Fort McMurray (December 2019)— Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier is honoured to announce the fourth Women of Inspiration Nominee is Michelle Farrow. Farrow graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreational Therapy in 2002 and pursued a career as a Recreational Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator in the Maritimes. Farrow moved to Fort McMurray with her husband a few years later. Farrow is the Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Boys and Girls Club (FMBGC). In her time at the club she has demonstrated a strong vision for programming that included, piloting and growing inclusive programs to serve the region’s most vulnerable and underserved youth. These opportunities are often free of charge and serve the LGBTQ2+ youth as well as youth with special needs. These programs offer a safe, loving and respectful environment to grow leadership and social skills, health and wellness habits and to offer internships and career preparation experiences. Farrow was the driving force behind the FMBGC successful application to the ELCC Pilot Program that offers $25/ a day childcare and extensive professional development for her Childhood Educators. As a true champion of change and sustainability, Farrow continuously seeks new opportunities for funding and programming. Farrow has collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters to facilitate a free summer mentoring program for girls 10-12 years old that focuses on self-esteem, friendship, physical activity and healthy eating. While simultaneously leading her social-profit organization and being a mother to two young boys, Farrow managed to serve as Chair of Volunteer Recruitments Registration for the Alberta Winter Games and volunteers with Northern Lights Health Foundation. Her latest endeavor includes being appointed as Director of Volunteer and Protocol for the 2022 Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games Host Society. Farrow and four other women from the Wood Buffalo region will be recognized on March 7, 2020 at the Fort McMurray Golf Club during our Women of Inspiration Gala headlined by America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner, Mandy Harvey. Bouchier is the presenting sponsor for the gala and our key funding sponsor over the next five years.