Jessica DuLong is proof that there is no such thing as a “man’s job.”

As one of only a few female fireboat engineers, she’s used to coming up against stereotypes.

“I still hear that some jobs are for girls and some are for boys. I’m here to tell you – that’s not true,” she told an audience of  fifth- and sixth-grade girls at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES recently.

DuLong was the keynote speaker at the 15th annual Women Helping Girls with Choices conference held on October 23. She is also a newly published author.

“A million little things led me here – it wasn’t what I envisioned,” DuLong said. “You have to remember that there are thousands of opportunities waiting for you around each corner. You never know where life is going to take you. So you have to open your eyes and realize opportunities come in unexpected places.”

The Women Helping Girls with Choices Conference is designed to provide leadership training for girls. The conference includes a keynote address by an influential female, small-group activities designed to foster self-esteem, and informal question-and-answer sessions with female role models. The conference’s goals include fostering “I Can” attitudes in girls, discussing expanded career options for women and enhancing participants’ self-esteem by connecting them with women of achievement.

This year’s conference was attended by 108 girls from 11 school districts.