From yoga mats to handmade bird feeders, from self-advocacy workshops to sunny floral crafts, May was a month of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. In May we had 242 participants join us through school programs, after-school sessions, and hands-on workshops—each one designed to help girls build confidence, community, and curiosity. 

As we turn the page to summer, we’re stepping into one of our busiest and most exciting seasons yet. With registration now open for summer programs, upcoming events like Rhythm & Recall and our annual Golf Tournament, and brand-new opportunities to celebrate and support girls, the momentum is just getting started.

Message from the Interim Executive Director

As we wrap up an inspiring May and welcome the start of summer, I’m filled with gratitude for the continued trust and support of our community.

Since the beginning of 2025, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has reached over 1,200 participants through in-school programming, creative mentoring sessions, and thoughtful workshops. From learning financial literacy and creating slime masterpieces to exploring climate resilience and honouring MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day, our programs centered the voices of girls while helping them navigate the world around them with confidence and compassion.

We’ve also been busy preparing for our summer programming—registration is now open, and spots are filling up quickly! One of the most exciting ways to get involved this month is by submitting a nomination for our 2025–2026 Women of Inspiration series, presented by Bouchier. This year’s theme, Innovators & Pioneers, celebrates the remarkable achievements of local women in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries. These are the leaders shaping our region with resilience, creativity, and bold vision. Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate her today before the second nominee deadline on June 30th.

We’re also gearing up for community events like Rhythm & Recall and the 31st Annual Golf Tournament Fore Girls Inc., both offering fun and meaningful ways to support our programs. There’s never been a better time to connect, celebrate, and champion the next generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders.

To everyone who has donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or simply cheered us on—thank you. You are a vital part of our mission to ensure every girl feels seen, supported, and equipped to lead.

In solidarity,

Our Champions 

Highlights/Upcoming Events

Summer Programming Is NOW OPEN!  

Register here.

 

Women of Inspiration 2025–2026:
First Nomination Deadline May 30, 2025

The search is on for our next incredible Women 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.

We are seeking nominations across five exciting categories:

• Brilliance in STEM – Celebrating a woman who embodies curiosity, intellect, and transformative innovation.
• Innovator in Enterprise – Celebrating a fearless woman who is turning bold visions into thriving ventures.
• Creative Luminary – Celebrating a woman who paves new paths through imagination and artistic expression.
• Renaissance Pioneer – Celebrating a woman whose work bridges science, business, and creativity.
• Rising Star – Celebrating an emerging leader in STEM, entrepreneurship, or the creative arts.

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!

 

 

 

DONATE & GIVE GIRLS

Your Support Helps Girls Feel Seen, Supported & Strong

Because of you, Girls Inc. continues to be a place where girls like Vasundhara feel a sense of connection, belonging, and joy. Your generosity creates safe, empowering spaces where girls are reminded that they’re never alone and always have someone in their corner.

 

May Programming Recap

In-School Programs:

Throughout May, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta continued to deliver in-school programs across the region, reaching 242 girls through a range of engaging and empowering sessions. Across all programs, Girls Inc. facilitators, alongside cultural support from Indigenous collaborators, ensured that girls had a safe and inclusive space to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The impact continues to grow, one classroom at a time.

• Mind + Body reached over 100 students across Sister Mary Phillips, Holy Trinity High, Composite High, and Northlands Online School. With a focus on self-esteem, mental wellness, and healthy decision-making, sessions helped girls build confidence and resilience in a supportive environment.
  
• Economic Literacy wrapped up at several schools, with over 90 students learning budgeting, saving, and financial goal-setting. These skills are crucial to empowering girls with long-term economic confidence and independence.
  
• Media Smarts introduced 17 Grade 5 students to safe and respectful digital habits, including privacy, online relationships, and navigating the internet wisely.
  
• Next Chapters concluded its spring session at Composite High, where 14 students explored decision-making, identity, and planning for the future through a culturally grounded lens.
• KidPreneur encouraged 11 students at Walter & Gladys Hill to embrace entrepreneurial thinking through creative problem-solving and teamwork.

 

Out-Of-School Programming: Creativity, Confidence & Community Building

In May, our after-school programs encouraged girls to move, create, and connect with themselves and each other. From yoga and nutritious snacks to hands-on art projects, participants took advantage of opportunities to explore wellness, mindfulness, and self-expression in a safe and supportive environment.

Mind + Body: Ages 12-16
May’s Mind + Body sessions focused on wellness from the inside out. Participants explored nutrition by making healthy power balls, stayed active with an exercise-themed Bingo game, and practiced yoga with Brandy Hepditch from The District while reflecting on body image. Each girl went home with her own yoga mat, bringing the experience full circle with a tangible tool for self-care.

Staying Strong Mentoring: Ages 6-8
Our younger participants tapped into their creativity this month with nature-inspired projects like Wow-Butter bird feeders, painted rocks, and flower pots. Although staying on task was sometimes a challenge, the group worked through it together with thoughtful discussions and plenty of encouragement, laying the foundation for a summer of growth.

 

Staying Strong Mentoring: Ages 9-15
Older participants in our Staying Strong mentoring program explored a mix of hands-on art and fun. They crafted colourful washi tape bookmarks, floral suncatchers, and sunflower paintings. The final session ended with a fan favourite—slime!—proving once again that learning through creativity is always a hit.
  

Workshops / Events

In addition to weekly sessions, we also hosted two special workshops: one for MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day and another on Climate Readiness and Resilience. These timely sessions helped girls reflect on important community issues while gaining new knowledge and tools to make a difference.

MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day Workshop: Ages 9-15
On May 5, participants gathered for a meaningful workshop in honour of MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day. Together, they explored the importance of the day, shared ways to stay safe, and reflected on how they can advocate for themselves and others. The session included a hands-on art activity where participants created ceramic coasters and enjoyed homemade bannock and jam, fostering both creativity and cultural connection.

Climate Readiness & Resiliency Workshop: Ages 9-15
Held ahead of the May long weekend, this interactive session enabled girls to explore how climate change affects their lives and communities. A last-minute guest speaker brought energy and insight, patiently answering participants’ thoughtful questions. Girls engaged in an urban planning activity and reviewed custom resource packages, gaining new tools to think critically and act boldly for a more resilient future.

 

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.