INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with Bouchier, is proud to present the INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026 under the theme Waves of Change: Charting the Path to Inspiration. This two-day event will celebrate local women who are reshaping their fields and amplifying change across the Wood Buffalo region.

The event kicks off with a special Girls’ Empowerment Mini Gala on Friday, March 6th, where more than 150 girls ages 9–15 from across the region will come together for an evening of connection, confidence-building, and fun. Participants will enjoy leadership activities, creative stations, and a chance to celebrate their strengths in a supportive, pro-girl environment.

On Saturday, March 7th, the day before International Women’s Day, the INNOVATORS & PIONEERS: Women of Inspiration Celebration 2026 will welcome community leaders, partners, and supporters to honour five remarkable Women of Inspiration whose innovation and courage are creating waves of change in STEM, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and beyond. Together, these honourees reflect the many ways women in our region are leading, mentoring, and opening doors for the next generation.

Both the Mini-Gala and main gala will feature an Indigenous Fashion Show in partnership with Athabasca Tribal Council, showcasing traditional and contemporary designs from local Indigenous artists and creators. The fashion show will be curated and hosted by Geraldine “Ger” Carriere, Cultural Storyteller, a Métis entrepreneur, best-selling author, international speaker, and recording artist whose work focuses on helping women and Indigenous youth reconnect with their authentic selves through healing, creativity, and self-discovery.

Each year, the event celebrates inspirational local women role models across various sectors and professions in the Wood Buffalo region. For 2026, five prestigious awards will be presented:

• Brilliance in STEM
• Innovator in Enterprise
• Creative Luminary
• Renaissance Pioneer
• Rising Star

Tickets are now available (Early bird sales end on January 15, 2026):

• Early Bird individual tickets: $196.85 (fees included)
• Early Bird pair of tickets: $372.05 (fees included)
• Early Bird table of 10: $1,830.70 (fees included)

Regular pricing (starting January 16, 2026):

• Individual ticket: $227.36 (fees included)
• Pair of tickets: $429.71 (fees included)
• Table of 10: $2,114.46 (fees included)

All tickets are transferable and refundable should the event be cancelled.

To purchase tickets and for event details, please follow this link.