Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is handing out scholarships to three women looking to continue their education.

For the seventh straight year, the organization is giving away these $3,000 scholarships to women they believe are breaking barriers and igniting change for girls across Wood Buffalo.

This year’s recipients are Mackenzie Velders, Briten Vacheresse, and Malja Najmi-Beauchamp.

Velders was awarded the Ann Dort-MacLean Scholarship which is given to a woman who demonstrates a passion for youth empowerment and gender equality.

She was given the award due to her academic success, extracurriculars, and community involvement.

Velders is pursuing a Bachelor of Science from MacEwan University.

“Speaking to challenges that women face with such experience, her insight makes me believe she will pave big paths for others through leadership,” said Britainea Young, Women of Inspiration Scholarship Committee, in a release.

The Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship, which is given to a woman of First Nations or Mtis heritage, is being awarded to Vacheresse.

She’s working towards a Bachelor degree in Child and Youth Care at MacEwan University.

“How she described her reasons for choosing the career path she’s on, and the fact that I felt as
though I got to know her through her application,” added Young.

“She was personable, it read as genuine, and it made me want to support someone like her doing what
she is trying to achieve with our youth.”

Meanwhile, Najmi-Beauchamp is being awarded the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship which honours a woman who demonstrates a sincere commitment to volunteerism and community activism.

She’s currently attending the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with plans to continue her education through a course in China for cancer treatment.

“It feels good to give something back to her to pursue her dream,” said Young.

The three were chosen out of 40 applicants.