RBC has a long history of celebrating leaders who drive change. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC – a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to prepare young people for the future of work and set them on a path for a meaningful career.
A passion for helping and connecting
Hoey’s own journey into career development was unexpected. More than 30 years ago, she joined HIEC on a six-month contract. “I didn’t have this kind of support when I was in school, so when I started learning about career development, it was a revelation,” she says. It was the perfect fit – combining her research skills, natural curiosity and passion for helping others.
Since then, she has played a key role in creating career readiness programs that equip youth with the knowledge, confidence and connections they need.
One phrase Kelly Hoey hears often from young people is: “I didn’t know I could change my mind.” For many, the fear of making the wrong career choice can be overwhelming. Hoey helps them see that career paths are rarely linear – rather, they’re exploratory journeys, full of opportunities to pivot and grow. This shift in mindset provides relief not just for young people but for their parents as well.
Bridging gaps with innovation
One of Hoey’s early successes was developing ApprenticeSearch.com, an online platform that connects job seekers with employers in the skilled trades.
“Young people interested in apprenticeships often lacked support,” she explains. “If they didn’t have the right connections, it was difficult to break in.” Recognizing this gap, Hoey led the development of a website that not only provided essential information about skilled trades but also matched job seekers with employers.
What started as a simple database has evolved into a robust system that now connects 40,000 applicants across Canada with employers. “It was about merging technology with social change – rethinking how people access opportunities outside traditional education pathways,” Hoey explains.
Adapting to a changing workforce
The future of work is constantly evolving, and Hoey has seen firsthand how career planning has shifted.
“We’re seeing a new level of mindfulness,” she says. “It’s no longer just about getting a degree and hoping for the best. Young people and their families are thinking more strategically – is this the right fit? Does it align with my interests, skills and the impact I want to make?”
Research backs this up. The OECD Career Readiness Project found that youth who engage in career conversations before age 15 are more likely to have successful employment outcomes later. This reinforces the importance of HIEC’s work and the value in providing young people with career insights early, exposing them to role models and helping them connect their skills to real-world opportunities.
Navigating challenges in the not-for-profit sector
Leading a not-for-profit comes with its own set of challenges, and Hoey is candid about the hurdles.
“You’re always in startup mode,” she says. “It’s exciting, but it’s not for the faint of heart.” One of the biggest struggles is securing consistent funding. HIEC’s multi-funded approach means they are constantly seeking diverse funding sources, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding and more.
“There’s also the perception that non-profits shouldn’t pay competitive salaries,” she adds. “Yet, we need highly skilled people to drive impact.” Balancing financial constraints while delivering meaningful programs is a constant challenge.
Despite this, HIEC has built strong partnerships – including with RBC, a long-time supporter. “RBC has been involved with us in some way for all 35 years we’ve been around,” Hoey says. From providing seed funding for key initiatives to sponsoring Women as Career Coaches, where 700 women share their career journeys, RBC has been instrumental in helping HIEC expand its reach.
Expanding impact for the future
For Hoey, the work is far from over. She’s focused on scaling HIEC’s impact and shifting the national conversation around career readiness.
“We need to rethink how we engage young people in work and help them connect their skills and interests to real opportunities,” she says. One statistic she finds particularly concerning: only 35% of students successfully transition from school to the workforce.
“That means a lot of young people are either stuck, still figuring things out or not in education, employment or training at all,” she says. “We need to address that.”
Her vision is clear: to equip young people with the tools, confidence, and optimism to embrace the future of work.
“I really believe we’re in the middle of a revolution,” she says. “Helping young people feel positive about their careers isn’t just good for them – it’s critical for communities, the economy and tackling the world’s biggest challenges.”
Recognizing leadership in social change
Recently, Hoey received the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Change – National Impact.
“I was honored,” she says. “Not just for myself, but for the recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit in the social impact sector.”
The award also gave her a rare moment to reflect. “We’re so busy doing the work that we don’t always stop to tell our stories or acknowledge the progress we’ve made. This has been a confidence boost – not just for me, but for our entire team.”
With Hoey at the helm, HIEC will continue to bridge the gap between education and opportunity, helping young people not just find careers, but build futures they’re excited about.
