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Leadership Awards
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.
2026 Yes I Can Leadership Awards Introduction
Meet the 2026 Awardees
Meet the inspiring young women selected as the 2026 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.
Ayda Mohammadian
Leader, Advocate and Community Builder
Ayda Mohammadian’s journey is a powerful testament to leadership, personal resilience, and the strength of community. Originally from Iran, Ayda moved to Manitoba as an international student to pursue higher education, earning her degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba. Throughout her academic studies, she served as a dedicated advocate and leader, actively representing and empowering her fellow students. Navigating the unique challenges of building a new life in Canada while moving forward through profound personal grief, Ayda turned her experiences into a source of support for others. Today, she continues to make a meaningful impact across Manitoba by helping newcomers and community members build strong connections, foster resilience, and find a true sense of belonging. As a recipient of the Nellie McClung Yes I Can Award, Ayda exemplifies the spirit of compassion, leadership, and trailblazing dedication that continues to inspire and uplift those around her.
Yes I Can Leadership Awards
Apply to be a
2027 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.
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.”