Canadian Women & Sport Welcomes Newest Additions to its Board of Directors

Canadian Women & Sport has concluded its Board of Directors election and is excited to welcome Lara Rooke, Senior Program Advisor, International Visits and Protocol at the Government of Canada to the board.

Rooke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from 18 years as a public servant across several roles. Her expertise with stakeholder engagement and decision making within government will enhance Canadian Women & Sport’s effectiveness in fostering relationships with governments at all levels. Governments are essential partners in the process of system change benefiting all women and girls in sport. Rooke also brings to the board a deep personal history with sport as an athlete, coach, and sports administrator.

Rooke joins Canadian Women & Sport alongside, Natalie Marcuzzi—a Young Director with FORA: Network for Change’s Girls on Boards program. Marcuzzi works in capital markets at RBC and brings a strong athlete lens to the board as a recent player with the Toronto 6. We are delighted to welcome Marcuzzi to the board for a one-year term in an ex-officio capacity to support her development as a leader in sport. The organization is excited to build on its commitments to empower leaders and are looking forward to benefiting significantly from Natalie’s contributions.

With new board members stepping in, the organization bids farewell to Rebecca Shanks, who has served excellently for three terms. Over these six years, Shanks helped to shape a strong new strategic direction for the organization. As a member of the Marketing & Revenue Generation Committee, Shanks was crucial to the new brand launched in 2020. She also led the renewal and diversification of our board as Chair of the Nominating Committee.

“I’m thrilled to have Lara and Natalie bring their skills and experience to the board as we lean into the organization’s new strategic plan. I want to thank Rebecca for her tremendous contributions that have helped to modernize the organization and position it for greater impact. We wish her the best in her next chapter. Even with the continued challenges of COVID-19, we are enthusiastic about the potential of the women and sport movement and are committed to leading with a strong and, diverse board.”

Tanya Mruck, Chair of the board

For complete bios of all members of the Canadian Women & Sport Board of Directors, please visit our webpage.