Torch - Fall/Winter 2019-20

Professional Connections, Too Havergal was also the first choice for Eileen Jurczak 1993 when she was thinking about a testing ground for her new financial literacy program for students. In fact, she was inspired to start Bay Street Deconstructed after participating in the speed mentoring events at Havergal, where she shared details of her work as a director on the trading floor with BMO Capital Markets. Realizing how little the students knew about financial services careers prompted her to take action. “I thought, if Havergal girls are not getting this information, then nobody’s getting it,” recalls Jurczak. Today the program has reached more than 7,000 students in cities that include Vancouver, Halifax and Calgary, and across Ontario, including Toronto and Ottawa. Offered in Grade 10 to fit in with the civics curriculum, the Bay Street Deconstructed programming provides a two-hour overview of financial services by using case studies

to help students explore different aspects of financial services, including personal, business and investment banking. The session is made even more interactive through the use of iPads, live actors and a video featuring a panel of experts from the field. Jurczak says that Grade 10 is the perfect time for this information, since students are making crucial course decisions that will limit future career possibilities in the field. She’s also careful to emphasize that the field involves skills beyond math, and the impact of financial services on life more generally. “We’re not expecting all of the students to go into financial services, but at some level they should understand what’s involved. It will impact their lives personally,” she says. Jurczak says that an initial consultation with Havergal’s administration spurred the program’s development, and that the first pilot of the program was executed with Havergal students. Today the non-profit’s board includes Havergal’s Head of Economics Denise Hartford and Head of Guidance Heather Johnstone. Arriving at Havergal in Grade 3, Jurczak had many great teachers during her time at the school, including her Middle School

Eileen Jurczak 1993, Founder of Bay Street Deconstructed, a financial literacy program for students.

math inspiration Mrs. Elder. She still keeps in touch with many Havergal friends, in addition to her professional contributions through the program. Jurczak is also still offering to meet with students through speed mentoring sessions and beyond. “I’ll get emails from students asking for a coffee or a meeting. I’m always happy to meet and answer any questions,” she says.

Havergal students participate in Bay Street Deconstructed in September 2019.

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