Starting 2026 Strong: January at Girls Inc.
January marked a powerful start to the new year at Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, as programs, partnerships, and community initiatives returned in full swing following the winter break.
In classrooms across the region, facilitators reconnected with students through evidence-based programming focused on mental wellness, financial literacy, online safety, and healthy relationships. These sessions continue to create safe spaces where girls can build knowledge, confidence, and critical life skills.
Beyond the school day, winter out-of-school programming launched with renewed energy. From entrepreneurial learning in KidPreneur to climate-focused STEM workshops and collaborative partnership programming, girls engaged in hands-on opportunities that foster leadership, creativity, and resilience. As we move through 2026, this momentum reflects our continued commitment to creating accessible, empowering spaces where girls can learn, lead, and thrive.
Message from the Interim Executive Director
As we step into 2026, we are energized by the strong start to the year and the continued impact of our programs, partnerships, and community initiatives throughout January.
This month marked the return of in-school programming across the region, alongside the launch of our winter out-of-school season. Girls participated in entrepreneurship programming, STEM workshops, leadership filming opportunities, and collaborative partnership sessions designed to support their growth, confidence, and well-being.
We were also proud to introduce our new Champions Corner initiative, a space dedicated to celebrating community members whose achievements reflect what it means to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. Recognizing these stories helps uplift the voices and successes of girls and allies across our region.
Looking ahead, excitement continues to build for our signature events season. Registration is now open for the Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala, and preparations are well underway for the Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026. In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, this year’s events will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show curated and hosted by Cultural Storyteller Geraldine “Ger” Carriere, highlighting culture, creativity, and community connection.
Thank you to our participants, families, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Your belief in girls fuels every program we deliver and every opportunity we create. Together, we continue building a future where every girl knows her voice matters and her leadership belongs.
In solidarity,
Introducing our Champions Corner! We have updated this section of our monthly newsletter to recognize incredible achievements of our community which fall under the categories of STRONG, SMART & BOLD! We are now accepting submissions – nominate a Champion in the community today!
STRONG – Achievements based in sport, mental health, and wellness success. Maybe they tried out and got onto a team, or reached a new colour belt in martial arts? Perhaps they won a trophy at a competition or learned a new skill? As a community partner, is there a coach or other adult that champions wellness and sport success you would like to recognize?
SMART – Achievements based on academic success. Did you get into the university/school of your choice or ace a certain class? Have you joined or created a school club or completed a summer program? Is there a teacher you admire and want to celebrate?
BOLD – Achievements based on life skills. Did they get a new job or finish a grade in piano? Maybe they got first aid certified or mastered a new hobby? Is there a mentor in your life you wish to celebrate?
Submission Guidelines:
- One or two champions will be selected per month – please note that not all submissions will be selected. Submissions not chosen each month will be considered for future publishing months.
- Our Champions can be someone of any age that you feel should be celebrated by our organization. Considerations may include: does the champion have a personal connection to our organization (as a participant, volunteer, or another way) and do they uplift the values of Girls Inc. inspiring girls to be strong, smart & bold?
Highlights
We’re proud to announce the 2025 Finning Canada STEM Award recipients! In partnership with Finning Canada, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is celebrating Lalithya Ravi and Tanya Jivani, two
outstanding young women from the Wood Buffalo region who are pursuing post-secondary education in STEM.
These $1,000 scholarships support their academic journeys while helping break down barriers for girls and young women entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Lalithya and Tanya are not only excelling in STEM, they are also giving back through mentorship, leadership, and advocacy.
Congratulations to both recipients. Your curiosity, determination, and commitment to community are inspiring the next generation of Strong, Smart, and Bold girls.
Read the full announcement here: https://tinyurl.com/2cjz6zb7
Leadership Update:
Victoria Brown & Brianne English have decided to pursue other endeavours and we thank them for serving on our board. We are grateful for your leadership and commitment in supporting Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta through an important chapter. We are thankful for the time, care, and energy you have given in support of our mission.
To ensure continuity, Stephanie Payne has stepped into the role of Interim Vice President. The President position will remain open and will be filled through our governance process.
Girls Inc. was pleased to donate a gift basket to the Fort McMurray Avrora Ukrainian Dance Club for the raffle at their Malanka event on January 17 – also known as Ukrainian New Years! The event was a fundraiser in support of Ukrainian dance and culture here in Wood Buffalo!
Щасливого Нового Року – Happy New Year – from your friends at Girls Inc.!
This Month
February is Black History Month, a time to honour Black trailblazers whose voices, courage, and creativity helped shape Canada and continue to inspire future generations.
This month, we celebrate Eleanor Collins, Alberta-born singer, cultural pioneer, and Canada’s first lady of jazz. Born in Edmonton in 1919, Eleanor Collins broke barriers in music and media, becoming the first woman and first Black entertainer in Canada to host her own national television show.
