Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the eleventh nominee for the Women of Inspiration series, Arianna Johnson.
Since moving to Fort McMurray seven years ago, Arianna has been an active member and volunteer in Wood Buffalo. Through her passion and vibrant personality, Arianna has continually inspired women and girls of our community to become more active volunteers and to get involved in the day-to-day happenings in Fort McMurray.
Arianna has fulfilled numerous roles in the community which have significantly impacted Fort McMurray women and girls. She is currently the Executive Director of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, and President of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Arianna has served on the Wood Buffalo Housing, Victim’s Services, and Canadian Mental Health Boards. She has also played an active role on numerous local committees, such as Stepping Stones, Keyano College, and the Justin Slade Youth Foundation.
Arianna is an excellent event coordinator, and her enthusiasm for the community is contagious. Arianna has helped to direct and fundraise a number of local community events, such as the Wine Auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the annual Syncrude Food Drive, Curl for Kids Sake, and the first annual Mother’s Day “It’s in the Bag” Designer Purse and Handbag Auction.
The number of award nominations and actual awards that Arianna has received is a true testament to the broad impact she has had on the residents of the RMWB. In 2012 alone she was chosen as one of Fort McMurray’s Top 40 Under 40, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal which recognizes individuals across Canada who have made significant contributions and achievements in their community. In addition, Arianna’s work and accomplishments with the Wood Buffalo Food Bank played a large role in the organization’s receipt of the Heart of Wood Buffalo Award for Community Impact.
Very recently, Arianna’s leadership with the Food Bank has resulted in the long awaited implementation of the Mobile Pantry Program, which provides food bank services to the rural Aboriginal communities within the RMWB. The first pilot project was recently launched in the community of Fort McKay. If successful, the program will expand to other Aboriginal communities expressing a need and interest.
Arianna looks at challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles in all that she does. Arianna has often sacrificed her own personal time to meet deadlines and goals when others around her have thought it an impossible task. Her commitment and vibrancy are truly reflective of a role model and mentor that every woman, girl and Wood Buffalo resident can learn from.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Arianna, and eleven other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place on June 1 2013.
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 positive change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.
For more information about the Women of Inspiration series, and tickets to the celebration event, please visit our website 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
0
0