Among the 84 women who received a Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grant in 2021 there's been some huge personal wins over the last 12 months.
From stepping into leadership roles to switching sectors, women across the country are fast tracking their professional development after undertaking courses funded through Sport Australia.
Australian Jackaroo Pathways Coach for Bowls Australia Lynsey Clarke undertook the Gallup Global Strengths Coaching Course which helped connect her to a whole new community.
"I was also able to engage and network with a broad and talented range of individuals who I will continue to stay connected with and learn from," she said.
For Tarah Rocha de Oliveira, a Strategic Leadership course supported her career coaching Yoga and working with Jiu Jitsu athletes.
It gave her the confidence to take on a new role with the Yoga Therapy Institute which has led to further professional development.
"I gained new skills which increased my productivity, nurtured my leadership abilities and improved my executive skills.
"I shared the training space with female athletes, directors, coaches and referees from different sports across Australia. It was such an inspiring experience," de Oliveira said.
Without the course I would not have realised my full potential and it helped me to progress to the next step in my career as an agile project manager specialising in transformation and innovation projects.
Hana Visscher, Baseball Australia
Strategic Projects Manager for Baseball Australia Hana Visscher undertook an Executive Education course which led to her securing a top role in the property sector.
''Without the course I would not have realised my full potential and it helped me to progress to the next step in my career as an agile project manager specialising in transformation and innovation projects.
''It also increased my value and equipped me with skills in leadership, innovation, digital and IT, agile working and change management,'' Visscher said.
"My goal is to create value and drive efficiency in the business and sport sectors. While I have stepped out of the sport sector for now, I hope to return as a leader one day and provide expertise in the digital and innovation space."
WLIS is delivered by Sport Australia through the support of the Office for Women.
In 2022 a further 70 women will share $296,000 in funding to support their professional development.
