Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta Announces First-Ever Youth Girls of Inspiration Award Recipients
Fort McMurray, AB, November 6, 2026 — Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of its new youth award, the Girls of Inspiration Award, recognizing three remarkable young women who embody the organization’s STRONG, SMART and BOLD values in their everyday lives.
For more than a decade, the annual International Women’s Day gala has celebrated five adult Women of Inspiration recipients in the community. This year marks a milestone shift: the event will now honour three adult recipients paired with three youth recipients who champion the same foundational values—STRONG, SMART and BOLD. The gala, themed Voices of Change, takes place Saturday, March 6, 2027, at SMS Equipment Place at MacDonald Island Park.
“We launched this award because these girls are already leading in the community, and they deserve the same recognition we give the inspiring women around them,” said Nanase Tonda, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “Moving from five adult honorees to a paired model of three adults and three girls creates something really special: a visible passing of the torch, and a reminder that the women we celebrate tomorrow are sitting in our programs today.”
Nirva Mehta is this year’s STRONG recipient. Staff recognized Nirva for her exceptional volunteerism across Girls Inc. programs, including Sporting Chance and the Intro to Golf Day, as well as her dedication to badminton and basketball outside the organization. Her advocacy for younger participants and their wellness needs has made her a standout role model among her peers.
“This is amazing! I feel so honoured and grateful for this recognition,” said Nirva.
Riley Saha Halder is this year’s SMART recipient. Riley was recognized for volunteering with the Kidpreneurs and Be Real Be Me programs, and for an impressive performance at this year’s science fair. Her commitment shines through her work with the Teen Advocacy Council and attendance at the Girls Leading Change Summit. Riley recently began a new position as a Brand Ambassador for Girls Inc.
“It means a lot to me to know that my involvement in programming has made an impact,” said Riley. “To hear that my efforts both within and outside the organization are being recognized is very encouraging.”
Nikitha Rajendran is this year’s BOLD recipient. Nikitha was recognized for volunteering with the mentoring program, her participation in the Teen Advocacy Council, and her attendance at the Girls Leading Change Summit. Staff praised her willingness to help, her positive attitude, and the lasting impression she leaves on the younger girls in every program she joins.
“It’s such an honour and I’m so grateful you all thought of me for it,” said Nikitha.As part of the award, each Girl of Inspiration will prepare and lead a filmed interview with her adult award counterpart, and will introduce that adult recipient on stage at the gala. The three adult Women of Inspiration recipients will be announced in mid-November.Tickets and sponsorship information for the Voices of Change Gala are available:
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/purchaseticketswoiTinyurlPurchase Tickets
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Photo caption: Three outstanding young leaders will be honoured alongside adult Women of Inspiration recipients at the 2027 Voices of Change Gala (from left to right): Nanase Tonda, Riley Saha Halder, Nikitha Rajendran, Nirva Mehta, and Jayna McMillan.
About Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta:Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has been inspiring girls in the Wood Buffalo region to be STRONG, SMART and BOLD for over a decade. Serving more than 1,500 girls annually through programs like Operation SMART, Kidpreneurs, the Teen Advocacy Council and the Girls Leading Change Summit, the organization delivers research-based programming that builds girls’ capacity to grow up healthy, educated and independent. Learn more at girlsincofnorthernalberta.org
Media Contact: Stephanie MyrickCommunications and Fund Development LeadGirls Inc. of Northern Albertacommunications@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org780-790-9236
