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Leadership Awards
Research shows many girls experience a decline in confidence during their teen years. The Yes I Can Leadership Awards were created to help young women see what is possible for their future by celebrating inspiring role models who encourage the next generation to believe, “Yes I Can.”
The Yes I Can Leadership Awards, presented by The Nellie McClung Foundation, celebrate and empower exceptional young women between the ages of 16 and 25 who are creating meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Launched in 2022 to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl, the program was created in response to the well documented decline in self confidence many girls experience during their teenage years.
Through a powerful series of video profiles, the Yes I Can Leadership Awards recognize young women who are demonstrating leadership, resilience, innovation, and advocacy across a wide range of fields including science, business, politics, education, medicine, community service, and the arts. These inspiring recipients are following in the footsteps of trailblazing women like Nellie McClung, proving that age is never a barrier to leadership or creating lasting impact.
Whether they are students, entrepreneurs, volunteers, activists, researchers, or community organizers, each award recipient represents the next generation of women leaders helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future. Their stories are designed to inspire girls and young women to see what is possible for themselves and to believe in the message at the heart of the program, “Yes I Can.”
Myrna Driedger, Founder of The Nellie McClung Foundation, shared the significance of launching the initiative on International Day of the Girl:
“It is a day dedicated to celebrating the voices and power of girls. These young women are shining examples of how women are making a positive difference in their communities and beyond. They are pioneering change and showing that leadership can happen at any age.”
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.
2025 Yes I Can Video Series
Meet the 2025 Awardees
Meet the inspiring young women selected as the 2025 Yes I Can Leadership Award recipients, changemakers, leaders, and advocates who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Click through below to learn more about their important work and personal journeys.
Abrianna Graham
Business Student, Athlete, and Women’s Leadership Advocate
Abrianna Graham is a passionate leader, scholar, and advocate dedicated to empowering women, fostering community, and leading with purpose. At just 21 years old, she has already made a significant impact across academics, athletics, volunteerism, and advocacy — embodying resilience, compassion, and determination. Currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance at the Asper School of Business, Abrianna is a four-time President’s Scholar recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Representing the University of Manitoba at national business case competitions, she and her team placed first in the Not-for-Profit category at JDC West 2024 for their innovative Success Through Sustainability project, which highlighted her commitment to community-driven problem-solving. A lifelong athlete, Abrianna is a five-time provincial champion and two-time national silver medalist in softball with the Smitty’s Terminators, where she learned the values of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. Her love of music complements her athletic achievements — she is a competitive pianist, completing Grade 7 with the Royal Conservatory of Music and performing at festivals across Manitoba, as well as for residents in her grandparents’ hometown care home. Empowering women lies at the heart of Abrianna’s work. As Vice President of Marketing for Alpha Phi, she leads initiatives to raise awareness for women’s heart health, represent her sorority at the Disney Leadership Institute, and build a culture of kindness and leadership. She was also named Most Empowered Delegate at the Network of Empowered Women Conference for her advocacy, compassion, and leadership among young women across Canada.
Bisman Randhawa
Equity Advocate, Youth Leader, and Accessibility Changemaker
Bisman Randhawa is a changemaker and advocate whose work stands at the intersection of equity, leadership, and lived experience. Born with a visual impairment, she has never allowed limitations to define her vision for herself or for the inclusive future she is helping to build. A proud Manitoban raised in Winnipeg, Bisman draws inspiration from her mother, a trailblazer and community leader, whose example shaped Bisman’s own commitment to empowerment and public service. As the founder of Maples4Women, she created a platform for mentorship, political dialogue, and community building among young women. The group’s inaugural Herizons Summit—a student-led event by women, for women—provided a powerful space for connection and inspiration. Bisman’s leadership extends across local and national platforms. She has served as a Page in the Manitoba Legislature, Folklorama Youth Ambassador General, and member of the Manitoba Student Advisory Council. She has also been an organizing member of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba and Canada, co-president of her student council, and vice-president of her school’s Sikh Heritage Committee. Her advocacy continues on the national stage through her work as a Plan International Canada Girls Belong Here Ambassador and delegate at youth leadership conferences across the country. Now studying at the University of Toronto as one of only eleven fully funded National Scholars, Bisman is part of the Munk One Program, where she continues to explore policy, equity, and law through a feminist and youth-centered lens. Bisman’s journey is defined by resilience, empathy, and courage—a reminder that leadership isn’t about seeing perfectly, but about seeing what others overlook. “You will cry, you will break down, you will be locked out of spaces—but you can always kick the door down and come back in.”
