Yes
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Award Nominations
Year Five. This Is Your Moment.
Research shows many girls experience a decline in confidence during their teenage years. The Yes I Can Leadership Awards were created to help young women see what is possible for their future by celebrating inspiring leaders who remind the next generation to believe, “Yes I Can.”
Presented by The Nellie McClung Foundation, the Yes I Can Leadership Awards recognize young women across Manitoba who are creating meaningful change through leadership, resilience, advocacy, innovation, and community impact.
Now celebrating its 5th year, the program shines a spotlight on the next generation of women leaders through a professionally produced video series designed to share their stories, amplify their voices, and inspire confidence in others.
Whether they are making an impact in science, business, healthcare, education, politics, athletics, social justice, the arts, entrepreneurship, or community leadership, these young women are helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for Manitoba.
The Nellie McClung Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of Mindscape Studios for helping bring these inspiring stories to life.
Sources: Harvard Graduate School of Education, The Girls’ Index by ROX Institute, and the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Yes I Can Leadership Awards
Apply or Nominate
Do you know a young woman who is making a difference in her community? Or are you a young leader with a story to share?
Young women can either apply directly or be nominated by someone who believes in their leadership and impact. The program is looking for bold voices, changemakers, advocates, innovators, and emerging leaders who are creating positive change, often in ways that are not always publicly recognized.
What Recipients Receive
Recipients of the Yes I Can Leadership Awards will:
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Be recognized as one of Manitoba’s emerging young women leaders
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Receive a professionally produced video profile sharing their story and impact
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Gain public recognition for their achievements, leadership, advocacy, or volunteerism
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Participate in promotional campaigns and community events hosted by The Nellie McClung Foundation
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Develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills through the experience
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Have opportunities to connect with mentors, community leaders, and fellow changemakers
Award Criteria
Nominees and applicants should demonstrate leadership, courage, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities or chosen field. Successful applicants may include young women who:
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Lead with compassion, resilience, and integrity
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Use their voice or platform to help others
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Have overcome meaningful challenges or barriers
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Demonstrate initiative, innovation, or advocacy
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Empower and uplift others in their schools, workplaces, or communities
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Show dedication to creating a better future for others
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Inspire those around them through their actions, leadership, and perseverance
Applicants and nominators will be asked to share information about leadership experience, community impact, personal growth, and the story behind the nominee’s journey. Applications also include a short written submission and a brief video designed to help the selection committee learn more about the person beyond their accomplishments and resume.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Self-identify as female
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Be between the ages of 16 and 25 at the time of application
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Be a resident of Manitoba*
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Be available during the week of August 10, 2026 for filming if selected
* For the purposes of this application, a Manitoba resident is defined as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided continuously in Manitoba for any two year period.
Important Dates
Applications & nominations open:
May 12, 2026
Application deadline:
June 12, 2026
Finalists selected:
June 30, 2026
Recipient video launch and celebration:
October 2026
Help Us Inspire the Next Generation
Help us celebrate and amplify the voices of young women across Manitoba. Share the Yes I Can Leadership Awards with your friends, family, schools, workplaces, organizations, and social networks to help us reach inspiring young leaders who deserve to be recognized. A single nomination, share, or conversation could help a young woman see what is possible for her future.
Download the Yes I Can Media Kit to help spread the word across your social media channels, school, workplace, organization, or community.
