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International Women’s Day 2026

Nominate and champion the WOMEN health and safety leaders in your municipalities

Every day, women working in municipal health and safety are uplifting communities by enhancing well-being, building prevention cultures, and fostering safer, healthier workplaces. On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate these remarkable leaders in our membership/municipalities.

"give to gain."

The 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme embraces the effects that contributions to women’s advancement has in building a more supportive world. Whether that support comes in the form of knowledge, training, infrastructure, advocacy, mentorship, or otherwise, every effort produces a ripple effect towards advancing gender equality in all workplaces.

This year, AMHSA would like to highlight the many exceptional women health and safety leaders in your municipalities!

From February 12 to February 23, we encourage you to submit a nomination for someone you know who embodies health and safety excellence and the "Give to Gain" mentality. From small changes to big impacts, we want to hear your stories.

Successful nominees will be featured with their photo, bio, and optional quote on AMHSA’s website, email newsletter, and social media channels from the week of March 2-7, leading up to IWD.

thank you for your nominations!

We received applications that truly championed the many women health and safety leaders across the municipalities. 

this year’s nominees

Patty Pura - City of Grande Prairie

Why Patty was nominated:

"Patty demonstrates exceptional generosity and professionalism by supporting employees through recovery with empathy and diligence. Her modified work plans respect medical limitations while helping employees remain connected, valued, and supported."

Why Patty inspires her peers:

"Patty inspires others through her compassion and remarkable ability to advocate for both people and process with equal integrity."

Cara McKenzie - County of Stettler

What do you love most about your job?

"The people I work alongside each day. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how much it matters to be part of a team that supports one another, looks out for each other’s safety, and shares a genuine commitment to doing the work well."

Why Cara inspires her peers:

"She does not simply manage safety - she builds leaders who take ownership of it. Her strong leadership has created a safer, stronger workplace across our organization."

Dorrie Wiwcharuk - City of Calgary

What do you love most about your job?

"Creating OHS harmony connections by supporting and collaborating with women in health and safety, helping one another grow, lead, and build safer workplaces together."

Why Dorrie inspires her peers:

"Dorrie is an inspiring safety leader who motivates others, builds trust, and elevates safety culture through connection and membership."

Denise Isbister - City of St. Albert

What do you love most about your job?

"Knowing our team’s work makes a difference in keeping people healthy and safe. Our people care so deeply about the services we supply to this beautiful community; we owe it to them to look after them."

Why Denise inspires her peers:

"Denise is always just a phone or Teams call away, generously offering her expertise, mentorship, and trusted guidance while serving as a steady sounding board and advocate for her team and leadership alike."

Leanne Litchfield - City of Grande Prairie

What do you love most about your job?

"The opportunity to help people go home safe at the end of the day."

Why Leanne inspires her peers

"Through her steady leadership and confidence she brings to every challenge, drill, and conversation."

What do you love most about your job?

"Knowing the work I do behind the scenes makes a real difference - creating safer spaces, promoting safety, and protecting the well-being of every person I support."

Why Brittany inspires her peers

"With her consistency, positivity, and the pride she takes in doing the small things that make a big difference."