Minerva NSW recently attended a reception hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. The event brought together members of the Minerva Network, Chief Executive Women (CEW), women athletes, mentors, legends, ambassadors and business leaders to highlight the impact of mentorship in sport and business.
Since 2018, the Minerva Network has connected Australia’s professional sportswomen with senior business leaders for mentorship and professional development. This initiative has helped hundreds of women athletes build skills, confidence, and networks for careers beyond sport. The collaboration with CEW strengthens this mission by drawing on the experience of Australia’s top women leaders.
Minerva Network Co-Founder and Chairman Christine McLoughlin AM spoke about the organisation’s growth, noting its expansion from 150 athletes in 2021 to 926 today. Christine emphasised the role of mentors in helping athletes transition into leadership roles and recognised key Minerva supporters, including Accenture, Aurecon, Harvey Norman, nib Health, SEC Newgate, and the NSW Office of Sport.
The event also highlighted the rise of women’s sport, with milestones like the Women’s Ashes at the MCG and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup demonstrating its growing commercial and cultural impact. McLoughlin called for sustainable investment to ensure continued progress.
A key theme of the reception was the need for more women in leadership roles within sports organisations. McLoughlin stressed that systemic change is necessary for real progress and pointed to the role of mentorship in breaking down barriers. She shared the example of Olympic gold medallist and one of her mentees Bronte Campbell OAM, who is transitioning to a career beyond sport with Minerva’s support.
Bronte Campbell OAM reflected on the challenges athletes face when transitioning from sport to business, describing it as "stepping into a world of complete ambiguity". She thanked Minerva for helping her develop a clear strategy ahead of the Paris 2024 Games. "Given the demands of elite sport, finding time for anything outside of training and competition is difficult. It has been a game-changer for me and my sporting life to have something outside of my sport," Bronte said.
As women’s sport continues to grow, the Minerva Network remains committed to ensuring women athletes receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve. The reception was both a celebration of progress and a call to action for greater engagement in initiatives that connect sport and business.
Her Excellency’s enthusiasm about the work and purpose of the Minerva Network since it was first established is something that the Minerva network is deeply grateful for. The Minerva Network thanks Her Excellency for her support and all those who contribute to our mission of empowering women to succeed beyond sport.
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