The sign on the workshop wall hammers it home: “Never forget how wildly capable you are.” In a collage of photos, 8- and 9-yearold girls in orange work boots are holding power tools and smiling. “Together they built a life they loved,” the message in the middle says.

When two 16-year-old girls felt ignored at a recent job fair, they decided to organize their own, this one specifically for girls who are sophomores and juniors in high school.

The career fair was held on Tuesday at Girls at Work in Manchester’s Millyard. Buses brought in 130 girls from three Manchester high schools, offering them pizza, pastries and opportunities.

Sam’s Story

“My involvement with Girls at Work started when I was 8 years old. I was a little girl trying to find my voice. I was picked by my after-school program director to get involved with the Girls at Work builders program. It started with our group working in the parking lot building projects like benches, coat hangers, and bookshelves. Later that year, a big change happened in my life which was hard to adjust to. Girls at Work was always there for me during that time. While there were changes within the organization such as location and different projects, the message was always the same, the lessons on being independent were the same, Miss Elaine’s support was the same. From there I stayed through the summer programs and even leadership! I went from being a scared girl in the class to now helping teach classes, and I got to pass along the message that helped me so many years ago.”

Sam’s Story

When I was eight years old, my after school director got me involved with Girls at Work. We would build in our school parking lot which soon evolved to going to the shop and joining leadership. Girls at Work has remained a constant in my life reminding me of my self worth and helping build my confidence. To this day, Girls at Work is teaching me about myself and remains a safe space full of people that care and are great role models.