Fort McMurray, [July 27] – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier are proud to announce Krystell O’Hara as the second esteemed recipient of the Women of Inspiration 2023-24 series. A decade ago, Krystell embarked on a journey in Fort McMurray, becoming a driving force in the community by empowering immigrant women through her work with the Multicultural Association and spearheading impactful initiatives against discrimination.

Presently, as the leader of Equity and Inclusion efforts for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Krystell passionately advocates for inclusive policies and tirelessly works towards ending violence against women. Her commitment to making a significant difference serves as an inspiration to all.

“I’m honoured and humbled by being named a recipient because there are so many women and girls that do so much to make this a great community. This is a profound honour but at the same time, it’s humbling, and I feel proud of myself,” said Krystell.

Drawing from her personal experiences, including witnessing domestic violence, Krystell felt a deep connection and an earnest desire to help women recognize and address such issues. This led her to co-develop the “Workplace Inclusion Charter” through various agencies in the Wood Buffalo region, aimed at assisting local employers in fostering fairer and more inclusive workplaces for their employees and clients. The project is based on extensive research at both local and national levels, incorporating best practices for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Moreover, Krystell has played a pivotal role in the creation of the “I See You: Sawubona” art exhibit, a profound initiative that unveils personal triumphs over hate and discrimination. This captivating project challenges individuals to reflect on their perceptions of others, encouraging introspection regarding fears and biases that might hinder recognizing the inherent value and beauty in each person. Through heartfelt stories and powerful photographs, local survivors bravely shared their experiences of discrimination, covering areas such as socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, race, and disability.

“I’ve experienced many barriers. Because when you’re a woman, an immigrant, and you have an accent, you must constantly prove yourself. That’s why having an ally role is so important to me. Because these same barriers are very present for many people, and not everyone can overcome them easily,” Krystell explained, shedding light on her dedication to community service.

When asked about her passion for helping others, Krystell emphasized that as human beings, it should be everyone’s desire to lend a helping hand. She also noted that for any girls listening, it’s always best to be yourself. “It’s okay to display the feelings you have as a woman. It’s okay to be sensitive or to be critical. Those are not the things you should hide. They are things you should utilize to do whatever you want to achieve in life. Don’t be afraid to show that to the world. Just keep being yourselves. It gives you the opportunity to innovate,” she added.

Krystell O’Hara’s exceptional contributions to the community, along with her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering others, make her a truly inspiring woman worthy of being named a Women of Inspiration.

If you know an extraordinary woman deserving of recognition, we encourage you to nominate her today here. Together, we can celebrate and uplift the remarkable women who inspire us all.