Nominate a Woman of Inspiration Today!
Women of Inspiration Awards
Origin of the Awards
The Women of Inspiration Awards began in 2012 to shine a spotlight on women across the Wood Buffalo region who break new ground, shatter barriers, and create positive change. First presented by Syncrude, who remains an integral supporter of Girls Inc. today, these awards have since honored 102 incredible local women. Together, these women are powerful real-world role models for young girls who live right here in our community.
Evolution of the Awards
In February 2019, Bouchier committed $125,000 over five years towards the Women of Inspiration program, showcasing their commitment to recognizing excellence in female leadership in Wood Buffalo. A subsequent $75,000 commitment launched the impactful ‘Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration’ chapter. Across eight years of collaboration, this partnership with Bouchier provided vital support for numerous programs, community events, and vehicle donations, leaving a lasting legacy on the Women of Inspiration series.
Over the years, the Women of Inspiration Celebration has explored a variety of impactful themes. In 2020, we ‘Shattered’ (in)visible barriers, and in 2021, we brought those pieces together into a rich ‘Mosaic.’ We amplified those ‘Voices’ in 2022 and came ‘Together’ to strengthen them in 2023. In 2024, we reflected on ‘(Em)power’ and our ability to inspire others. Most recently, we celebrated the ‘Leaders of Today’ in 2025, followed by ‘Innovators & Pioneers’ in 2026, honoring remarkable local women driving change in STEM, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.
Where we are Now
The Women of Inspiration Awards and Celebration celebrates and honours outstanding local women from the Wood Buffalo region who embody what it means to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. These women are recognized as local role models who defy gender stereotypes, drive change, and advocate for the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
Looking ahead, the upcoming 2026–2027 gala will explore the theme of ‘Voices of Change,’ continuing our journey of amplifying local impact and celebrating local female role models who are STRONG, SMART, and BOLD. As the Women of Inspiration Celebration continues to evolve, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta looks forward to introducing a refreshed vision and exciting new themes that will continue celebrating and uplifting women in our community for years to come.
2026/2027 Nomination Deadlines
| Application Deadline | Announcement | |
| 1st Nomination | August 31, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
| 2nd Nomination | October 31, 2026 | November 30, 2026 |
| 3rd Nomination | December 31, 2026 | January 31, 2027 |
Women of Inspiration Nomination Form
Please fill out the form and send it back to our office (email or regular post).
Mark Your Calendar:
The Women of Inspiration Celebration returns March 6, 2027!
2025/2026 - WAVES OF CHANGE - Innovators and Pioneers
Fort McMurray, Alberta (March 7, 2026) – In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women of Inspiration Celebration presented by Bouchier was an unforgettable evening filled with empowerment, generosity, and community spirit. We celebrated five remarkable women who were nominated as Innovators and Pioneers by their friends, families, and colleagues. Read more..
2024/2025 - LEADERS OF TODAY - Exemplifying courage and leadership in the community
Fort McMurray, Alberta (March 8, 2025) – The Women of Inspiration Celebration presented by Bouchier was an unforgettable evening filled with empowerment, generosity, and community spirit. We celebrated five remarkable women who were nominated as Leaders of Today by their friends and families. Read More…..
2023/2024 - EMPOWER - To Ignite, Impact & Inspire!
Fort McMurray, Alberta (March 22, 2024) – The (EM)POWER: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2024, presented by Bouchier, marked an inspiring close, gathering 389 guests at MacDonald Island to honour five remarkable women from the Wood Buffalo region. Read More…..
2022/2023 - TOGETHER - To Strengthen & Empower
Fort McMurray (March 27, 2023) – More than 400 people gathered ‘TOGETHER’ on March 18, to celebrate five incredible women from across the Wood Buffalo region during TOGETHER : Women of Inspiration Celebration 2023 presented by Bouchier. Read More…..
2021/2022 - VOICES - Together we can Amplify
Fort McMurray (March 24, 2022) — Over 450 guests (in-person and online), volunteers, women in business and gender equality advocates joined Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta (Girls Inc.) in celebrating six local women – representing five nominees – at its VOICES: Women of Inspiration Celebration presented by Bouchier on March 19, 2022. Read More…..
2020/2021 - MOSAIC - Towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Fort McMurray (March 16) — Over 300 attendees joined Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta (Girls Inc.) in celebrating and awarding five local women at its MOSAIC: Women of Inspiration Virtual Celebration presented by Bouchier on March 8, 2021. While honouring these women, the organization also raised $65,000 in net proceeds – increased from $45,000 last year. Read More…..
2019/2020 - SHATTER - Glass Ceilings are meant to be Shattered
Fort McMurray (March 12, 2020) — Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is humbled to announce that its very first Women of Inspiration Gala honoured five incredible local women and raised more than $45,000 for the organization. Read More…..
