Kyla Penner

Kyla Penner, founder and CEO of KPSquared 24Hr Innovative Childcare, Arbor Vitae Consulting & Staffing Corp, and soon-to-be owner of Turtle Mountain Taproom, is a powerhouse of vision, resilience, and innovation in Fort McMurray. A lifelong advocate for families and women, her journey from a teen mom to a trailblazer in the childcare industry has been anything but conventional, yet it is a testament to her determination to break down barriers and create a supportive community.

Kyla’s path to success has been deeply shaped by her own experience as a young mother. At just 16 years old, she became a parent, facing the challenges of navigating life, motherhood, and societal expectations. “For many, becoming a mom at such a young age felt like the closing chapter of my story,” she recalls. “But I knew it was just the prologue.”

Kyla’s personal journey sparked a lifelong mission to challenge the norms and create spaces where women and families could thrive without sacrificing their careers or personal well-being. In Fort McMurray, where accessible childcare is often in short supply, she saw a gap that needed filling. This led to the creation of KPSquared 24Hr Innovative Childcare, North America’s largest 24-hour childcare empire. Through her company, she has redefined what childcare can look like, focusing on holistic support for the entire family unit.

“The most rewarding part of my career is creating a system that impacts families’ lives in meaningful ways while providing employment opportunities for women in our region,” Kyla explains. “I’m passionate about leading women into a new paradigm of success, where they can pursue their careers and still feel deeply connected to their families.”

Kyla’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. Establishing a business that operates 24 hours a day required rewriting legislation and facing numerous obstacles, including a battle with the government that threatened her mission. But she stood her ground. With perseverance and the support of a strong network, Kyla co-authored the law that made 24-hour childcare accessible for families across the region.

Her fight didn’t just change the course of her business—it created a ripple effect in the community, demonstrating the power of resilience and the importance of speaking up for what’s right. “My experience taught me that when you get connected to your purpose and step into your strength, there’s no challenge you can’t overcome,” she says. “My mission now is to empower other women to do the same—to find their strength, step into their power, and build their own version of success.”

Kyla’s commitment to her community goes beyond her business. She is an active volunteer, contributing her time and energy to local organizations such as the Salvation Army’s Mat Program, Rotary House, the Royal Canadian Legion, and numerous political events. Her involvement is driven by a desire to create a stronger, more connected community, one where families and individuals are supported, empowered, and uplifted.

“Fort McMurray is a community that often lacks extended family support,” Kyla explains. “When I felt disconnected and isolated, I turned to the community, schools, and daycares for support. That experience made me reflect on how we could come together as a community to offer each other relief and support on a larger scale.”

Her advocacy for family support is rooted in her personal experiences as a mother navigating a system that didn’t always make room for her or others like her. “The systemic barriers that parents face, particularly mothers, are real,” she notes. “But by working together and amplifying our voices, we can drive real change. We can create a world where no parent has to choose between their career and their family.”

Looking ahead, Kyla has bold aspirations for both her personal life and her business. She is committed to continuing the growth of KPSquared and to building a future where women and families are at the center of community development. “I want to break more barriers and redefine childcare as family-unit care,” she shares. “I want to create a space where every woman can thrive, where they feel connected to their intuition and empowered to make decisions that will lead them to success.”

Professionally, Kyla is focused on expanding her business and creating even more opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Personally, she is committed to fostering a balanced life, encouraging others to connect with their inner selves, and building a future where everyone can achieve their fullest potential.

Kyla Penner is a visionary leader, a fierce advocate for women and families, and a testament to the power of perseverance. Through her work, her community involvement, and her unwavering belief in the potential of others, Kyla is transforming Fort McMurray into a place where families can thrive, women can lead, and resilience is at the heart of it all.

Her story is one of breaking the mould, defying expectations, and creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come. For Kyla, this is just the beginning—her journey of empowerment and change is far from over, and the community of Fort McMurray is lucky to have her leading the way.

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