Hiwot Jonk
Food Security Advocate and Community Leader
Born in Ethiopia and immigrating to Canada at the age of five, Hiwot Jonk is a passionate advocate for social justice, food security, and sustainable communities. Growing up in rural Manitoba helped shape her strong sense of stewardship for both people and the land, values that continue to guide her work today. Hiwot’s leadership journey began early through 4 H, public speaking, and student advocacy initiatives focused on food insecurity and social justice. She later represented Canada at an international youth conference in Japan, where she presented on strengthening connections between Indigenous and neighboring communities. While studying Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Hiwot became deeply involved in student leadership, equity initiatives, and community advocacy. As part of the President’s Student Leadership Program, she co founded The Underwearness Project, a campaign that collected over 1,000 donations of essential clothing items for unhoused individuals in Winnipeg. Today, Hiwot continues to advocate for sustainable food systems and community centered change. Through empathy, leadership, and action, she is working toward a future where food security and dignity are accessible to all.
Jiyoo Noh
STEM Advocate, Neuroscience Researcher, and Engineering Student
Jiyoo Noh is a trailblazer in STEM whose resilience, innovation, and compassion have made her a role model for young women in science and leadership. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrating to Canada at the age of four, Jiyoo’s journey is defined by determination and a belief in creating opportunities where none exist. Her love of science began early and evolved through self-directed learning and perseverance. After sustaining a serious concussion in Grade 9, Jiyoo transformed her recovery into purpose, founding Brain & You — an initiative dedicated to educating youth about brain health and neurological awareness. Through engaging, hands-on workshops, Jiyoo has reached over 250 students, inspiring them to understand, protect, and value their brains. At St. Mary’s Academy, she co-led the STEM Club, tripling participation, organizing design challenges, and launching the school’s first-ever Women in STEM Campaign to celebrate female scientists and innovators. She also spearheaded mentorship and outreach programs connecting high school and elementary students through science education. Her passion for research led her to secure a position in a University of Manitoba neuroscience lab, where she contributed to studies on schizophrenia. Recognized for her academic excellence and leadership, Jiyoo graduated as a Governor General’s Medal recipient and Parent Guild Scholar. Now studying Engineering Science at the University of Toronto, Jiyoo aspires to specialize in biomedical and neural engineering, developing technologies that improve accessibility and quality of life for those with neurological conditions. She envisions combining innovation with advocacy to make the invisible visible — advancing understanding, equity, and empathy in healthcare. “Sometimes it’s up to you to make your own opportunities. When you knock, the door eventually opens.”
Oyindamola (Oyin) Eluwade
Youth Advocate, Community Organizer, and Emerging Political Leader
Before the COVID-19 lockdown, Oyindamola (Oyin) Eluwade was a motivated young student with a passion for running and a dream of becoming a lawyer. Running was her escape — the place where her mind felt clear and her goals came into focus. Through middle school, Oyin was ambitious, determined, and always striving to give her best. She carried that same energy into high school — until the pandemic changed everything. Like many, Oyin faced challenges during the lockdown that affected her motivation and sense of purpose. Isolated from friends, unable to run, and disconnected from her routine, she struggled to recognize the driven version of herself she once knew. But when the world reopened, Oyin made a powerful choice — to rebuild. Step by step, she regained her confidence, rediscovered her purpose, and reignited her passion for leadership. In 2024, Oyin’s leadership journey began anew when she became the first Chair of Young Politicians of Canada, Manitoba Chapter. One year later, at just 19, she founded Empty Streets Manitoba, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking. Her advocacy and leadership now span multiple roles: Publicity Director for the Congress of Black Women Manitoba, Racialized Student Director at the University of Winnipeg, Co-Event Planner for the Student Nigerian Association, and Founder of the Manitoba Inter-University Model United Nations, a new initiative bringing together youth across the province to engage in dialogue, diplomacy, and global leadership. Oyin’s story is one of resilience, renewal, and courage. She hopes her journey reminds others that even after losing direction, it’s always possible to rise again. “It’s never too late to start again, so keep trying. If not for yourself, then for me — because I believe you can.”
