Sept 2016
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s 4th Woman of Inspiration 2016-2017 Presented by Syncrude Announced
(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 4th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2016-2017:
Jina Burn
In 1997 Jina Burn made Fort McMurray her home. Ms. Burn has always broken barriers and was off to a good start by earning not one but two Masters Degrees in Bulgaria – a Director of Photography and a TV and Cinema Directing. She worked in the industry for 20 years as a TV Director for the Bulgaria National TV before relocating to Canada in1999. Ms. Burn started her own Video Production Company – Snow White Productions. Jina has created many documentaries and training programs throughout the RMWB and has worked for years as a freelance correspondent for CFRN, Global TV, CBC, and Discovery Channel. Ms. Burn has generously donated her video production services to many non-profit organizations such as the Cancer Society, YMCA, Victim Services and others. She is a strong believer in support her community.
Ms. Burn continues to be very involved in her community and served on the Board of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce for two terms, advocating for small business. She works well as a team member and worked diligently to move the Chamber forward by promoting long term strategic planning. Snow White Productions was nominated for Small Business of the Year in 2002.
Ms. Burn’s commitment extends to the non- profit sector as well. She has served as a Director of the Wood Buffalo YMCA since 2004. She is actively involved in their fund raising efforts and is a strong advocate of the services that the YMCA provides.
Jina has served as a member of the Fort McMurray Chapter #137 of the Order of the Eastern Star for 14 years. In her capacity as the leading officer (The Worthy Matron) Jina has brought creativity and enthusiasm for fund raising.to the organization. All money raised by the local Chapter of the Eastern Star goes back to the community sponsoring projects that involve women and children Jina’s ability to make everyone feel like an important part of the group is much appreciated by everyone she works with and is an asset she brings with her through life. Jina’s commitment to the Oder was recognized by the Alberta Grand Chapter by her being designated as the Grand Representative of the Province of Alberta in Utah in 2011.
Ms. Burn gives hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the community each year. Her energy is endless and her humour and hard work have benefited many people in the region. Jina rekindled her passion for chess and in 2012, she founder the Fort McMurray Chess Club. She started by starting a chess club in Ecole Dickinsfield School and since has forged many partnerships with other non-profits to offer chess classes to their client base. Jina is currently the President of the Fort McMurray Chess Club and sits on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Chess Association as Chair of the Coaching Committee and Chair of the Children Education Committee.
Ms. Burn believes in” Go Big or Go Home” and to demonstrate this, she organized the Fort McMurray Open Chess Tournament. She brought the top players of Alberta to Fort McMurray in July 2013 and started the Alberta Women’s Chess Championship. She organizes regular youth Chess Tournaments including the Regional School Chess Championship and the Alberta Youth Chess Championship. Jina is a dedicated fundraiser to raise money to support the chess club and to cover travel costs. Jina earned the support of the Parks Department of RMWB to develop the Chess Park in Dickensfield. The park provides free space for everyone in the community to play outdoor chess throughout the summer.
Jina graduated from Wood Buffalo Leadership Program and was nominated for a Leadership Award in 2014 and 2015 as well as a Citizenship Award in 2015.
Ms. Burn is a “get it done” woman, who is a strong asset to whatever she participates in. She has strong governance and leadership skills and her actions and accomplishments are an inspiration to others.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Jina Burn and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place in June, 2017
The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.
To nominate a woman of inspiration, please visit our website at www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.
For more information, please contact:
Ann Dort-MacLean
Executive Director – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta
Phone: 780-790-9236
Email: girlsinc@telus.net
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