Hours Update: Heritage Park is open year-round! Visit Gasoline Alley Museum, the Heritage Plaza shops, dine in The Selkirk and the Railway Café, attend special Spring events or make event and private bookings. Historical Village reopens May 16, 2026! Click here for full operating hours.
Hours Update: Heritage Park is open year-round! Visit Gasoline Alley Museum, the Heritage Plaza shops, dine in The Selkirk and the Railway Café, attend special Spring events or make event and private bookings. Historical Village reopens May 16, 2026! Click here for full operating hours.
At Heritage Park, we proudly celebrate the women who aren’t just part of history—they’re actively shaping it. Join us on June 5, 2026, for the Women Making History in Alberta Awards Luncheon, an inspiring event dedicated to recognizing bold leaders whose work is driving meaningful change across the province.
Our awards program shines a spotlight on women whose innovation, advocacy, and commitment are strengthening communities and inspiring future generations. To see the remarkable individuals who have been honoured in past years, visit Past Honourees.
This year’s luncheon will celebrate exceptional women across four award categories, bringing together leaders, allies, and supporters for an uplifting afternoon of storytelling, connection, and recognition. All proceeds support education accessibility and preservation efforts at Heritage Park.
Feeling inspired? Secure your tickets—seats are limited!
Discover all sponsorship opportunities!
Friday, June 5, 2026
Mentor Her. Showcase You. Stand Out.
Discover all sponsorship opportunities.
This year, we celebrate remarkable individuals across four distinct award categories.
Discover the nominees for Women Making History in Alberta 2026
Discover past winners of the Women Making History in Alberta Awards.
You can also help shape Alberta’s future, learn more about how you can become a sponsor.
Discover how to get here, where to park and more.
The Women Making History in Alberta Awards, presented by Heritage Park, celebrate women whose leadership, vision and dedication are transforming lives and shaping Alberta’s future. This year, we celebrate remarkable individuals across four distinct award categories.
The Community Builder – Community Leadership Award recognizes Alberta women who demonstrate outstanding leadership within their community of influence—geographic, professional, cultural, or institutional. Honourees actively shape and strengthen their communities by bringing people together, building trust, and fostering connection, belonging, and resilience. They lead through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive practices that empower others to participate and contribute.
This category celebrates leaders whose strength lies in their ability to bring people together, build relationships, and develop others—through sustained service in community-focused or social impact organizations.
The Community Builder – Community Impact Award recognizes Alberta women whose leadership has resulted in clear, tangible, and sustained community outcomes. Honourees identify challenges, initiate solutions, and drive meaningful change that strengthens communities. Their leadership translates into measurable improvements in systems, opportunities, or conditions that enhance community well‑being and long‑term resilience. This category celebrates those whose contributions are defined by the results of their work and the lasting difference made in the communities they serve.
The Entrepreneurial & Innovator Award recognizes Alberta’s trailblazing women who are driving progress through entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. This award celebrates visionary leaders who challenge the status quo, transform ideas into impact, and contribute to economic growth and social advancement. Whether launching groundbreaking ventures, advancing new technologies, or pioneering creative solutions, recipients exemplify bold thinking, resilience, and a commitment to shaping Alberta’s future.
Named after Vera Burns, a pioneering leader in Alberta’s history and the first Curator at Heritage Park, this award honours women who exemplify resilience, leadership, and a pioneering spirit in their field. The award celebrates women who continue to make a difference or, during their lifetime, broke barriers, created lasting change, and paved the way for future generations. Recipients are often thought of or remembered as trailblazers—those who made significant contributions despite challenges, opened doors for others, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
This award celebrates an emerging leader who is already making strides in her community and demonstrating the potential to shape Alberta’s future. It recognizes up-and-coming changemakers—young professionals, students, or early-career leaders—who are making a difference through their innovation, advocacy, leadership, or entrepreneurial spirit.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 Women Making History Awards. Nominations are now closed. Stay tuned as we prepare to celebrate this year’s remarkable honourees.
Since its inception, the Women Making History in Alberta Awards has honoured influential women whose achievements have had a lasting impact on Alberta. These trailblazers represent a diverse range of fields—education, business, arts, community leadership, social advocacy and beyond. Each award recipient has not only shaped the present but has also paved the way for future generations of women to lead, innovate and make a difference. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience, vision and leadership that drive progress in our province. Explore the remarkable past honourees who continue to inspire and shape Alberta’s future.
