Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta Women of Inspiration Presented by Syncrude

Kim Conway

Born and raised in Gander, Newfoundland, Kim Conway came to Fort McMurray in 2000 to work as a lab technician at Suncor. She quickly became involved with her union as both a safety representative and as a union steward, and found her passion for defending the workers in her area, excelling in the safety arena. She made the leap to a union-wide position of Vice Safety Chair and eventually became the safety chair within the local.

Educating the members on their rights and responsibilities, Kim works tirelessly to ensure everyone goes home safe each and every day. She has represented workers on the Alberta Federation of Labours’ review of the Worker Composition and OH&S Act, and in 2004 was elected chair of the Unifor Energy Council.

Kim has excelled as a female in a male dominated workplace. Her passion for advocating for fairness and safety within and outside the work site is evident in all that she does. Kim brings her compassion to her home life and is raising her 12-year-old son Jayden to be a respectful young man with a drive to excel at whatever task he takes on.

Kim is a positive role model to young girls and woman, encouraging them to not let barriers stop them or slow them down. She, by example, demonstrates that by having a sense of adventure and determination and passion anything is possible.

Patricia Flett

Patricia (Pat) Flett, was born and raised in Fort Chipewyan, and her early years were steeped in learning her Metis culture.

Pat’s sense of adventure led her to take on many professional roles: Employment and Training Manager of Family and Community Support Services for the Government of Canada, Life Skills Facilitator for Keyano College, Manager of Human Resources for Mikisew Cree First Nations, as well as being the community Development Coordinator for the Industry Relations Corp. Pat worked in the community of Fort McKay and was instrumental in breaking new ground for programs such as daycare, after school programs, life skills training and finding opportunities for community members to reach their full potential.

Pat has dedicated her life serving her community in a number of capacities including serving as a member on many boards. She was the first woman volunteer firefighter to serve on the Fort Chipewyan Fire Department and subsequently established the first team of women firefighters in the community. Pat does not recognize barriers and sees them as challenges to be conquered.

Pat loves her family and is especially proud of her son and daughter who have grown into successful adults and awesome parents. Pat spends time with her grandchildren, teaching them to appreciate their culture. She can be seen at hockey games cheering them on. Pat’s passions include being one with nature, learning about culturally important plants, berry picking, gardening and just exploring in the bush.

She sees the best in others, has a positive attitude and is a caring lady who is an excellent role model. Pat gives her all and her best in everything she does and is a cheerleader on the sidelines to many others.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour all the nominees at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place in June, 2018.

The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.

To nominate a woman of inspiration, please visit our website at girlsincofnorthernalberta.org or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.