Fort McMurray, AB – August 7, 2024 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are honored to announce Chantal Beaver as the second Woman of Inspiration for the 2024-25 series. Chantal leads social change through human-centred community development and firmly believes that, through collaboration, everyone can make things better than they found them.

When asked about her nomination as a Woman of Inspiration, Chantal described it as “amazing,” not for the recognition it brings to her resume, but for her daughter’s reaction, who said, “Mommy, I always knew it.” Her daughter’s confidence is well-founded, as Chantal has been a catalyst for change since her university days at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. There, she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, served as President of the Student Union, and represented the student body on the university’s Board of Directors and Senate. This early leadership experience set the stage for her future accomplishments.

Chantal Beaver currently serves as the Associate Vice Chair of Public Engagement at Keyano College, boasting an impressive list of accomplishments. Last year, she was elected to the International Council for Advancement and Support of Education – Pacific Northwest and Western Canada Cabinet and chairs the RMWB Council-appointed Community Investment team.

Her other achievements include representing the non-profit sector at the United Way and Red Cross Community Partnership Table and co-leading the Horse River Wildfire Social Recovery Taskforce after the 2016 wildfire. In 2018, she became the Executive Director of FuseSocial, guiding them and collaboratively the non-profit sector through the challenges of COVID-19 and the 2020 flood. She has also chaired the local BGC, Early Years Collation, and served three terms as Chair of the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, recently completing her latest term as a director.

The Women of Inspiration recognition adds to her accolades, which include being named one of the Top 50 under 50 by YMM magazine, winning the 2016 Heart of Wood Buffalo Award for Executive Leadership, and the 2023 Heart of Wood Buffalo Board Leadership Award.

Chantal has achieved all this while also fulfilling her roles as a wife and mother of two children. When asked about her balancing act, she shared her belief that true balance is a myth: “You give your energy when and where it’s needed.” She carefully dedicates her time, ensuring that her decisions about where to invest her energy are meaningful and intentional.

 Chantal firmly believes in the need for women to have agency—a seat and voice at the table—to exert influence. She asserts that “influence is crucial because money and resources can only go so far when advocating for community changes. You need the energy behind it to drive the necessary changes.”

 For Chantal, being strong, smart, and bold means being willing to have that voice, respectfully challenging the status quo, and not just accepting answers without asking further questions. “Ask all the questions, take all the risks.”

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are thrilled to honour Chantal Beaver as the second Woman of Inspiration for the 2024-25 Series. Her exemplary leadership and dedication make her a standout choice as a Leader for Today.

If you know extraordinary women who are leading the way to inspiration, particularly through their decision-making, we urge you to nominate them. The next deadline is August 30, 2024. Let’s come together to celebrate and uplift the remarkable women who inspire us all.