The Minerva Network is honoured to announce a landmark recognition in its progress towards advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership pathways for Australia’s professional sportswomen.
Minerva Network Chairman and Co-Founder Christine McLoughlin AM said it was an enormous privilege to announce and welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, as Minerva’s inaugural Patron.
“The Governor-General is an exceptional visionary and leading advocate for gender inclusion and equality,” Ms McLoughlin said.
“With a distinguished executive and governance career spanning business, sport, climate change, the arts, policy and not-for-profit – including being the first woman appointed to the AFL Commission where she served for over a decade – she is an inspiring role model for our athletes and young women generally.
“As a Minerva Mentor herself to five-time Paralympic wheelchair athlete Madison de Rozario and Harvard water polo athlete Inde Halligan, the Governor-General has had a long term commitment to Minerva’s mission in empowering professional sportswomen to become exceptional role models and leaders in their own right, on and off the sporting field.
“We are honoured to have the support of Australia’s Governor-General as our Patron as Minerva strives to achieve an ambitious agenda for women in sport.”
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, said, “I’m delighted to accept the Minerva Network’s invitation to serve as patron.
“Our women athletes are extraordinary role models for all Australians and I look forward to playing a role in supporting the Minerva Network’s impactful work to enable these women to excel both as athletes and as leaders in our community.”
By 2025 Minerva Network is committed to growing Minerva’s impact to support more than 1000 women athletes, empowering them with the confidence and skills to be the next generation of leaders in Australia.
Minerva Network’s Sports Governance Program is also creating a sustainable pipeline of experienced, skilled and capable women – both mentors and athletes – who can confidently step into sports board and committee roles. This initiative will help sporting organisations achieve the national gender equity ambition recently announced by the Australian Government.
Bringing together the worlds of sport and business, Minerva Network is uniquely positioned to cultivate a network of change makers who are equipped with the skills, confidence and resilience to navigate and influence an ever-evolving world.
“As Minerva continues to champion women athletes and their potential as leaders and role models, we are honoured to have Her Excellency’s valuable support to help us amplify our efforts and expand our impact,” Ms McLoughlin said.
“Our community of more than 880 professional women athletes from 76 different sports, more than 360 mentors who are experienced women leaders at the top of their game in business and governance, valued partners, and supporters join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Together, we will continue to push boundaries and pave the way for our sportswomen to soar to new heights.”
