Our Story

In 2017, young Australian women footballers, rugby sevens players and cricketers gathered informally with leading businesswomen to identify an opportunity : how could professional women in business meaningfully support professional women athletes to both enhance their experience while competing in a manner that would equip them to build sustainable careers beyond sport?

That marked the beginning of the Minerva Network.

Christine McLoughlin AM, alongside co-founders Sam Mostyn AC (now Governor-General of Australia), Romilly Madew AO, Kate Aitken, and Sue Cato, identified a systemic problem. High performing women athletes lacked access to mentorship, professional development, and career pathways that would enable them to have a perspective beyond their sport whilst competing to ultimately leverage their sporting achievements into long-term success. These athletes are incredible role models who are future leaders.

The founders asked athletes directly: what do you need? The response was clear. Athletes wanted a safe environment independent from sporting teams and codes where they could develop business skills, build professional networks relevant to their desired career pathways, and over time prepare for career transitions.

From this insight, Minerva Network established its mission: creating a community where athletes and business leaders work together to enhance the “on field” experience and build pathways for female athletes beyond their sport.

‍Launching at a Pivotal Moment

‍Minerva Network launched just as Australian women's sport was starting to take off. While media coverage and public support were growing, the professional development infrastructure remained inadequate.

The impact was immediate and practical. Ellie Carpenter's story demonstrates Minerva's value. At 17, she asked if Minerva could help her get a car for training. Instead, Minerva taught her how to market herself and articulate her value to potential sponsors. Four weeks later, she had been gifted a car. Today, at 25, Ellie plays for Chelsea in the women's super league, representing Australia in the Matildas on the world stage and sponsored by leading international brands who recognise her value.

When the pandemic hit and all sport stopped, Minerva transformed. We switched to a hybrid model, enabling engagement with athletes wherever they train or compete. This adaptation has strengthened the network's reach and flexibility.

‍Where We Are Today

‍What started as a simple proposition has evolved. Minerva Network now supports athletes across their whole journey, from their rookie year through to retirement and beyond. Whatever they need at each stage. That might be learning to pitch themselves like Ellie did. Finding meaningful balance between work and sport. Choosing a university degree. Meeting other like-minded athletes as buddies. Finding their voice. Or preparing for what comes next.

Today, Minerva Network supports over 1,100 athletes across more than 86 sports at national and international levels. The network comprises more than 450 professional women mentors who volunteer their business expertise, life experience and networks to open doors. The combination of professional women, volunteers and committed corporate partnerships with Accenture, Aurecon, nib, and Harvey Norman has been complemented with  support from NSW Government, QLD Government and SA Government all recognising the gap that Minerva is addressing . Minerva Ambassadors include Kurt Fearnley AO, Mitchell Starc, Phil Kearns AM and Daniel Kowalski OLY.

Minerva Network now has a national footprint after only 8years. With State Chapters in Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory Australia’s women athletes have the opportunity to thrive. Each state has leading business women as Chapter Leaders who form part of our National Council, ensuring local connections and national reach. An  Athlete Leadership Group with two athletes from every state has also been established, led by Cate Campbell OAM OLY. This Group shares strategic insight into the evolving needs of competing athletes.

Minerva is governed by a Board chaired by Christine McLoughlin AM.

Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, serves as Patron and has hosted Minerva events at both Admiralty House and Government House.

‍Why This Matters

‍The business case is compelling. Australia invests significantly in developing athletic talent but underinvests in the leadership potential these women represent. Professional athletes are characterised by resilience, strategic thinking, performance under pressure, and team leadership. Exactly the capabilities  Australia’s businesses and communities need. Minerva Network creates the bridge between sporting excellence and business leadership. This is strategic investment in Australia's future leaders.

But it's more than that.

We support athletes to stay in sport longer, achieve success on their own terms, and grow as confident role models. When women athletes thrive and their voices are heard, they transform the sporting ecosystem itself. More women in decision making roles. More visibility in media. More representation that shapes the future of sport.

That sporting ecosystem change creates ripples far beyond the field. It drives systemic gender equality in Australian life. Eight years of results prove the model works.

‍Building Something Bigger

‍We're creating more than programs. We're building infrastructure for a more gender-balanced sporting and civic landscape. Every athlete who joins Minerva becomes part of a powerful community of women supporting women, sharing knowledge, opening doors, and creating opportunities that wouldn't otherwise exist.

Through collaboration, mentorship, and a whole lot of heart, Minerva Network is ensuring sportswomen don't just survive their careers. They soar.

‍Together, we're opening minds to the challenges sportswomen face. Together, we're opening doors through the united powers of business and sport.

Together, we soar.