“I hope to leave the youth pathway, and especially the foundations of it, in a better place than before.” - Ana Popov

“The passion for sport and organisational skills allowed me to work in an environment that suits me best.” - Marta Zawadzka

“Everything sports does depends deeply on the environment in which we participate. We must protect and nurture the environment if we want to sustain sports in years to come.” - Katie Rood

“Sport has the power to change lives, but only if we lead with honesty, purpose, and a commitment to something bigger than just the game.” - Vicky Huyton

“I think my story reflects bravery, resilience, and ultimately believing that I belong in leadership positions. I hope the message of believing I belong in leadership positions resonates with other women and they can believe they belong too.” - Katelynn Slade

“As the ocean has tides, we too have phases and stages. We have been conditioned to reject and fight the lows, but the highs wouldn’t exist without them. We can either resist the lows or practice acceptance towards them.” - Danni Unway

“As Glennon Doyle says, ‘Find what breaks your heart. That will be your purpose.’ The fact that we hire young, healthy men and women as firefighters, and they leave the career decades later broken (at best), breaks my heart! I'm on a mission to make sure that every firefighter has the support they need to remain healthy and well throughout their career.” - Annette Zapp

“Sports are more than just a competition—they’re a way of life, teaching valuable lessons and creating lasting connections. It’s about uplifting and empowering those around you to achieve greatness together.” - Dagmara Gerasimuk

“Storytelling opens the mind to worlds that are sometimes unseen or unacknowledged, and this has the power to initiate meaningful change.” - Swetha Subbiah

“Motorcycling is often associated with rugged masculinity, but I hope to change that narrative and show that femininity has its place on two wheels too.” - Isha Parol

"Very good women become an inspiration in the field of sports. Hopefully we can work and be a good example for the development of sports." - Dinar Dyah Ayustine

“There were times I had to pretend to be a boy. I knew there was a law, that we had a President who said girls shouldn’t be playing soccer. I ignored it. Soccer is a game for everyone. It doesn't matter what gender, there is a place for you.” - Sissi do Amor

“For women aspiring to work in the sports industry, take pride in your work and embrace opportunities with confidence. If an opportunity presents itself, lean in—it might just change your career.” - Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita

“As a former rugby player, I've been truly inspired by the USA Women's Rugby 7s Olympic Team and Ilona Maher for breaking barriers and demonstrating that women can be both fierce and beautiful without conforming to traditional beauty standards." - Sam Iannotti

“Coming from a background where women in rugby were largely underrepresented, I’ve made it my mission to break down barriers and create pathways for more women to thrive—not just as players, but as referees, coaches, and leaders.” - Peris Mukoko-Wanyaga

"Follow your dreams, and don’t give up. Even when the situations you face are very challenging, remember that the strongest fighters face the toughest battles." - Yaima Payne

"I started Yakarr Football Academy because I wanted to play football on my birthday, but there were no tournaments for women and girls where I live. Now we run a women’ and girls’ tournament every year and I run weekly sessions for girls in my community.” - Adama Jarju

"I’m passing a message that women do belong on the sports field and in any field that they choose, and that sometimes it might not seem like people like us do not exist, but when you search hard enough you will find someone that can inspire you to push towards your goals and to be part of the change makers too.” - Thubaelihle Sibanda

“Currently, I am coaching U14 boys in an Australian Rules Football league. I believe having a woman coach normalises women in these roles and helps teenage boys develop respect for women. They respect me for my knowledge of the game, not just because I am a woman.” - Jules Hay

“There were many naysayers when I chose to build my career in sports, but I decided to listen to my gut and focus on what I truly believe in: ‘Sports & Myself’. Eventually, the naysayers turned into YAY-sayers.” - Tania Teoh