Founder of Renfrew Educational Services, Janice McTighe is a lifelong champion for children with disabilities and their families, transforming personal challenge into an internationally respected model of inclusive education.
A biomedical engineer and entrepreneur, Kristina Rinker is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Syantra Inc., where her work on early breast cancer detection is advancing innovation in personalized medicine.
A trailblazing pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Elaine Joughin has dedicated her career to improving care for children locally and globally, combining medical excellence with lifelong service and mentorship.
An Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, Catriona Le May Doan is a Canadian sport icon who continues to build community and inspire excellence as CEO of Sport Calgary.
Former President of Bow Valley College, recognized for her leadership in expanding educational access across the province.
Founder of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, dedicating her life to supporting children battling cancer and their families.
A visionary volunteer with Calgary’s Meals on Wheels, honoured for her lifelong commitment to community service.
Principal of Highwood School and the first female Chinese Canadian principal in Calgary, making strides in inclusivity and education.
18th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, noted for her advocacy in history education and youth leadership.
Senior executive and the first non-physician to chair the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, a milestone in healthcare governance.
Co-founder of The51 and a pioneer in environmental sustainability, driving investment in entrepreneurial partnerships and women-led ventures.
One of the first female graduates in medicine from the University of Alberta, recognized for her dedication to medical education and early contributions to Alberta’s healthcare system.
A distinguished Dene scholar and advocate for Indigenous people, celebrated for her contributions to education and Indigenous leadership.
Award-winning playwright and filmmaker focused on elevating stories of African-Canadian heritage, contributing significantly to Alberta’s cultural landscape.
Civic leader and founder of numerous organizations focused on social inclusion and multiculturalism, Alberta’s first Asian Canadian MLA and Cabinet Minister.
Watermelon & Feta Salad
Watermelon cubes, feta mousse, cucumber, farmer’s greens
Finished with a lemon basil vinaigrette
Oven-Roasted Free-Range Chicken
Forest mushroom velouté, crispy potato gnocchi
Seasonal market vegetables
Chocolate Truffle Mousse Cake
Served with a fresh macaron
Join us as we celebrate inspiring women whose leadership, vision, and dedication are shaping Alberta’s future. This special luncheon honours outstanding individuals across four award categories, recognizing their meaningful contributions within their communities and beyond.
Come together with leaders, supporters, and changemakers to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the remarkable impact of women driving positive change across our province. For more information contact fund development at funddevelopment@heritagepark.ca.
$20,000
What’s included:
$10,000
What’s included:
Four Distinct Categories – $10,000 each
What’s included:
Host a table and play a direct role in shaping the next generation of women leaders by mentoring two deserving young women at your table.
A sponsored table of 8 is more than just a seat at the event—it’s an opportunity to showcase your organization, gain valuable recognition and contribute to a meaningful cause. Enjoy premium visibility through logo placement, social media acknowledgment and exclusive perks, all while making a lasting impact.
$3,000 each
What’s included:
For more information on all sponsorship opportunities, contact fund development at funddevelopment@heritagepark.ca.
When guest arrive at the Park, they should proceed to Gasoline Alley Museum to check-in. Please ensure you have your Givergy ticket ready for check-in. Once guests check-in, they can enter the luncheon.
Paid parking is available in Heritage Park’s front lots. 90 minute complimentary parking is available. The Park Plus zone number is 8320. The Park Plus zone number is 8320. Learn More About Parking Here.
Each year, the nomination process for the Women Making History in Alberta Awards begins with a Call for Nominations, open from Feb. 15 to March 15. Eligible nominees must be women who have made a significant impact in Alberta. To submit a nomination, individuals must complete and submit the designated nomination form. Once submitted, a selection committee, consisting of industry leaders and past award recipients, will carefully review all nominations. Finalists will be publicly announced the week of April 6. For additional details or inquiries, Allison Colpitts can be contacted at acolpitts@heritagepark.ca .
1900 Heritage DR. S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2V 2X3
Email: info@heritagepark.ca
Phone: 403.268.8500
There are plenty of ways to get to the Park, whether that be on foot, via transit, or driving. Click here to find the way that works for you!