Leading With Purpose: October at Girls Inc.
October was a month of reconnection and renewed momentum at Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. With the teacher strike now resolved and students back in classrooms, our team has been able to restart in-school programming across the region. We are excited to share that 16 in-school programs are now back underway, including Economic Literacy, Mind + Body, and Online Safety — ensuring girls receive the full Girls Inc. Experience as we move into the winter months.
Outside the school day, our after-school and community programs continued to thrive. From hands-on STEM exploration to creative mentoring sessions, participants had opportunities to learn, play, and build confidence in supportive, pro-girl spaces. As we head into November, we’re excited to launch our 16 Days of Activism initiatives — offering workshops, community engagement opportunities, and region-wide moments of awareness and solidarity.
Message from the Interim Executive Director
As we welcome a new month, we are inspired by the resilience, participation, and enthusiasm shown by youth across our region. Despite challenges earlier this fall, October brought renewed energy — and it shows in our numbers. This year, a total of 1,788 girls have already taken part in our school, after-school, and community-based programs, supported by the distribution of 402 program kits across Fort McMurray, Fort McKay, and Janvier. These touchpoints represent far more than attendance — they reflect connection, confidence-building, and opportunities that shape the leaders of tomorrow.
With in-school programs now resuming, our team is working closely with teachers to ensure every planned session is delivered before the holiday break. At the same time, our out-of-school programs continue to provide space for creativity, belonging, and exploration.
As we head into November, I also want to highlight the many ways families and community members can get involved during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year, you can:
- Register for our two youth workshops
- Join us at the bridge lights up red on November 24th and December 10th
- Participate in our online awareness posts and safety tips
- Wear or display orange to show solidarity
- Amplify the message using #NoExcuse and #ACTtoEndViolence
- Share campaign resources with your networks
- Support programs that empower girls to stay safe, lead confidently, and advocate for change
Finally, I want to remind our community that we are approaching the final nomination deadline for the Women of Inspiration 2025–2026 Series, presented by Bouchier. This year’s theme, Innovators & Pioneers, celebrates women making an impact in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries. If you know a woman whose story deserves to be shared, we encourage you to nominate her by December 30th.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters for continuing this critical work alongside us. Together, we are building a community where every girl knows her voice, her power, and her place in shaping a more equitable future.
In solidarity,
Our Champions
At Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, our programming team is the driving force behind every moment of learning, leadership, and discovery. They are in classrooms, community spaces, and after-school programs every week — creating safe, pro-girl environments where participants feel seen, supported, and excited to grow. Their creativity, compassion, and commitment ensure that every session is thoughtful, engaging, and rooted in the Girls Inc. Experience.
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on two of our incredible Program Coordinators:
Jayna – Program Coordinator
“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching the girls grow into themselves the older and more confident they get. My favourite programs are #GirlsToo because I love exploring advocacy and standing up for yourself, and Operation SMART because it’s fun introducing the girls to women working in STEM careers.”
Jayna brings energy, curiosity, and a passion for advocacy into every session. Whether she’s guiding STEM exploration or facilitating brave conversations, she creates spaces where youth feel empowered to speak up, try new things, and take the lead.
Robin – Program Coordinator & Girls Inc.’s First Registered Social Worker
“During my time at Girls Inc., I’ve enjoyed creating and maintaining relationships with the participants while executing learning in fun ways. My favourite program to lead is Friendly PEERsuasion due to my previous work in addictions and mental health. The most rewarding aspect of this job is seeing participants excel within their own lives — whether through academic achievement, leadership, or personal success.”
Robin has brought her social work lens, warmth, and creativity into every program she leads. Her approach helps youth build confidence, develop healthy decision-making skills, and explore new ways of expressing themselves.
Highlights/Upcoming Events
Registration for our 16 Days of Activism workshops is open!
Register today
Girls in Motion Workshop
Ages 8-15 | Thursday, November 21 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Unifor Hall
Girls in Motion is back for a full day of movement, confidence-building, and community connection! Participants will explore physical wellness through fun activity stations, team-based challenges, and guided reflection that promotes healthy living and leadership.
Lunch and materials are included.
Register here!
16 Days of Activism: Bridge Lighting
All Ages | November 24 & December 10 | Evening | TBC
Join us as landmarks across the region light up in red to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This community-wide moment raises awareness, honours survivors, and reinforces our shared commitment to creating a future free from violence.
More details coming soon!
16 Days of Activism Workshops
As part of our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, we are offering two empowering workshops that help youth build awareness, safety skills, and advocacy tools.
