INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Waves of Change — Charting the Path to Inspiration
Fort McMurray, Alberta – December 11, 2025 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with Bouchier, is proud to present the INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026 under the theme Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration. This two-day event will celebrate local women who are reshaping their fields and amplifying change across the Wood Buffalo region.
The event kicks off with a special Girls’ Empowerment Mini Gala on Friday, March 6th, where more than 150 girls ages 9–15 from across the region will come together for an evening of connection, confidence-building, and fun. Participants will enjoy leadership activities, creative stations, and a chance to celebrate their strengths in a supportive, pro-girl environment.
On Saturday, March 7th, the day before International Women’s Day, the INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026 will welcome community leaders, partners, and supporters to honour five remarkable Women of Inspiration whose innovation and courage are creating waves of change in STEM, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and beyond. Together, these honourees reflect the many ways women in our region are leading, mentoring, and opening doors for the next generation.
Both the Mini-Gala and main gala will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show in partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, showcasing traditional and contemporary designs from local Indigenous artists and creators. The fashion show will be curated and hosted by Geraldine “Ger” Carriere, Cultural Storyteller, a Métis entrepreneur, best-selling author, international speaker, and recording artist whose work focuses on helping women and Indigenous youth reconnect with their authentic selves through healing, creativity, and self-discovery.
Since 2012, Women of Inspiration has been the signature, mission-driven award program of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, highlighting local women who break gender stereotypes, drive positive change, and advocate for the rights of women and girls. In 2019, Girls Inc. entered a multi-year partnership with Bouchier to expand the series under the theme “You can’t be what you can’t see.” In 2024, the partnership was renewed with the expanded theme Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration, now further focused on Innovators and Pioneers.
Each year, the event celebrates inspirational local women role models across various sectors and professions in the Wood Buffalo region. For 2026, five prestigious awards will be presented:
- Brilliance in STEM
- Innovator in Enterprise
- Creative Luminary
- Renaissance Pioneer
- Rising Star
“Through Women of Inspiration, we have the privilege of celebrating local women who are leading change in visible and powerful ways,” said Katlin Okonkwo, Interim Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “This year’s focus on innovators and pioneers, alongside the Indigenous Fashion Show in partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, reflects our commitment to elevating diverse voices and stories. Together with Bouchier and our partners, we are creating spaces where girls can see what leadership looks like — and know that they, too, are leaders of today.”
“Supporting Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is personal for us, we’ve seen the strength, resilience, and brilliance of young women in our region, and we know what they can accomplish when given the chance to lead,” said Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Co-Owner and CEO of Bouchier. “Women of Inspiration honours the change-makers who show them the way forward. We’re grateful to stand beside them.”
Tickets are now available (Early bird sales end on January 15, 2026):
- Early Bird individual tickets: $196.85 (fees included)
- Early Bird pair of tickets: $372.05 (fees included)
- Early Bird table of 10: $1,830.70 (fees included)
Regular pricing (starting January 16, 2026):
- Individual ticket: $227.36 (fees included)
- Pair of tickets: $429.71 (fees included)
- Table of 10: $2,114.46 (fees included)
All tickets are transferable and refundable should the event be cancelled.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Organizations wishing to support this year’s celebration are encouraged to connect with our team to explore partnership levels and benefits. Confirmed partners to date include Bouchier, CEDA, Cass & Nat Event Planning, Imperial Oil, Nicole MacLean Photography, Stahl Peterbilt, Canadian Tire, Fort McMurray International Airport, Interpipeline, SMS Equipment, Acera Insurance, Cmplitzy, and Thompson Construction Group.
For more information on sponsorship packages, ticket purchases, and event details, please follow this link.
Sponsorship and Media Opportunities Contact: Devon Sereda Goldie, Communications & Development Lead, devon@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org 778-533-1770
