FIS to provide NSAs with opportunity to apply for Women Lead Sports Master Program

Sep 19, 2024·Inside FIS

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is taking another concrete step in its commitment to increase the representation of women in leadership positions across the ski and snowboard ecosystem.

Throughout the month of November, twenty representatives of National Ski Associations (NSAs) will be given the chance to take part in the Women Lead Sports Master Program, a world-class online course conducted by corporate leadership coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza.

NSAs have until 22 September to nominate candidates − whether from the administration staff, coaches, and current or former athletes − and the final list of participants will be announced on 1 October. Up to 20% of the spots will be extended to male participants interested in becoming allies, ambassadors, or champions for women in leadership.

“First and foremost, the idea is to provide best-of-class tools for women across the FIS community to become or remain great leaders,” says FIS Integrity Director Sarah Fussek, who is responsible for the partnership with the Women Lead Sports Master Program and for FIS’ diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives.

However, there is something very valuable about a program dedicated specifically to women, tailored to the particularities and challenges of what it means to be a woman leading – or aspiring to lead – in sports.– Sarah Fussek,FIS Integrity Director

Women Lead Sports Master Program comprises four online sessions, which will be delivered on a weekly basis throughout November 2024. FIS will facilitate more seats to the NSAs for the 2025 cohort.