Guided Tour: Walk A Mile In My Shoes
Thursday, December 4 | 4:30–5:30 PM | Keyano Theatre
Participants will take a guided tour of the Art For Social Change exhibition. With Jayna’s leadership, youth will explore the meaning, symbolism, and messages behind each piece — learning how art sparks dialogue and inspires change.
Register here!
Digital Detectives
Friday, December 5 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Unifor Hall
Youth will dive into digital safety, the realities of online violence, and how to recognize dangerous or misleading media. This hands-on session builds critical thinking, advocacy skills, and online confidence.
Register here!
Women of Inspiration 2025–2026: FINAL nomination deadline December 30th, 2025
The search is on for our next incredible Woman of Inspiration! For the 2025–2026 series, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are thrilled to explore the theme “Innovators & Pioneers.” This year, we proudly shine a spotlight on local women who are making remarkable contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
For more information and to access the application form, visit: Women of Inspiration Series.
Help us honour the women whose innovation and resilience inspire the next generation of girls to be strong, smart, and bold!
Save the Date: Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala
Ages 9–15 | Friday, March 6, 2026 | SMS Equipment Place
Mark your calendars — our annual Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala returns as the kickoff to a powerful two-day celebration! This free event brings 150+ girls together for an evening of connection, leadership activities, dancing, creative stations, and confidence-building fun.
In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, the 2026 Mini-Gala will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show curated and hosted by Cultural Storyteller Geraldine “Ger” Carriere. Community members of all ages will model both traditional and contemporary designs by local Indigenous
artists.
Registration opens early February 2026.
DONATE & GIVE GIRLS
Your Support Creates Spaces Where Girls Thrive
Because of you, Girls Inc. continues to foster environments where girls feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Volunteer Manorama shared how meaningful it is to witness girls step into their strengths: “It’s such a positive space — girls are encouraged to explore what they love, challenge stigma, and grow with confidence.”
Your generosity makes this possible. Every donation helps ensure girls have access to mentors, leadership opportunities, and programs that empower them to be strong, smart, and bold.
October Programming Recap
In-School Programs: Paused but Prepared
With the teacher strike continuing through most of October, all in-school programs remained temporarily paused. As schools reopened at the end of the month, our team quickly reconnected with partner schools to confirm schedules and prepare for a smooth return. We are now working collaboratively with educators to make sure all planned sessions can be delivered before the holiday break, adjusting timelines as needed to ensure every participant receives the full Girls Inc. Experience.
Out-Of-School Programming: Creativity, STEM Exploration, and Community Connection
October was a dynamic month for out-of-school programming at Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, with renewed energy from participants and several hands-on opportunities for connection, skill-building, and creative exploration. Despite the challenges of the school strike, our after-school programs continued to provide supportive spaces for youth to learn, grow, and build meaningful friendships.
Operation SMART (Ages 9–15):
This month’s Operation SMART sessions focused on imagination, design, and real-world problem-solving. Participants explored extended design concepts like virtual and augmented reality by brainstorming app ideas and presenting them to the group. They then shifted into architecture, designing their dream bedrooms while learning how the environment influences creativity and comfort. The final October session challenged them with structural engineering, using toothpicks and marshmallows or playdough to build 3D shapes before collaborating on bridge designs. Each activity encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and a sense of discovery.
Staying Strong Mentoring (Ages 5–8)
The 5–8 age group embraced a month of creativity, play, and friendship-building. Each session offered a new artistic or hands-on activity — from painting mini canvases to creating animal figures with air-dry clay. Although the group is small, participants have formed close bonds and have shown growing confidence each week. These sessions continue to foster emotional expression, communication, and connection in a fun, supportive environment.
Staying Strong Mentoring (Ages 9-15)
October’s mentoring sessions for ages 9–15 blended creativity, collaboration, and community-building. Participants began the month with individualized clay projects, followed by bracelet-making using beads or loom bands — a favourite that encouraged self-expression and patience. The month wrapped up with a lively Halloween-themed musical trivia game complete with prizes, bringing laughter, teamwork, and plenty of excitement to the final session.
Thanks To Our Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our program partners — RMWB, Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, Syncrude operated by Suncor, TC Energy, Finning Canada, Pembina, TD, BizKids, Canada Post Foundation, Ted Rogers Foundation and Imperial. Your unwavering support is essential to delivering these impactful programs, ensuring our girls are empowered to be strong, smart, and bold.
