Leadership
Our team is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on girls in the Wood Buffalo Region.
Our Leadership
Executive Director
Nanase Tonda
Nanase Tonda as the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta has a lifelong passion for girls’ and women’s rights. She works tirelessly to advance the organization’s impact since joining in 2019. Nanase’s unique experiences in the not-for-profit sector, including Malawi and Sudan, offer insight into the complex experiences of girls facing personal-systemic violence, inequality, and injustice. As a woman of color and survivor of eating disorder, she is dedicated to inspiring more girls to reach their full potential and become future game changers. Under her leadership, the organization’s annual reach and revenue have grown by almost sevenfold, thanks to strengthened partnerships and program impact. Nanase has been recognized with awards, including the Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence Social Profit Leadership Award 2024 and Top 50 Under 50 Award 2020.
Our Team
Program Director
Katlin Okonkwo
Administrative Assistant
Erin Piercey
Communication & Development Lead
Stephanie Myrick
Program Coordinator
Jayna McMillan
Program Coordinator
Robin Porter
Program Coordinator
Radhine Ganeshan
Indigenous Program Coordinator
Hanna Alexander
Program and Community Engagement
Sundas Shamshad
Our Board of Directors
President
Victoria Brown
The work Girls Inc. is doing in the community is so impactful and meaningful. When I was growing up, I would have loved to have an organization like Girls Inc. to help me navigate through the challenges girls face and give me informed, evidence-based resources. I am continually impressed by the programming they have to offer girls in the region, and I have seen the positive impact firsthand. I am honoured to be a part of Girls Inc and their mission of Inspiring girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold
Vice President
Brianne English
I am passionate about providing girls a support network to help them achieve their full potential. Girls Inc. aligns with my values to help girls be Strong, Smart and Bold.
Secretary
Anne Wang
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold resonates powerfully with me. The organization’s meaningful community programs focus on the holistic development of girls, empowering them to think critically, be physically active, and become confident and independent. I am proud to be a board member of Girls Inc. and I value this incredible opportunity to work alongside my team of passionate and motivated individuals.
Treasurer
Harsh Shah
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and this wonderful community means so much to me and have given me and my family ample opportunities. My passion has always been in empowering young generations to unlock and unleash their full potential. I am a firm believer of Diversity and Inclusion and believe in equal opportunities. Girls Inc. is one of the few organizations in Northern Alberta and in this region which provides mentorship, awareness, support to young girls to be strong, smart and bold. It inspires young girls to be self-confident and I am proud to be part of Girls Inc.
Director
Annalee Nutter
I choose to support Girls Inc. because we empower girls, helping them discover their strengths and educating them in areas which support their interests and most importantly, their self-esteem.
Director
IJ Uche-Ezeala
Being a Board member is not just a role, it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of the girl-child, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow and contributing meaningfully to our community. The Girls Inc. mission and vision embody my passion for empowering young girls, promoting academic excellence, and fostering their growth. It is a humble opportunity to serve with other Board members to foster growth through transformative programs and strengthen the unity of Girls Inc.
Director
Yvonne Osawaru
There are many self-fulfilling reasons for serving on a board, but the main reason I choose to support Girls Inc is their great mission to inspire and empower girls. I have always wanted an opportunity to give back and help shape the future of girls in the region and make a meaningful impact to this wonderful community. Getting to network and build relationships with people who share similar interests is a plus!
Director
Stephanie Payne
I understand firsthand the impact of a nurturing and empowering environment on young lives. Fueled through my own experiences growing up with a mother grappling with addiction, this experience has helped ignite my passion for supporting and empowering young girls facing similar challenges. I am committed to leveraging my professional acumen to create positive change and opportunities for girls in need. I believe in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community support to break cycles of adversity and pave the way for a brighter future.
Director
Kelsey Lassiter
My decision to join the board of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is driven by my commitment to becoming a woman who inspires and empowers others. I was influenced profoundly by the strong women in my life; their resilience and determination have shaped my dedication to fostering leadership and confidence among young women in Fort McMurray and throughout our region. This aligns perfectly with my passion to contribute meaningfully to an organization that shares these values and is dedicated to continuously uplifting and supporting girls across Northern Alberta. My expertise in public health and recruitment equips me uniquely to support initiatives that promote comprehensive well-being and empowerment. As a board member, I am eager to advance equity and elevate opportunities in the region so that more girls can achieve their fullest potential.
Director
Fahim Hamidi
Growing up as a refugee in Canada, I quickly learned the value of hard work and dedication and these values helped me throughout my career in school and work. My mom used to always tell me never to give up and she instilled the same values in my twin sister. Girls Inc. provides opportunities of growth for those that may not have that system elsewhere, and this is what drove me towards participating on the board such that I can contribute towards helping create opportunities for the future generation.
Director
Ruchi Pachauri
With a passion for empowering the young generation, I love working alongside a dynamic team to provide vital resources and support that foster academic success, leadership development, and healthy living. I am particularly impressed with the work that the Girls Inc. is doing to provide the knowledge and skill set and to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold and proud to be a part of it.
Director
Michelle Mallebranche
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta's mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold is one that I am very passionate about. The work that is done in our region is important and paves the way for the next generation to experiment, explore, and learn. I am committed to being one of the biggest cheerleaders to the girls – to explore their fullest potential. Growing up I had Strong, Smart and Bold role models, and I simply want to be that for our region's next generation.