Fort McMurray, AB – December 9, 2024 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with Bouchier, is proud to recognize Michelle Toner as one of the five Women of Inspiration for the 2024-25 Series.

Originally hailing from Cape Breton, Michelle Toner moved to Fort McMurray in 2006 to help launch the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre after completing her studies in Windsor, Ontario. With an impressive career spanning leadership roles in Sports Management, including Chairperson for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s Men’s Basketball National Championship and General Manager of the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games, Michelle now serves as Executive Director of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA).

Reflecting on her transition from sports to business leadership, Michelle highlights the connection between the two worlds. “Sports and business are very similar. Collaboration, communication, and confidence—values instilled through sports—are critical for success in both fields,” she shared, citing a 2023 Psychology Today study that found 93% of female executives earning over $100,000 had a background in sports.

Michelle’s academic achievements include a Master’s in Human Kinetics and Sports Management, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and her current pursuit of an Executive MBA. She emphasizes the importance of balance between academics and extracurricular pursuits, particularly for school-aged girls. “Keeping girls in sports is one of the best ways to set them on a path to success,” she noted.

As a non-Indigenous leader advocating for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, Michelle’s work with NAABA is driven by a commitment to progress. “I’ve witnessed the barriers Indigenous people face and how existing systems resist change. I also recognize I’m in a place of privilege, and if I can use my voice to make change for even one person, then it’s worth it.”

Michelle’s advice to girls entering leadership roles is clear: “Show up authentically as yourself. Your experiences, insights, and perspectives as a woman will drive meaningful change. You don’t have to emulate a male leader; who you are is always enough.”

Michelle will join Lorraine Albert, Chantal Beaver, Nicole Deitz, and a fifth honoree (to be announced in January) at LEADERS OF TODAY: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2025, presented by Bouchier, in support of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. The event will take place on March 8, 2025, at Shell Place, MacDonald Island.

Celebrate how Michelle Toner and her fellow honorees are charting a path to inspiration. For more information and to get your tickets, please click here.

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 December 30, 2024. Nomination details are available here.