Yes I Can Leadership Awards
Apply to be a
2026 Yes I Can Awardee
As the Yes I Can Leadership Awards celebrates its 5th year, we are looking for young women across Manitoba who are leading with courage, resilience, and impact. Whether you are creating change in your school, community, workplace, advocacy efforts, athletics, business, or the arts, your story matters. Apply yourself or nominate a young woman who is inspiring others and helping shape the next generation of women leaders.
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.
Past Awardees
Since its launch in 2022, the Yes I Can Leadership Awards have recognized inspiring young women from across Manitoba who are creating change through leadership, advocacy, innovation, and community impact. Explore the stories of our past awardees and the difference they continue to make in their communities and beyond.
Chiara Wilson
Performer, Athlete, and Community Leadership Advocate
Chiara Wilson embodies resilience, passion, and leadership across her many talents. Currently an Executive Council Member of St. Mary’s Academy’s Environmental Club and Alternate Captain of the St. Mary’s Academy Flames Prep Hockey Team, Chiara leads both on and off the ice. As the 2024 Youth Ambassador for Folklorama’s Italian Pavilion, Chiara’s dedication to her cultural heritage shines brightly. Since her debut at the age of seven, Chiara has captivated thousands of guests through her vocal performances, courageously singing in Italian, a language she wasn’t yet fluent in. Her talent and bravery were met with thunderous applause, sparking her journey in music.Chiara has since gone on to compete in the prestigious Winnipeg Music Festival, where she earned numerous awards, including those from the Manitoba Registered Teachers Association and the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals. Beyond enhancing her vocal, theatrical, and social skills, Chiara's involvement with Folklorama has allowed her to emerge as a community leader, using her gift of music to fundraise for causes like the Joy Smith Foundation, Ukrainian Relief Fund, the Italian Foundation, and St. Boniface Hospital. Her achievements extend into sports, where she’s had the honor of singing at Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Blue Bombers games, blending her passion for music with her athletic prowess as a competitive national-level hockey player. Her dedication, selflessness, and strong work ethic have earned her leadership roles, which she applies in all areas of her life.Chiara is also committed to academic excellence and aspires to become a medical doctor, focusing on research and improving the lives of others. With her sights set on empowering young girls to achieve their dreams, Chiara continues to trailblaze her path forward, always guided by the belief that Yes, I Can.
Cleche Kokolo
Social Justice Advocate and Human Rights Leader
Born in Gabon and immigrating to Canada in 2005, Cleche Kokolo (she/her) has drawn from her personal experiences as an immigrant and a woman of color to champion the rights of marginalized communities. Witnessing Michaëlle Jean become the first Black woman Governor General of Canada in 2005 ignited Cleche’s belief in the power of representation and the importance of using her voice for change. Her passion for social justice started in Grade 7 when she began volunteering with local organizations supporting low-income children and families. In high school, Cleche revived the Social Justice Club and initiated a resource locker that provided mental health resources and essential products like pads and tampons to her peers, making support accessible to all. This advocacy continued into her university years, where she joined the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) advisory council. Cleche’s leadership took her to the international stage when she attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where she addressed gender inequality, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the financial barriers women face in accessing menstrual products. She highlighted the reality that poverty impacts women worldwide, including in Canada, and called for policy changes to ensure basic necessities are accessible to all. For Cleche, advocacy is deeply inspired by Nellie McClung’s perseverance. Despite the many “no’s” she faced, McClung never stopped pushing forward, and Cleche embraces that same resilience in her fight for human rights and gender equality. Her work is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of always moving forward. Cleche’s leadership and dedication make her a beacon of hope, empowering others to speak up, fight for justice, and never underestimate the power of their voice.
