Kira Steele (she/her)
Our Founder & Club President, Kira, who is the Chair of our Board!!
Born in Toronto, living in Calgary, Kira Steele’s done a few things in her 27 years. She’s dropped out of university three times, figured out that her alcohol and drug use were taking her down a dark path, fallen in love with Alberta and found out that her voice matters.
Founding the Boring Little Girls Club in November 2018, Kira’s on a mission to bring women, non-binary and trans folks together to create a community that focuses on having fun without alcohol and drugs. Unapologetically loud, and an intersectional feminist, Kira’s ready to shout her story from the tallest building in Calgary in the hope that it will remind others that they are not alone.
Outside of the Boring Little Girls Club, Kira recently graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce from Athabasca University. She lives in Calgary with her husband, their two dogs and cat. Kira is currently on maternity leave, getting ready for the arrival of their first child.
Kat Black (she/her)
Please welcome Kat Black, who is one of our amazing directors and our secretary!
Kat Black serves as Secretary for the BLGC, and is currently enrolled in the Holistic Nutrition Program at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. She retired from drinking November 25th, 2017.
Kat met Kira soon after and a close friendship ensued. Kat believes support is the name of the game when removing any type of dependency in your life. Especially within those who have gone through a similar experience.
Kat’s life up to the point that she stopped drinking was quite manic and untethered. She’d previously held careers in television production, advertising and fundraising. Only up until she stopped drinking in 2017 did she realize what was missing from her life - purpose.
Since then, she’s gotten herself a one-way ticket into the magical world of health & wellness. She received her yoga certification in 2020 and loves to incorporate its beautiful practice throughout her journey. A more holistic approach in her readjustment to life without alcohol is what Kat is currently working towards in continuing to support her journey and others.
Kat believes in the importance and significance of an organization like the BLGC who offers such a beautiful and unique opportunity for community to come together and enjoy life alcohol free.
Tally Nixon (she/her)
Please welcome Tally Nixon, who is one of our amazing directors!
Tally Nixon is a mom to two passionately spicy children, a sister to her best friend, a daughter with wonderful parents and a fierce friend to many. Her passion is working with communities to improve mental health and connection.
She has worked at Alberta Health Services for 19 years in substance use and mental health services and is currently on the Community Health Promotion Services team as a Health Promotion Facilitator. Priorities are to increase community connection, shift attitudes and beliefs around substance use and mental health and to promote positive mental health.
Being a member of the Board with Boring Little Girls Club is an honor!'
Nia Robi (she/her)
Please welcome Nia, an interim member (until our AGM in May) of the BLGC Board of Directors!
‘The reason I am a part of the BLGC is throughout my life there has always been alcoholics as dominant people in my life, including family members and significant others. After my late husband died, I took a good look at my life and realized I needed to change my sphere of influence. Although I've never been addicted to any substances, I realized I was addicted to a certain type of person. I am on the path of separating myself from relationships that have dependency on substance use.
I wanted to be a part of the board because I believe wholeheartedly in the BLGC and want to give back. I feel that with my business background I can be of value to the BLGC board and club’
Nicole Olchowecki (she/her)
Welcome Nicole (she/her), an interim member (until our AGM in May) of the BLGC Board of Directors!
‘My name is Nicole (she/her), I am a 53-year-old trans-woman. I struggled with my addiction issues for more than 30 years, I joined the BLGC in the spring of 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold. I was new to Calgary and didn’t know anyone here, and I was coming to terms with and accepting that I was transgendered and getting sober, all at the same time.
When I found the BLGC, I found a place where I belonged, a place where I was accepted, a place where I felt loved and supported, I found a connection that I had never experienced in my life. The road has not always been smooth for me since joining the BLGC, I have made mistakes, said inappropriate things, and behaved poorly at times. The members of the group were always supportive and understanding, they saw the potential in me. With their support and encouragement, I was able to summon the courage to return to school and enroll in the Addiction Studies program at Bow Valley College.
With my time at Bow Valley ending, I want to give back to a group of amazing humans who have given so much to me. When I learned of an opening on the Board of Directors, I realized that this was my opportunity to take an active role in the BLGC, to learn and educate myself on the “behind the scenes” working of groups such as the BLGC. The BLGC has given so much to so many, and I want to ensure that The BLGC continues to provide sober, safe, inclusive space for its members to meet and thrive.
Johann Hari said “ The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it’s connection”, the BLGC provide me with connection when I had none and needs to be available to those seeking connection in the future,’