Shelly Lynn Franklin, site administrator

Advocacy isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a calling for Shelly Lynn Franklin, site administrator at Bonnyville Health Centre. Whether she’s pushing for policy changes, championing underrepresented voices or fostering inclusion in health care, she is a relentless force for equity. Her work ensures every person, regardless of background or circumstance, receives the dignity and care they deserve.

Shelly has been instrumental in advancing services for vulnerable populations. She has tirelessly advocated for a women’s shelter, an Indigenous midwife program and an upcoming Indigenous labour and delivery room, ensuring culturally safe and accessible care. She works closely with local leaders, attending town halls and meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly and the mayor to address barriers in the health care system.

Her leadership extends to education and awareness. She actively participates in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, bringing Indigenous traditions into the health care space and helping staff recognize and challenge implicit bias. Through her efforts, Covenant Health has welcomed traditional dancers to celebrate culture and foster deeper understanding.

Shelly’s impact is felt at every level. She empowers colleagues to engage in meaningful change and creates an environment where fairness in decision-making is the norm. As she often says, “What we do for one, we do for all.”

Whether through direct advocacy, systemic change or daily acts of empathy and respect, Shelly helps to cultivate a culture that is responsive to the needs of diverse communities and actively strives to address the root causes of inequity.