Fort McMurray, Alberta – November 4, 2024 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is thrilled to announce the three scholars for the 2024/25  Women of Inspiration Education Awards presented by Syncrude, operated by Suncor. These annual scholarships support girls from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo as they shatter barriers, demonstrate leadership and create positive change in their respective areas in pursuing post-secondary education. This year’s three outstanding scholars are:

•  Snigda Doraj for the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship
•  Jessica Perreault for the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship 
• Bansi Maradiya for the Ann Dort-MacLean Scholarship  

The Women of Inspiration Education Awards, presented by Syncrude operated by Suncor, offer three $3,000 scholarships each to support students pursuing various fields of post-secondary study. These awards aim to break down financial barriers and inspire future leaders across diverse disciplines. Since its inception in 2013, the program has supported 33 young women in achieving their academic goals.

 Snigda Doraj has been awarded the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship, which is given to an individual who exemplifies dedication to volunteerism and community activism. Currently in her first year pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, Snigda has demonstrated extraordinary involvement in both academics and community service. An advocate for gender equality through her long-standing involvement with Girls Inc., Snigda has led workshops on topics such as consent, self-esteem, and body image, as well as advocated for menstrual equity. She has been an active youth mentor and a member of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) and the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY), where she led projects such as the university speaker series and Top 20 Under 20. Snigda’s commitment to helping her community extends to her work with Alberta Health Services, the Hindu Society, and various cultural and academic initiatives in Fort McMurray.

“I’m honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Girls Inc. Barb Jewers Memorial Award. Receiving this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams of pursuing a dual degree in Business and Health Sciences at Western Ivey and furthering my education in medical school to become a doctor. Girls Inc. has fostered my determination and career-driven attitude alongside my passion for advocacy for women’s rights. Without Girls Inc. I wouldn’t be the strong, smart and bold individual I am today.”

Jessica Perreault is the recipient of the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship, awarded for demonstrating Indigenous identity, advocacy, and community involvement. Jessica is in her second year at the University of Alberta, pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Native Studies. Her career aspiration is to become a therapist, combining traditional Indigenous teachings with psychology to help individuals heal both mentally and spiritually. Jessica has been an active volunteer with the Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935 and other community events, including the Fort McKay Annual Golf Tournament. At university, she is involved in the Indigenous Committee on campus and is part of the U of A Dance Team, where she has volunteered at events like Run for the Cure.

“As a third-year University of Alberta student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Native Studies, I am honored to receive the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship. Being a Métis woman from Fort McMurray, I take great pride in both my academic journey and my heritage, which inspire me to work toward a career that promotes understanding, empathy, and support for Indigenous communities. This scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and community involvement. I am incredibly grateful for this award, as it will permit me to achieve my academic goals and honor the values of resilience and service that Elsie Yanik embodied.”

Bansi Maradiya, a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of British Columbia, has been awarded the Ann Dort-MacLean Scholarship, which is presented to a student demonstrating passion for youth empowerment and gender equality. Bansi’s leadership and advocacy have been reflected in her involvement with the Creative Industries Network, Women in Tech, and the Commerce Undergraduate Society’s Equity and Diversity Commission at UBC. Bansi’s ambition to attend law school and work in international government aid speaks to her commitment to using her education to drive global change. Like Snigdha, Bansi has also been an active youth mentor and a member of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) and the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth.

“Growing up in such a tight-knit community, I have had the opportunity to learn the power of mentorship and guidance. As a young girl who had brilliant and inspiring role models to shape who I am today, I urge other women to be role models for the girls in their communities. Lead your actions with passion and resilience, and be an example for those who may be lacking that courage at the moment. I’ve always found that with every inch you give to others and the community, you find so much joy and self-fulfillment in your life.”

“Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta believes education is key to empowerment,” said Nanase Tonda, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “Snigda, Jessica, and Bansi have all demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication to the community, and a commitment to breaking down barriers. Their achievements embody the values of Girls Inc. and will inspire many others to be strong, smart, and bold. We are deeply honoured to once again partner with Syncrude to continue this impactful initiative.”

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is committed to creating opportunities for all girls to excel in their educational and career pursuits. The Women of Inspiration Education Awards  provide critical financial support to help girls overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

For more information about the Women of Inspiration Education Awards presented by Syncrude, or Girls Inc.’s programs, please visit www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org.

About Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. Our holistic approach equips girls to surmount gender, economic, and societal challenges, fostering their growth into healthy, educated, and independent individuals. As of October 2024, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has impacted 1,661 girls and delivered 833 kits across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org.

About Syncrude 
The Syncrude joint venture began in 1964 and started mining at the Mildred Lake site north of Fort McMurray in 1978. After more than 55 years of innovation, many of the processes used in the industry today were created by Syncrude, including an expanding suite of technologies to improve environmental and future economic performance. Syncrude is jointly owned by four partners: Suncor (58.74%), Imperial Oil (25.0%), Sinopec (9.03%) and CNOOC (7.23%).