May 2017
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s 12th Woman of Inspiration 2016-2017 Presented by Syncrude Announced
(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 12th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2016-2017:
Dr. Mary Gerosa
Mary Gerosa was born in Toronto and completed her education in Montreal. She graduated Dentistry from McGill University. Having a great sense of adventure, when Mary saw an advertisement for a dentist in Fort McMurray, she thought ‘why not?’ Mary was attracted to the position because it was 1 week on and 1 week off and this gave her the opportunity to travel – something she loves to do.
Dr. Gerosa fell in love with Fort McMurray and has made it her home of choice. She still talks about how welcoming everyone was. She describes McMurray as “a diamond in the middle of the woods.”
Mary helps make that ‘diamond’ shine brighter by helping others as she was helped. She volunteered for Brownies for many years and taught Sunday School at Saint Thomas Anglican Church. She helped organize the County Fair and became their vice-president. She served as President of the Cheerleading Society and helped them raise over $20,000. She volunteers for the Chess Club and loves to use her creative skills in decorating their Christmas float. She is a strong advocate, supporter and donor for everything that enhances the quality of life for people in the region.
People who know Mary admire her dedication and hard work. She tackles everything with a passion and a welcoming smile. Mary and her husband raised their two daughters in McMurray and her home was always open to children. Mary would spend her time providing opportunities to children, be it art projects or a fun filled sleep over. They always found comfort, acceptance and food at the Gerosa home. Her house was always full of children who loved the care and attention they received. Mary’s girls are grown with one sharing Mary’s artistic skills and who is pursuing a career in the trades and the younger one is very athletic. Mary encourages her daughters to follow their dreams and has taught them that they are capable of anything and that there are no barriers. Mary has spent her 25 years in McMurray mentoring and encouraging young girls to never give up and to try and try again. Mary still follows the lives of the young people whose life she has touched. She takes pride in their accomplishments.
Dr. Gerosa discovered her talent in art and is one of the local artists who participated in the ‘fox project’. Her painted fox can be seen on the trail down by MacDonald Island and the name of this piece of art is Athabasca River Fox. Mary encourages young people in art, as it is one way for them to succeed and feel they have accomplished something.
Dr. Gerosa ongoing passion is for human health and she currently is studying Functional Medicine. She is looking forward to helping others by sharing this knowledge. Mary believes and encourages ongoing education for everyone. She has supported many a not for profit with donations of art work and her time. She has contributed to the community that she calls home and has mentored many a young girl.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Mary and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place June 10th, 2017.
The Women of Inspiration Series 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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