Director-at-, Board of Directors

Board of Directors - Call for Nominations (2026)

We’re seeking new Board Directors to help shape the future of sport in Canada.

Canadian Women & Sport is inviting nominations for experienced,
values‑driven leaders from across Canada to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Directors will be elected at our Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2026.

Four Board positions are up for election:
three vacant positions and one incumbent Director seeking re‑election.

This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic, governance level—working alongside a high‑performing Board and leadership team to drive system change and advance equity for women and girls in sport.

For over 45 years, Canadian Women & Sport has been a leading voice and authority on gender equity and inclusion in sport—driving transformation across the Canadian sport system.

Our vision is a Canada where every woman and girl thrives in and through sport.

Our strategic plan guides how we bring this vision to life—by focusing our efforts where they can drive the greatest system‑level impact. Over the coming years, we are advancing four core strategic priorities:

Our work spans sport, physical activity, and recreation at all levels, across Canada. In 2025–26, our programs reached more than 1,800 organizations, and over 3,500 sport leaders collectively.

As we continue to grow our impact in 2026–27, the Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding strategy, strengthening governance, and ensuring our equity commitments translate into meaningful change.

Leadership decisions shape how sport organisations operate, who they serve, and whose voices are included. That’s why equity‑informed governance is essential to building a sport system where women and girls can thrive.

The 2025–2026 Women in Sport Leadership Snapshot shows progress in women’s representation at the board level across Canada’s sport system—alongside ongoing gaps in executive leadership and persistent barriers for women who experience intersecting forms of discrimination.

Progress is possible, but it is not guaranteed. Without continued focus, accountability, and diverse perspectives at decision‑making tables, gains can stall or reverse.

At Canadian Women & Sport, our Board is part of this broader system. Our current Board includes leaders of diverse genders, with 71% women and 43% of Directors identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of colour
—reflecting intentional action and an ongoing commitment to learning and shared accountability.

• Susan Irving, Chair
• Nan Das Gupta, Director-at-Large
• Leah Mac Nab, Director-at-Large
• Hannah Parish, Director-at-Large
• Kyam Shell-Schnitzer, Director-at-Large
• Andrew Shibata, Director-at-Large
• Trinh Tham, Director-at-Large
• Vacant, Director-at-Large
• Vacant, Director-at-Large

Board terms ending as of September 23, 2026:

The Nominations Committee is currently seeking candidates with any combination of the following competencies and experiences:

• Finance (CPA or related)
• Philanthropic expertise
• Non‑Profit or Charitable sport leadership (preference for grassroots sport leadership experience)
• Strategy and strategic planning

• Geographical representation across Canada, with priority for those residing outside Ontario
• Bilingualism (French – English)

Canadian Women & Sport is committed to reflecting and representing the diversity of Canada at all levels of the organization. As per our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, preference will be given to individuals who identify as:

• Indigenous (First Nations - includes Status, Treaty or Non-Status, Métis, and Inuit)
• Racialized (includes people who are non‑White regardless of…