Through her groundbreaking career, Eleanor used her voice not only to perform, but to challenge racism, foster connection, and open doors for greater representation in Canadian arts and culture. Her legacy reminds us that representation matters and that when girls see what’s possible, they’re empowered to lead, create, and change the world.
At Girls Inc., we celebrate Black women past and present who inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold, and who continue to shape history through courage, talent, and resilience.
This LGBT History Month, we’re celebrating Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie — two Alberta women who quietly and courageously changed history.🌈
As two of the first women architects in Canada, Jean and Mary broke barriers in a male-dominated profession by founding the country’s first women-run architectural firm in 1950. Over nearly 30 years, they completed more than 200 projects across Alberta, all while building a life together as a queer couple at a time when being open was not safe.
Known affectionately as “The Girls,” Jean and Mary designed spaces rooted in care, community, and possibility — including homes and buildings that supported women, families, and queer couples long before inclusion was openly discussed.
Their story reminds us that visibility matters. When girls see 2SLGBTQIA+ women who led boldly, loved authentically, and shaped their communities, they can imagine futures for themselves without limits.
A new children’s book, The Girls: The Wild and Wondrous Lives of Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie, shares their story — a beautiful way to introduce young readers to queer history, resilience, and leadership.
At Girls Inc., we celebrate stories like Jean and Mary’s because representation builds belonging, and every girl deserves to see herself reflected in history.
Upcoming Events
Winter Program registration is now open!
Register today
Registration Now Open: Girls’ Empowerment Mini-Gala
Ages 9–15 | Friday, March 6, 2026 | SMS Equipment Place
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 is NOW OPEN in the parent portal.
Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | SMS Equipment Place
Mark your calendars — our annual Women of Inspiration Celebration returns with the theme “Innovators and Pioneers.” We will honour five remarkable women in our community whose innovation and courage are creating waves of change in STEM, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and beyond! Three women have been announced so far: Hanna Fridhed-Campbell, Tayla Malott, Kassondra Meyer, and Angela MacKenzie. One more will be announced between now and March 7th, 2026!
In partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, the 2026 Celebration 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.
Tickets are now available.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Organizations wishing to support this year’s celebration are encouraged to connect with our team to explore partnership levels and benefits. For more information, contact Devon Sereda Goldie, Communications & Development Lead at devon@girlsincofnorthernalberta.org.
DONATE & GIVE GIRLS
Your Support Makes Her Growth Possible
Because of you, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta continues to create safe, empowering spaces where girls can explore their interests, build confidence, and challenge stereotypes. Your generosity directly supports programs that introduce girls to new skills, leadership opportunities, and future pathways.
Every donation strengthens our ability to deliver cost-free programming that equips girls with the tools they need to thrive — today and into the future.
January Programming Recap
In-School Programs: Back in Classrooms
January saw a strong return to classrooms as in-school programming resumed across partner schools throughout the region. Facilitators reconnected with students through evidence-based curriculum focused on mental wellness, financial literacy, healthy relationships, and online safety.
Out-of-School Programming: Creativity, Leadership & Winter Kickoff
January marked the launch of our Winter out-of-school programming season, re-engaging girls in after-school spaces focused on confidence, creativity, and leadership. Mentoring did not run in January as the program prepared for its winter relaunch. Sessions resumed in early February, welcoming girls back into supportive peer groups centred on relationship-building, self-esteem, and social-emotional skill development.
KidPreneur (Ages 9–12)
January saw the launch of the winter KidPreneur cohort, with the first session welcoming 10 participants eager to begin their entrepreneurial journeys. The session opened with icebreakers and introductions, including a welcome to new Program Coordinator Kianna.
Participants explored business concepts, brainstormed product ideas, and discussed what it takes to bring a small business to life. By the end of the session, each girl committed to refining her business idea ahead of Session Two, building excitement for the upcoming youth market. The evening wrapped with a fun round of bingo, blending relationship-building with creative exploration.
Workshops & Events
Winter Ready Workshop (Ages 9–15)
The Winter Ready Workshop delivered a four-hour STEM learning experience focused on climate awareness and extreme cold preparedness. Participants explored concepts like heat transfer, conduction, and insulation through hands-on experiments, including designing insulating coolers and testing melting rates of different materials. Girls also learned how to read weather information, dress for cold conditions, and recognize health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia.
#GirlsToo / Mind + Body Workshops – In Partnership with the Autism Society (Ages 16–18)
January marked the launch of a new partnership pilot with the Autism Society, supporting older teens through a 12-week life skills program. Girls Inc. facilitated workshops aligned with Mind + Body and #GirlsToo curricula, covering health and wellness, navigating healthcare systems, communication, conflict resolution, and recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns.
Women of Inspiration Impact Filming Day (Ages 5+)
January’s Impact Filming Day brought girls together for a media experience connected to the upcoming Women of Inspiration Gala.
Participants prepared and delivered interview questions on camera, building confidence in a professional filming environment. Facilitators provided coaching and encouragement throughout the day, with staggered schedules ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for all.
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.
