[Fort McMurray, December 5, 2023] – In Mireille’s words, “Voice what you believe in, your voice matters. The power resides within us.” In an outstanding acknowledgement of resilience and community service, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is honoured to announce Mireille Zatcha as the fourth Women of Inspiration 2023–2024 series presented by Bouchier.

Mireille, a Cameroonian educator and advocate, is a pillar of encouragement in Fort McMurray and beyond. Mireille epitomizes selfless service. As a teacher at Ecole St. Paul School, “establishing connections and conversations, and fostering relationships is essential and the most important thing,” says Mireille. Mireille’s story of her daughter’s tragic death serves as a testament to her strength and resilience.

The Mandla’s Foundation, driven by the motto ‘it’s a great day to be a great person’, has excelled in local and international community service projects, including feeding the homeless and organizing relief packages. Mireille’s story and her advocacy work demonstrate resilience and international solidarity, including being a brand ambassador for Diversity Magazine and TV, promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation.

The Foundation honours Mandla’s legacy and restores it through the annual ‘Mandla’s Day’, which celebrates the foundation’s mission and Mandla’s life through Black History book donations and actions to alleviate poverty and suffering wherever possible. The story of Mireille Zatcha is a captivating demonstration of the ability of the human spirit to create purposeful actions from profound grief. Her unwavering spirit and tireless efforts exemplify the significance of resilience.

Mireille Zatcha is celebrated as a Woman of Inspiration, representing compassion, community service, and resilience. The Mandla’s Foundation is also honoured for its community service efforts, advocating for minority rights and cultural understanding, and promoting inclusivity.

Her compassion, community service, resilience, and dedication align perfectly with Girls Inc.’s mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Mireille leaves this message to girls in the Wood Buffalo region, stating, “I am a big advocate for resilience; life throws things at you whether you like it or not. You must dig deep inside to find the strength to keep moving when faced with adversity. Choose to serve instead of dwelling in your wounds. I am proof that we can be resilient.”

If you know an extraordinary woman deserving of recognition, we encourage you to submit your nomination by December 30, 2023. Together, we can celebrate and uplift the remarkable women who inspire us all. The nomination form can be found here: Women of Inspiration Nomination Form 2023-2024.