Empowering Women, Fueling Communities: Celebrating the Women of Gen7 Fuel on International Women’s Day

Women of Gen7

As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women of Gen7 Fuel. Our mission and values drive us to fuel the spirit of community, empowerment, and positive change. This year, the campaign theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion, “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”

Gen7 Fuel is thrilled to introduce the women behind our stations, fostering a sense of community, and stand as real-world role models, especially for future women and First-Nations entrepreneurs. Among Indigenous peoples, women have been seen for centuries as protectors and custodians of cultural values and as the guarantors of their peoples’ survival. Donna Adams, Abby McLeod, and Annette McPherson are not just names on our team, they are powerful voices and protectors of their communities.

Together, let’s celebrate the achievements of these inspiring women and the collective strength they bring to the forefront, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day as they continue to lead and inspire.

Donna Adams

Donna Adams is the iconic owner of Smokeys Gen7 Fuel in Sarnia, with a longstanding entrepreneurial career spanning over five decades. Donna is an unwavering force in Aamjiwnaag First Nations and at Gen7 Fuel. She’s descended from a long line of Aamjiwnaag Chiefs, as the granddaughter of Talford Adams, Chief of Sarnia Indian Reserve for 34 years, and daughter of Chief Christopher Adams. Her connection to her rich heritage fuels her sense of duty: “I have a responsibility to my people, my great-great-grandfather, my grandfather, my dad, and to our future generations.” Donna’s commitment extends beyond business success; it is a profound dedication to the community and the prosperity of generations to come.

Annette McPherson

In 2024, we introduced a new member to the Gen7 Fuel team, Annette McPherson, the passionate owner of Gen7 Fuel in Fort Frances, Ontario. Hailing from Couchiching First Nation, Annette seized the opportunity to carve her own narrative, saying, “With little opportunities to do so, I was able to create my own path”. Her unwavering commitment to community development is evident as she shares, “One of the reasons for getting my education was my hope of contributing more and giving back to my community.” Annette’s leadership and entrepreneurial zeal at Gen7 Fuel Couchiching are not only contagious but also deeply motivating, “the main reason for starting this business is the opportunity to give back to the community by being able to offer a financial contribution to the First Nation community.”

Abby McLeod

Abby McLeod stands as the trailblazing representative of the next generation of Gen7 Fuel entrepreneurs. As a co-owner of Gen7 Fuel Jocko Point, she embodies the very essence of the Gen7 Fuel mission and values. Abby expresses her pride in being part of a team of inspiring leaders, “At Gen7 Fuel, we have such an amazing team of inspiring leaders. We’re all joined by the passion to do good for our communities, and I’m so proud to be a part of that.” Abby obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from Queens University, which she’s put to good use in her family’s several businesses. She’s a proud Anishinaabe and Franco-Ontarian woman, who challenges herself every day to mino-bimaadiziwin, lead a good life.

Let’s continue to #InspireInclusion.

In celebrating International Women’s Day, we have had the privilege to spotlight the extraordinary women of Gen7 Fuel, embodying our mission and values of community, empowerment, and positive change. This year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among women.

As we honor these remarkable women — Donna, Annette, and Abby, alongside many others in the Gen7 family — we recognize not just names on our team but powerful voices, protectors of their communities, and real-world role models.

Together, let us celebrate the achievements of these inspiring women, acknowledging the collective strength they bring forward each day, not just on International Women’s Day. Their leadership and commitment inspire us all to strive for positive change and inclusivity, forging a better world for seven generations to come.