TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today welcomed more than 400 children and parents to the 2015 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event at the Florida Capitol. Children toured 20 exhibits from a wide variety of organizations to learn hands-on about career opportunities in Florida.

DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Today’s event was an opportunity for children to get a glimpse into the work life of their parents, to get inspired about future endeavors, and to learn firsthand about the importance of teamwork, diligence, and commitment. Parents help teach their daughters and sons the inherent dignity of work. DEO is grateful for all of our participants and exhibitors who helped DEO celebrate another successful Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive exhibits from educational institutions, organizations, and state agencies, each highlighting the importance of education and growing employment fields in the state. Florida is a diverse state, unlike any other place in the world, with career opportunities in tourism, agriculture, health, technology, trade, business, and many more. Today’s students are the future of our workforce and it is vital to show them the value of education and the career options available to them.

Senate President Andy Gardiner said, “Andrew, Joanna, Kathryn and I thoroughly enjoyed our time attending the DEO’s Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event. There were a number of informative exhibits that I think encouraged young Floridians to consider many of the employment opportunities available in our state government. I appreciate Director Panuccio’s work to put together a great event and look forward to attending with my family again next year.”

“A good education and a good job are important for living a long and healthy life,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a wonderful event that helps our children today see future career opportunities in Florida. I encourage families to keep the conversations going about careers and healthy choices.”

“I always enjoy coming to this event,” said Elizabeth Dudek, Secretary for the Agency for Health Care Administration.  “I cherish every opportunity that I have to talk with and mentor Florida’s future leaders.  Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is the perfect venue to learn about their hopes and dreams and suggest ways that they can go about achieving their goals.”

    

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “One of the most important commitments I make as Education Commissioner is to ensure Florida schools provide each student with the necessary tools to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career when it is time for them to enter the workforce. Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day is one of my favorite events during the year because it’s a great opportunity for our state’s children to learn about the many job opportunities in Florida that will be available to them as long as they remain committed to academic achievement.”

Department of Management Services Secretary Chad Poppell said, “It was an honor to speak at DEO’s Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event and to promote the value of work. I’m excited that the kids in attendance got to hear about the contributions their parents are making and learn about the great opportunities waiting for them in Florida’s growing economy.”

Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christina Daly said, “DJJ is proud to be a part of the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event and the possibilities it offers to our youth to learn about Florida’s ever expanding job market.  Real life experience can at times be the best classroom and this event is a wonderful learning opportunity for both the parents and children that participate.”