From therapy dog cuddles to creative mentoring sessions and meaningful conversations about kindness in sport, June was a month of joyful reflection and powerful wrap-ups. Our team wrapped up the school year with intention and heart, fostering connection, confidence, and care in every session and workshop.

Now, as we step into July, the energy is electric. Summer programs are in full swing, scholarship and nomination deadlines are fast approaching, and exciting events like  our 31st Annual Golf Tournament are just around the corner. Whether you’re joining us on the course, at a workshop, or cheering from afar, there are so many ways to stay connected and uplift girls across our region.

 

Message from the Interim Executive Director

As we dive into summer, I’m filled with pride for everything our team, volunteers, and supporters have made possible.

Since the beginning of 2025, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has reached over 1,300 participants through in-school programming, creative mentoring sessions, and thoughtful workshops – each one designed to uplift girls with tools to lead, grow, and thrive. Whether it was learning financial literacy, celebrating mental health, or pledging kindness through the Girls With Grit Summit, the heart of our work has remained the same: ensuring every girl feels strong, smart, and bold.

This month, I want to highlight a few exciting ways to get involved:

• Nominate a Woman of Inspiration by July 30th. Our 2025–2026 series, presented by Bouchier, celebrates Innovators & Pioneers leading in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries. Know someone remarkable? Help us tell her story. Nominate today!
• Scholarship applications close July 31st. We’re proud to offer meaningful financial support to young women pursuing post-secondary education. Further in the newsletter, you will find details and links to these amazing opportunities.
• Register for our 31st Annual Golf Tournament on August 31st. This year’s superhero theme promises a fun, family-friendly afternoon on the course, complete with costumes, prizes, and purpose. Every swing supports life-changing programming for girls across our region. View the full details and sign up today!

Thank you for continuing to champion the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re nominating, registering, donating, or volunteering, your support makes a lasting impact.

In solidarity,

Our Champions 

 

Highlights/Upcoming Events

Summer Programming Is Now FULL!

 

Women of Inspiration 2025–2026: Second Nomination Deadline July 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!

 

 

Finning Canada STEM Awards – Apply here today!
In partnership with Finning Canada, two $1,000 scholarships are available to young women entering or currently enrolled in STEM fields, including applied sciences like nursing, economics, and medicine.
Priority will be given to applicants who participated in Operation SMART and reside in the RMWB.

 

DONATE & GIVE GIRLS

Your Support Creates the Best Days Ever

Because of you, Girls Inc. continues to be a place where girls feel welcomed, supported, and excited to return. As one parent shared, “My daughter never wanted to leave… she would always say, ‘this is the best day ever!’”

Your generosity helps us deliver joyful, empowering programs that spark confidence and connection, all summer long and beyond.

 

June Programming Recap

In-School Programs:

Our in-school programs concluded in June, reaching 137 girls across six schools. Through sessions in wellness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital safety, participants developed practical skills while exploring identity, resilience, and leadership.

• Mind + Body supported 83 students at Sister Mary Phillips, Composite High, and Holy Trinity High. Sessions encouraged mental wellness, body confidence, and self-care.
  
• Economic Literacy helped 26 girls at Walter & Gladys and École St. Paul understand saving, budgeting, and long-term financial decision-making.
  
• Media Smarts guided 17 Grade 5 students at Christina Gordon in navigating online relationships and digital citizenship.
• KidPreneur inspired 11 students at Walter & Gladys to embrace problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking through hands-on challenges.

Out-Of-School Programming: Mentorship, Wellness & Creativity

Girls continued to engage in after-school programs that promote self-expression, confidence, and friendship. June marked the conclusion of our school-year offerings:

Mind + Body: Ages 12-16
The final session focused on mental health, with a special visit from PAWS therapy dogs. Participants explored the importance of self-care and emotional wellbeing while cuddling with a puppy named Olly—an unforgettable wrap-up to the program.

Staying Strong Mentoring: Ages 6-8
In the final session, girls celebrated the year with games, laughter, and a round of Bingo where everyone had the chance to win a prize. Board games and group activities wrapped up the session in true Girls Inc. fashion—joyful and inclusive.

 

Staying Strong Mentoring: Ages 9-15
The final mentoring session allowed girls to move at their own pace through different creative stations—loom bands, board games, polymer clay, and more. The flexible format offered space for independence, focus, and personal reflection.

Workshops / Events

Girls With Grit Workshop (Ages 8–14):
In collaboration with Wood Buffalo Sport Connect, Girls Inc. facilitated six sessions during the Girls With Grit Summit on June 13–14, reaching 105 girls. These interactive sessions focused on empathy, inclusion, and sportsmanship. Participants signed the Girls With Grit Pledge to commit to kindness in all sports settings.

We also supported the summit by coordinating 20 youth volunteers, contributing a collective 119 hours of service over the two-day event, an incredible demonstration of leadership and community spirit.

 

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.