Director-at-Large, 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.

About Canadian Women & 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.

Sport wasn’t designed for her. We’re changing that.

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:

1. Deliver higher‑impact, more efficient programs that drive meaningful change
2. Build a resilient and scalable revenue model to support sustainable growth
3. Elevate our brand to influence policy, practice, and investment across the sport system
4. Strengthen internal excellence to enable long‑term impact and accountability

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.

Why Leadership Equity Matters

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.

Current Board of Directors:

• Susan Irving, Chair
• Nan DasGupta, Director-at-Large
• Leah MacNab, 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:

1. Trinh Tham (end of final term)
2. Nan DasGupta (end of first term)

Who We’re Looking For

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

Additional preferences:

• 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 place of birth)
• Persons with a disability
• 2SLGBTQIA+
• Individuals who identify as any gender and/or non-binary

Term Limits and Responsibilities

• Board terms are three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms
• Directors elected in September 2026 will serve until September 2029, with the option to stand for election for a second term
• The Board meets quarterly, primarily virtually, with occasional in‑person meetings
• Meetings typically last 2–4 hours, with 1–3 additional days annually for training
• Committees meet monthly or quarterly, depending on scope
• All reasonable Board‑related expenses are covered

Board member responsibilities include:

• Set and oversee strategy by approving the strategic plan and monitoring progress
• Provide governance and fiduciary oversight, ensuring strong policies, compliance, and risk management
• Hire, evaluate, and support the CEO, including contributing to the annual performance review
• Ensure financial stewardship by approving budgets, audited financials, and overseeing financial health
• Participate in board committees (e.g., Governance; Nominating; Audit, Finance & Risk; Brand & Revenue)
• Offer strategic guidance and expertise to support effective implementation (without engaging in operations)
• Act as ambassadors and advocates, representing and advancing Canadian Women & Sport with stakeholders

Eligibility

Nominees must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Primarily reside and/or work in Canada
• Have the power under law to contract (legally capable)
• Successfully complete required screening (criminal record check, Safe Sport sanction check and self-disclosure)
• Agree to participate in the Canadian Safe Sport Program, including completing mandatory training, and comply with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)

Nominees must not:

• Be an employee or paid contractor of Canadian Women & Sport
• Be bankrupt
• Be under investigation or currently have any restrictions on their ability to participate in Canadian sport, including having any provisional or permanent sanctions imposed, impending or threatened against them by: a national or provincial/territorial sport body; the Canadian Safe Sport Program; private tribunal; or government agency
• Have been convicted of committing an indictable offence under the Criminal Code

Timelines

• June 1 – June 21: Call for Candidates
• Early July: Successful candidates contacted for interviews
• July 7 – July 24: Interviews (virtual)
• Mid-August: Final decisions communicated to interviewed candidates
• September 23 at noon ET: Elected Directors confirmed at the Annual General Meeting (virtual, must be able to attend)

If you are eligible and are interested in contributing your expertise to our dynamic and growing organization, please complete our online application here.

Deadline for Applications: June 21, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

Inquiries for additional information about the Canadian Women & Sport Board of Directors should be directed to Susan Irving, Nominating Committee Chair, or to Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO, at info@womenandsport.ca.