February 2017
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s 9th Woman of Inspiration 2016-2017 Presented by Syncrude Announced
(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 9th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2016-2017:
Fatima Mian
Ms. Mian moved to Fort McMurray with her husband and children in 2007. Originally from Pakistan, Fatima speaks 4 languages Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English. Her knowledge of languages is very helpful in her career as a realtor. Her clients also appreciate her understanding of different cultures and her cultural sensitivities.
An avid volunteer and sponsor for many events around town. Fatima is an agent for change through her generosity. She sat on the United Way’s Community Investment Committee for one year. As well she volunteers for the Food Bank along with her children, often in sub- zero weather. The Centre of Hope is also a recipient of her commitment to her community. “I’m raising volunteers. My children are 14, 12 and 10 and they need to give back too.” Ms. Mian is committed to her community and loves the fact that Fort McMurray is so connected with so many resources.
Fatima’s biggest challenge and hardest decision was to leave an abusive relationship. After 13 years of verbal, physical and financial abuse, she found the courage to leave. This was a very difficult decision because of the cultural stigma of divorce and her fear of what the consequences would be to her family. She experienced first- hand the vicious cycle of abuse but her love for her children finally gave her the courage to break the cycle. Ms. Mian is a strong advocate for women who are experiencing abuse. Her advice to women and girls facing domestic abuse is “don’t wait too long. Get out.” She willingly shares her story and cautions against overthinking the situation and staying in an intolerable situation. Today Fatima has overcome this barrier and emerged as a strong, smart and bold woman. She is an amazing mother, community leader and volunteer. She takes strength from the happiness of her children and the support she gets from her community, and friends. She wants to be a resource for others and willingly shares her experience. “I broke the circle, I work, I see friends, I have a life. I appreciate that Fort McMurray has helped me achieve this with a work/ life balance. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Giving back the support that she has been given by others and demonstrating to her children the importance of being connected to your community makes Ms. Mian an inspiring leader for others and a shining example of courage.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Fatima 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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