Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta announces that Executive Director, Nanase Tonda, will be stepping down from her role, effective November 16, 2026. Since January 2019, Tonda has helped transform Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s reach and impact, strengthening its mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

During her leadership, the organization significantly expanded its reach and capacity to support girls across the region. The organization grew from serving approximately 300 participants annually to more than 2,000, increased its revenue base by 420 per cent, and expanded the team from four to as many as 12 staff members.

She also strengthened the organization’s sustainability and community partnerships, creating new opportunities to invest in its programs. During her tenure, Girls Inc. expanded its program portfolio to more than 23 programs, including new initiatives such as #GirlsToo, Power of Stories, Reaching SMART, Next Chapters, Teen Age Advocacy Council, and STEM-focused scholarships. Its reach deepened in rural communities through strengthened partnerships with Indigenous community partners and kits delivery initiated during the pandemic, maintaining an outreach rate of more than 26 per cent. Tonda also initiated and implemented governance policy updates as well as emergency funds. These initiatives have helped more girls access opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and find their voices – today and in the future. 

Through this growth, Tonda helped position Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta as a community voice and leader on issues affecting girls and young women, with her leadership recognized through honours including the 2020 Top 50 Under 50 and the 2024 Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence Award for Social Profit Leadership.

Through the organization’s programs, events and fund development efforts, Tonda has worked tirelessly to make an impact on the lives of girls and women in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and beyond. 

“Leaving Girls Inc. is one of the most difficult decisions I have made, but it is also an empowering one,” says Tonda. “I am exercising my agency to put my family and my mental health first, and to make a decision that is right for me – even when it is difficult. We teach girls to develop and use their voice, stand up for what is right, and be bold. I believe women in leadership deserve to make choices that honour who they are and what they need.”

“Standing at this intersection in a patriarchal society makes one reflect deeply. Women continue to face systemic barriers in leadership, and those barriers will not change unless we are willing to challenge them. I hope my decision adds to that conversation and helps create more equitable, transformative pathways for women to lead. I leave Girls Inc. deeply grateful and incredibly proud of the work we have done together, and confident in what comes next.”

Tonda has worked tirelessly to champion girls’ and women’s rights, opportunities, and voices, deepening the organization’s regional impact.

“Nanase has helped strengthen a culture where girls are encouraged to believe in themselves, use their voices, stand up for what they believe in and support one another,” says Cindy Medeiros-Connors, Board of Directors President, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “Her impact will be felt in the confidence, courage and sense of possibility she has helped foster in girls across our region. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for her leadership and for the lasting difference she has made in the lives of girls.”

“Girls Inc. Headquarters (HQ) would like to thank Nanase for her dedication and commitment to serving the girls in the Wood Buffalo Region over these many years,” says Karen Ward, Affiliate Engagement Director. “Through her leadership, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is a high-performing and well-respected affiliate in the Girls Inc. network, and HQ is proud to have this organization as part of the Girls Inc. family. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is grateful to Nanase for her years of leadership, advocacy and dedication and the Board and Staff wish her all the best in this next chapter.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is now seeking its next Executive Director to build on this strong foundation and lead the organization into its next chapter. To learn more about the position, including qualifications and how to apply, please view the Executive Director job description.

For more information:

Cindy Medeiros-Connors, Board President
edrecruitment@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org