FORT MCMURRAY, AB – AUGUST 17, 2026. Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta (“Girls Inc.”) is bringing a new generation of voices to its annual Women of Inspiration series and Gala, by celebrating both girls and women together as leaders, role models and voices for change.  

 The Voices of Change: Women of Inspiration Gala 2027 will take place March 6, 2027, at SMS Equipment Place. New to the event, the Gala celebrates three girls selected through Girls Inc. youth participation, alongside three remarkable local women. The six featured leaders will be paired together, each pair representing one core pillar: STRONG, SMART, and BOLD. Each girl will have the opportunity to select the woman she is paired with, placing them at the centre of decisions about who is recognized as a community leader. 

 “By celebrating girls and women alongside one another, we’re setting an example that leadership is something they can step into today,” says Nanase Tonda, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “The new gala format brings girls and women together to celebrate their achievements across generations. With girls playing a central role in the celebration, connections are formed that can inspire confidence, leadership, and positive change for years to come.” 

 Girls Take the Lead 

 Long before the gala, each girl honouree will take an active role in shaping the event itself.  

 The three girls will participate in confidence and leadership-building programs that include interviewing their paired woman honouree, collaborating with the gala committee on event decisions, and preparing to present the award on stage.  

 Through these experiences, the youth honourees will have the opportunity to be active contributors, develop public speaking skills, exercise decision-making, and step into visible leadership roles within their community. 

 “The goal is for girls to see themselves not just as future changemakers, but as people whose contributions matter now,” says Jayna McMillan, Program Director with the organization. “Through hands-on learning and mentorship, girls will gain confidence and skills while also inspiring others.” 

 Six Honourees, Three Pillars  

 The 2027 Gala will recognize three adult women and three girls for their commitment to one of the key pillars:  

•  The STRONG Award: Celebrating an individual who champions wellness and empowers others to build foundations for lifelong well-being. This award honours someone who embodies personal strength, serving as a STRONG role model for the next generation. 
•  The SMART Award: Celebrating an individual who champions knowledge enrichment, lifelong learning, and drives innovation. This award honours someone who embodies ingenuity, serving as a SMART role model for the next generation. 
•  The BOLD Award: Celebrating a person who champions social change, lifelong advocacy, and community action. This award honours someone who embodies courage, serving as a BOLD role model for the next generation. 

 Nominations Open 

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is inviting the community to nominate women who demonstrate the qualities of STRONG, SMART or BOLD and who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.  

The 2027 gala will provide an opportunity to celebrate these women while also shining a spotlight on the girls who are developing their own voices, confidence and leadership skills. 

Please note, the girl honourees will be selected from youth Girls Inc. programming whose journey demonstrates a commitment to a core pillar. 

Women of Inspiration Nomination Form 2026/2027 

Media Registration and Interview Requests:  

Stephanie Myrick, 780-790-9236 or communications@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org 

About Girls Inc.: 

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. Operating across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the organization provides 100 per cent cost-free life-transforming programs that help girls overcome intersecting barriers. For more information, visit www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org.