Lexi Taylor
Community Advocate, Student Leader, & Future Attorney
Recently graduated from Grade 12, Lexi Taylor is set to pursue criminology at the University of Manitoba this fall. Raised as an only child in the small town of Enola, Lexi’s compassion and determination to help those in need began at a young age. At just nine years old, Lexi’s awareness of homelessness during a cold winter day in Winnipeg sparked her desire to make a difference. Although her initial plan was to buy jackets, she quickly pivoted, using her $100 birthday money to create gift packages with toques, hot chocolate, and candy canes for people experiencing homelessness. Over the years, her efforts grew into large-scale fundraising initiatives, and this past year, she distributed over 500 care packages to local organizations, including Klinic, Mama Bear Clan, Bear Clan Patrol, Red Lodge, One City, and Main Street Project. Lexi’s dedication to helping her community has earned her several recognitions, including the Manitoba 150 Award and the Platinum Jubilee Award. But for Lexi, the work is not about the accolades—it's about supporting those in need. She’s also been an active leader in her school as a member of the Student Council and recently helped her high school win its first-ever championship in hockey. With dreams of becoming an attorney and practicing in Winnipeg, Lexi hopes to continue her journey of advocating for others, just as Nellie McClung did. She’s passionate about using her voice to empower her community and inspire future generations of leaders.
Salena Starling
Indigenous Youth Advocate, Speaker, & Social Justice Leader
At just 19 years old, Salena Starling, from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Nelson House, Manitoba, has already made an extraordinary impact as the President and CEO of Community of My Heart and as a passionate public speaker focused on truth and reconciliation. Salena's journey has been shaped by her experiences as a third-generation child survivor of the foster care system. At the age of four, Salena and her siblings were taken into care—a traumatic experience that ignited her drive to advocate for Indigenous youth and share their stories. By the time she was 11, Salena realized the power of her voice, understanding that her personal story had the potential to raise awareness about the harsh realities faced by Indigenous children in foster care. Her advocacy has taken her to incredible platforms, including the 42nd Annual Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting for the Status of Women. Salena also leads truth and reconciliation workshops for organizations across Canada, aiming to integrate these crucial conversations into everyday life. Her work emphasizes that reconciliation starts with understanding and addressing the challenges Indigenous communities face. In recognition of her commitment, Salena was awarded the CMCCF Youth Social Justice Award. Despite the many obstacles she has overcome, Salena's resilience and determination continue to inspire others. Her message is clear: personal stories are not limitations—they are powerful sources of strength. Following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Nellie McClung, Salena is breaking down barriers for Indigenous women and pushing for lasting change. With endless dreams and limitless potential, Salena’s leadership and advocacy will continue to create a brighter future for generations to come.
Zoe Quill
Indigenous Health Advocate, Researcher, & Future Physician
As a 24-year-old Swampy Cree from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN), Zoe Quill has excelled as a laboratory technician at the National Microbiology Lab, contributing to vital research and community health initiatives. Her path was not easy. Raised by a single mother in a family of six, Zoe overcame poverty by dedicating herself to education, becoming the first in her family to attend university. Her passion for science led her into research, where she discovered the power it has to positively impact Indigenous communities. Through her work with the Northern, Remote, Isolated Communities Initiative, Zoe has empowered these communities by providing much-needed tools for infectious disease testing, promoting health equity and self-determination. Zoe is a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in research and healthcare. She’s not only received prestigious awards like the BMO Indigenous Leader Scholarship but has also mentored many other Indigenous students, continuing to give back to her community. Zoe’s vision is to become a physician, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in healthcare. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to breaking barriers make Zoe a true trailblazer, embodying the spirit of Nellie McClung by pushing boundaries for future generations of Indigenous leaders.
