Waves of Change: Innovators and Pioneers Celebration to Take Place March 7, 2026

Fort McMurray, AB — Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with presenting sponsor Bouchier, is proud to announce Tayla Malott as the second Woman of Inspiration for 2026. Tayla will be honoured during the upcoming celebration, Waves of Change: Innovators and Pioneers, on March 7, 2026. This year’s theme recognizes women breaking new ground in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.

Tayla exemplifies innovation and courage as the founder of Mamasaurus, the first birthing centre in Fort McMurray. A trained paramedic, firefighter, author, and maternal wellness advocate, she has dedicated her career to transforming how families experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. From delivering babies during volunteer service in Ghana, to advocating for midwifery and maternal health in northern Alberta, Tayla has shown relentless determination to ensure women are supported with dignity, education, and choice.

Her own experiences—first feeling isolated and unsupported during her first pregnancy, then uplifted by the care of a midwife during her second—fueled her commitment to create safe, community-centered spaces for mothers in Wood Buffalo. In just six months, she launched Mamasaurus, now a registered nonprofit, fundraising through grassroots efforts like bottle drives to bring her vision to life. Today, Mamasaurus not only offers education and birth support but also provides culturally sensitive services for Indigenous women, supported by a CIP grant to help reduce barriers to care.

Tayla embodies the Girls Inc. values of being Strong, Smart, and Bold:

Strong: She challenges the status quo in maternal health, ensuring women have access to supportive, empowering care in their own communities.

Smart: She advocates at provincial and national levels for accessible midwifery education and training, while also educating the next generation through her children’s books and school visits.

Bold: She opened Fort McMurray’s first birthing centre against the odds, proving that passion, persistence, and courage can change the narrative of maternal care.

In her own words: “The world deserves more bold people. Anything less is a detriment. Fuel your idea, don’t believe the reasons why you can’t—believe in your passion, and it will carry you forward.” For Tayla, this recognition is deeply personal. “Birth is not something to fear—it is a physiological and community journey, a rite of passage. This nomination is an opportunity to showcase that truth and validate the work being done in our region.”

Beverley Tjarera, Interim Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, shared: “Tayla is a true pioneer in maternal health. Her vision, determination, and passion have created resources that will impact families for generations. She is an innovator, an advocate, and an inspiration to all of us.”

Join us on March 7, 2026, as we celebrate Tayla Malott and the Waves of Change she continues to inspire.

Our next deadline for nominations is October 30th, 2025. Do you know an extraordinary woman who has made a lasting impact in STEM, entrepreneurship, or the creative arts? Don’t miss the chance to celebrate her brilliance!
Nominate her now  and help us continue to honour the trailblazers who inspire waves of change in our community.