Two EA High Performance Staff Members Join AIS Women Leadership Programs

Two EA High Performance staff members are among 33 women selected to participate in two professional development programs with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), designed to increase the representation of women across all roles in Australian sport. 

EA Para-Equestrian Pathways Coordinator, Paralympian and World Equestrian Games bronze medallist Sharon Jarvis has been selected to be part of the inaugural AIS Accelerate Program, which aims to increase career pathway options in sport for women athletes.

The AIS Accelerate program was launched this year to support women athletes and to progress their leadership skills in sport well beyond their athletic careers.

Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said: “These women have proudly represented Australia as athletes, so the AIS Accelerate program is about recognising the leadership ability they already have and providing professional development for them to become representatives for progress in sport.

“Four of the participants are still in training for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which is a testament to the way they are able to balance their athletic careers with their education and professional ambition.”

Dr. Alison Alcock, EA High Performance Support Manager, is also one of the sixteen women to have been selected for the AIS Talent Program, this year focused on advancing the professional development of women in sport across science, technology, engineering and medical disciplines.

“It is fitting this announcement is occurring in National Careers Week because these AIS programs show the incredible diversity of career options available to women in sport and other industries,” Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator the Hon Marise Payne said.

“In the AIS Talent Program alone, we have sport doctors, physiotherapists, engineers, biomechanists, physiologists and nutritionists, just to name a few of the professions. This program aligns perfectly with the Australian Government’s broader strategy of increasing gender equity in STEM education and careers.”

The AIS Talent program has commenced at the AIS in Canberra this week, with the first of three three-day educational sessions. This will be complemented by online learning and support networks.