October 11 is the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child! The celebrations are even more momentous this year, as 2020 marks the 25^th year since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the global agenda which was put in place to advance the rights of women and girls everywhere. 

Across our operations, we are proud to witness both women and men working to empower girls and increase visibility of female involvement and leadership in non-traditional workplaces and in their communities. 

We connected with three women who serve as positive role models and mentors to younger women and girls every day.

Sarah Winchester, Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Saint John

Earlier this summer, Atlantic Towing's Sarah Winchester was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and received the Judge Tom Bell Award! The award is named for one of the principle founders of BBBS and is presented to an individual who displays the same passion and dedication to mentoring youth. 

"It's been a joy to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. It has had a huge impact on my life in the best way possible and we've seen many positive impacts for my little sister. It was wonderful to be recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters." - Sarah.

Sarah is a Management Systems Specialist with Atlantic Towing and has been with the company for seven years. Prior to that, she worked with both RST Sunbury and JDI Logistics. 

Andrea MacDonald, Techsploration NS

Atlantic Towing has a long history of supporting Techsploration NS, an organization that empowers and inspires girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and other non-traditional roles. 

Atlantic Towing Master, Andrea MacDonald has actively been involved with the organization for years, welcoming groups of students for vessel tours (pictured) and attending the organization's annual Alumni Day Launch in November. 

To learn more and join us in supporting Techsploration, click here!

Nzingha Millar, Young Woman of Excellence Awardee

Nzingha Millar is a new member of the Communications team at Irving Shipbuilding Inc. This month, she received the Young Woman of Distinction award from the Canadian Progress Club Halifax Citadel. The awards are presented annually to outstanding women at the pinnacle of their professions that play a vital role in the community. Nzingha has dedicated time to empowering young women through organizations such as the Africentric Learning Institute of Nova Scotia, Imhotep’s Legacy Academy and the ACCE Halifax Network.

“I’m especially aware of the positive impact of being an African Nova Scotian woman in the professional space. As much as I can, I encourage other young women and girls to see themselves in those positions and help to guide them toward opportunities for success.”

The Women of Excellence Awards theme this year is “Our Turn: Power is shifting - women are leading- the best is yet to come.”

Thank you to all those across our organization making an impact in the lives of young women and girls! To learn more about the International Day of the Girl child, click here!