In light of International Women's Day being recognised annually on 8 March, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is once again increasing the visibility of women within the exercise and sports science industry by celebrating the achievements of three pioneering women, as nominated by their peers.
“ESSA’s Female Leaders in Exercise & Sports Science campaign is run each year to support the development of female leaders in our industry and to shine a spotlight on those who may not always have the chance to be recognised for their commitment and hard work,” explains Anita Hobson-Powell, ESSA Chief Executive Officer.
“Within our industry, we are inspired to have a wide range of passionate and hardworking members, however, in celebration of International Women’s Day, ESSA is recognising the following three women who portray true leadership and influential change within their professions and in their day-to-day lives,” adds Anita.
ESSA is proud to recognise our 2022 Female Leaders in Exercise & Sports Science:
Ashley Bigaran – Austin Health and PhD Candidate at Mary MacKillop Institute of Health Research
"If I could encapsulate the pathway to successful female leadership into a few words, it would be women empowering women. As we celebrate the achievements of women in our profession on IWD, it is up to us as women in successful leadership roles to empower the next generation of female leaders by removing barriers and providing opportunities for future female leaders to succeed. There is no greater reward than seeing the women you have inspired, developed, and empowered experience success as a result of you simply paving the way."
Natalie Saunders – Deakin University
"I have always been inspired by the qualities and values a person possesses. I have been so fortunate to have been mentored, taught, worked alongside, have friends and observed so many extraordinary people who remind me that we can achieve so much. Also, being a mum reinforces for me that we have a privilege and responsibility to be role models for our children's future.
Women and girls have a significant role to play in sport, but we need to improve the visibility of female athletes and women in leadership roles. Education and the tertiary sector are a powerful platform for contributing to the profile of women in sport across many domains and hence why I am passionate about using that platform to contribute to empowering women in girls in sport."
Trish King – Queensland Academy of Sport
"I believe success is enabling and supporting people to reach their full potential. I aspire to this approach in all aspects of my work, when supporting athletes as a physiologist and when collaborating with my colleagues across the High Performance sport system in Australia. I have been fortunate in my career to work alongside highly capable and motivated people, and have been encouraged to seize opportunities as they have arisen to develop as a leader and mentor. As we move towards Brisbane 2032, we need individuals who are intelligent, curious, empathetic, coachable and have integrity. Our current leadership and decision makers need to recognise the capabilities and potential of women who are already working in, or aspire to work in, the sporting industry. If we can remove the (often invisible) existing barriers and biases, to enable women to fully participate and contribute, we greatly increase our chances of success."
If you would like more information on International Women’s Day,
please click here.
To continue supporting good health and well-being in women, ESSA previously published a
free Exercise & Women’s Health eBook that can be downloaded here.