Fort McMurray, July 2017 – The three $3,000 scholarships are being awarded to female students form the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, who are pursuing a post-secondary education, be it through college, university, or technical/trade school. This year’s scholarships are being awarded to: Sara Voyageur, Una Walsh, and Shruti Shah.

Sara Voyageur

Sara is the recipient of the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship. Mrs. Yanik was an energetic woman who spent her life helping others and making her community a better place and was the first Girls Inc. Woman of Inspiration. She promoted her culture in a positive and inspirational manner. Ms. Voyageur will be entering her 3rd year in Bachelor of Science at Keyano College. From the community of Fort Chipewyan, Sara made the move to Fort McMurray to follow her dream of becoming a nurse and helping others. She has a strong support system that helps to keep her focused. She loves to volunteer and enjoys working with elders. Sara plans on returning home and use her nursing degree to help keep her community healthy. She tackles every challenge with humility and energy and is an excellent recipient of the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship.

Una Walsh

Una Walsh is the recipient of the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Jewers was one of our first Women of Inspiration and was a strong advocate for others. Her volunteer work included international work as well as local volunteers efforts for a number of organizations. Ms. Walsh’s most recent volunteer work is with an organization called H.O.P.E. Outreach in Kelowna. She and others go out every evening to provide outreach services to homeless including supplies and support that they need for their survival. Ms. Walsh is working towards her Bachelor of Nursing Degree. She plans on returning to Fort McMurray to practice her nursing. Her volunteer commitment to her community and others in need make Ms. Walsh an excellent recipient of the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship.

Shruti Shah

Ms. Shah will be attending the University of Alberta to pursue a career in medicine. She dreams of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Her motto in life is ‘Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game.’ This gives her the confidence and motivation to pursue her dreams. She hopes to join Doctors Without Borders and work in the international medical field. She is a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY). Ms. Shah realizes and embraces volunteerism and making her community a better place.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta are proud to help these amazing young women pursue their career goals. We are honoured to be able to a small part of their development into the next generation of Inspirational Women.