that this vacation was sort of derailed by this freak accident," said Todd. "It actually made a happy memory, if I can say it that way," said Todd. "It could have been horrible, but I'm coming away with some really good stories." Planning to return She said that before the injury, the pair were able to take in a little of Cape Breton. They stayed their first night in Margaree Forks and got to take in views of the Margaree Valley. Todd returned home to New Brunswick a few days later and said she is doing great now. "I'm absolutely coming back, but I'm only going to be taking moonlit strolls on the beach," said Todd.
