Fort McMurray (March 27, 2023) – More than 400 people gathered ‘TOGETHER’ on March 18, to celebrate five incredible women from across the Wood Buffalo region during TOGETHER : Women of Inspiration Celebration 2023 presented by Bouchier.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is pleased to announce that year over year excitement for the gala increases and with it, an increase in funds raised that help maintain cost-free programming for girls aged 6-18. Thanks to the amazing support from this community and beyond, the organization was able to raise nearly $70,000 in net proceeds.

Adding to the esteemed list of 97 Women of Inspiration alumni this year were Saakshi Arvikar, Surekha Kanzig, Amy Parsons, Precious Majekodunmi, and Kg Banjoko. Also celebrated was this year’s Champion for Girls and Women, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo Mayor, Sandy Bowman.

Sticking with the organization’s motto of breaking down barriers, beer baroness and Dragons Den star Manjit Minhas shared her tale of how finding the perfect mentor helped her succeed. Manjit captivated listeners by explaining that at the age of 19 and working at her father’s liquor store, she found her calling. Partnering with her brother and scraping together all the money she had, she set out to build her business. To hear more from Manjit, check out her podcast or find her on the hit CBC television show Dragons Den.

“The 2023 Women of Inspiration Celebration was an extraordinary evening spent together recognizing outstanding women in our region. This was the 4th year of Bouchier’s partnership with Girls Inc of Northern Alberta. We are thankful for the impact this event has within our community. Bouchier is always proud to support events and initiatives that create opportunities for women to come together to strengthen and empower one another.” Denise Gairdner, HR Director, Bouchier.

“I’m thrilled to be chosen as this year’s Women of Inspiration Celebration keynote speaker. I firmly believe in the mission of Girls Inc., to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. There can be no doubt that growing up to be a confident and strong woman paved the way for my current and future successes. I’m elated to have the opportunity to come up to Fort McMurray and speak with all of you.” – Manjit Minhas, co-owner of Minhas Brewery

In 2022, Girls Inc. was able to inspire over 1900 girls from across the Wood Buffalo region: that’s an increase of over 400 girls to last year.

This year the organization is hoping to welcome over 2000 girls through its doors, helping them become strong, smart and bold making the Wood Buffalo region an even greater place to live.

“We are honored to have such inspirational women like Manjit Minhas and five Women of Inspiration embodying the idea of Together: to strengthen and empower.  These women in their body of work have uplift and set the foundation for success for not just themselves but for others who came after.

Building on the Women of Inspiration Series since 2012, we SHATTERed barriers and stereotypes surrounding girls in 2020. In 2021, we bought those shattered pieces together to create a MOSAIC – representing women’s struggles. In 2022 we amplified the VOICES represented in each piece of the mosaic. This year we are bringing those voices TOGETHER. Together, let’s discover, and act. Together, let’s listen to and learn from one another. Together, to strengthen and empower change for a better future for all.” Sundas Shamshad, Interim Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta.

If you missed this year or wanted to watch the Women of Inspiration videos again, head over to the Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta YouTube channel.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is the only non-profit organization in the Wood Buffalo region providing gender-specific programming with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Since 2012, the organization has honored 92 incredible women from the Wood Buffalo region, with one more to be announced in the new year.