Women in Leadership

Rugby Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the game. In an effort to diversify leadership in rugby so that the game reflects all of Canada, Rugby Canada are proud to offer the Women in Leadership program. Each year this program will award recipients from rugby club executive committees across the country funding of up to $2000 to pursue development opportunities that will enhance their ability to lead from within our sport.

HQ
Rugby Canada

HOW IT WORKS

THE IDEA
Application forms can be accessed here and will be accepted until Monday, December 9th, 2024, at 5pm EST.

SELECTIONS & NOTIFICATION
Selections will be made by Monday, December 16th, 2024.Once all those selected have been notified and have accepted the funding, the recipients will be publicly announced.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Each recipient will move forward with pursuing their personal development plan that was part of their application.

REPORTING
As part of the agreement in receiving the fund, each recipient commits to sharing their journey through reports, photos and any other method they may choose.
OVERVIEW
KEY DATES
Applications open: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024
Applications close: Monday, December 9th, 2024, at 5pm EST
Selections made: Monday, December 16th, 2024

PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA
Priority will be given to applicants who are currently involved in clubs looking to enhance gender equity and diversity in their administration.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants must:
- Be currently involved in rugby at a governance level within a Provincial Union or Provincial Board of Directors
- Be currently involved in rugby at a governance level within a member club in good standing.
APPLY

Application forms can be accessed HERE and will be accepted until Monday, December 9th, 2024, at 5pm EST.

Find the full Women in Leadership Fund overview HERE
2023 Women in Leadership Fund Recipient List

2023 Women in Leadership Fund Recipient List

Christie Westbrook
Location: Saskatchewan
Current Role: VP Women, Sask Rugby Board of Directors
Provincial Union: Sask Rugby
Focus: Sustainable provincial operating systems

Jenna Thompson
Location: Quebec
Current Role: President
Club: Montreal Barbarians RFC
Focus: Reducing barriers to participation for community groups

Katie Gordon
Location: British Columbia
Current Role: Treasurer
Club: 1697s Rugby
Focus: Sustainable practices for remote region of Northern BC

Leanne Stillman
Location: Ontario
Current Role: Director of Junior Rugby
Club: Toronto Nomads
Focus: Building club executive efficiencies

Terri-Lynn Hamilton
Location: Alberta
Current Role: President
Club: Airdrie Highlanders
Focus: Sustainable club practices

Tracy Roberts
Current Role: Treasurer
Location: Ontario
Club: Middlesex Huron
Focus: Club volunteer management
2022 Women in Leadership Fund Recipient List

2022 Women in Leadership Fund Recipient List

Alyx Paulson
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Current Role: VP Marketing
Provincial Union: Saskatchewan Rugby
Focus: Leadership and Organizational Management

Jane Kirby Addeo
Location: Fergus, Ontario
Current Role: President
Club: Fergus Highland Rugby Club
Focus: Leadership in Sport

Jennifer Lemon
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
Current Role: Vice President and Senior Women’s Coach
Club: Kelowna Crows Rugby Football Club
Focus: Accessibility, Diversity, Strategic Planning, Managing Conflicts and Strength & Conditioning

Keegan Brantner
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Current Role: Player, Coach and Club Secretary
Club: Lethbridge Rugby Club
Focus: Diversity, Accessibility, Rugby Development and Coach Education

Melanie Angeli
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Current Role: Vice President of Rugby Operations
Club: Ottawa Irish Rugby Club
Focus: Grassroots Rugby, Sport Leadership and Gender Equity

Petra Woods
Current Role: President
Location: Scarborough, Ontario
Club: Scarborough RFC
Focus: Accessibility, Diversity and Leadership Development