Women Making History in Alberta Awards

Women Making History Award

Janice McTighe – Community Builder Award Recipient

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.

Kristina Rinker, PhD – Entrepreneurial & Innovator Award Recipient

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.

Dr. Elaine Joughin – Vera Burns Award Recipient

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.

Catriona Le May Doan, O.C., OLY – History Maker in the Making Award Recipient

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.

Women Making History Award

Sharon Carry

Former President of Bow Valley College, recognized for her leadership in expanding educational access across the province.

Christine McIver

Founder of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, dedicating her life to supporting children battling cancer and their families.

Vera Burns Award

Elaine Downing

Elaine Downing (Alberta) was a respected community leader and pioneer, making history as the first female vice president of the Alberta Liberal Party in 1966 and a visionary volunteer with Calgary’s Meals on Wheels. She was honoured posthumously for her lifelong commitment to community service.

History Maker in the Making Award

Christine Cheung

Principal of Highwood School and the first female Chinese Canadian principal in Calgary, making strides in inclusivity and education.

Women Making History Award

The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD

18th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, noted for her advocacy in history education and youth leadership.

Irene Pfeiffer, C.M.

Senior executive and the first non-physician to chair the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, a milestone in healthcare governance.

Judy Fairburn

Co-founder of The51 and a pioneer in environmental sustainability, driving investment in entrepreneurial partnerships and women-led ventures.

M. Jeanette MacQuarrie

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.

Women Making History Award

Cora Voyageur

A distinguished Dene scholar and advocate for Indigenous people, celebrated for her contributions to education and Indigenous leadership.

Cheryl Foggo

Award-winning playwright and filmmaker focused on elevating stories of African-Canadian heritage, contributing significantly to Alberta’s cultural landscape.

Teresa Woo-Paw

Civic leader and founder of numerous organizations focused on social inclusion and multiculturalism, Alberta’s first Asian Canadian MLA and Cabinet Minister.

The Community Builder Award honours Alberta’s women who are strengthening communities and creating meaningful, lasting impact through non-profits, social services, and grassroots initiatives. This award celebrates leaders who bring people together, respond to community needs, and work tirelessly to build inclusive, supportive spaces where individuals and families can thrive. Recipients are recognized for their dedication to service, collaboration, and their ability to turn compassion into action that improves lives across Alberta.

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.