Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta 5th Woman of Inspiration 2013-2014 Presented by Syncrude Announced

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October 2013

(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 5th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2013-2014:

Kiran Malik-Khan

Originally from Pakistan, Kiran Malik-Khan grew up in New Jersey and has been calling Fort McMurray home for the past 12 years. She is currently the Communications Specialist for Keyano College, as well as the volunteer Media Director for NorthWord magazine, our region’s first and only literary magazine, which she co-founded with local writers and poets.

One of Wood Buffalo’s story-tellers for over 11 years, Kiran has written numerous pieces featuring our local people, events, non-profit groups, and more. She can be seen front and centre covering local events for a number of local publications, and it is through her strong social media portfolio that she is constantly promoting the region as a fierce community advocate.

Kiran inspires women and girls to be strong, smart and bold by advocating for females in Wood Buffalo by recognizing their achievements and assisting with promoting them throughout the community, whether that be through writing an article about them or by sharing their successes on social media. Kiran is enthusiastically supportive for everyone’s accomplishments and genuinely celebrates the success of community members.

One of the most important things that Kiran has done is to educate our community about different cultures and religions. An example of this was when Kiran made the choice to wear a hijab based on a religious decision. Following an offensive comment that was made about her decision, Kiran decided to write an article for a local publication in order to educate the community and to help those women who encounter this same attitude. Her openness about her culture and beliefs helps others accept others religious customs, and paves the way for other women in our community.

However, Kiran’s openness and passion doesn’t stop with her own culture or religion. Kiran can be found at almost every multi-cultural event in our community and is not afraid to ask questions about other cultures and groups and help educate others. She also attends numerous Aboriginal events throughout the community and encourages others to attend them as well, and has written endless articles about Aboriginal success stories in this region.

Last year was a rewarding year for Kiran; she was honoured by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo with the 2011 Civic Award for Cultural Achievement, she was named one of Connect Weekly’s Top 40 under 40 and one of the eight “fabulous, fantastic” Fort McMurray women featured at last year’s inaugural Centre Stage event, and won the first ever McMurray Girl Big Spirit Ambassador Award.

Happily married for over 15 years, Kiran and has two beautiful boys, 9 and 13, who are her pride and joy. As a graduate student at Gonzaga University – having completed her master’s in communication and leadership with a 3.97 GPA, Kiran says that a Ph.D. is next on the agenda.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Kiran and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place May 24th, 2014.

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 Women of Inspiration Page 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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