Marisa Schlenker, 38 years old, has focused her career on how sport can be leveraged as a tool for women and girls. Currently living in Germany, she played football in the USA, Spain, Sweden, both in professional and semi-professional levels.
After that she worked on sport-related projects in Paraguay, Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia, India, Liberia and now in Germany. When she joined the #SIGAWomen Global Mentorship Programme, she already worked for Yunus Sports Hub as Programme Manager. She is also a gender Sport for Development consultant. When we asked her a few questions regarding the Global Mentorship Programme, she didn’t hesitate: Marisa clearly stated why is this a great opportunity for all women aged 24 or over.
Learn more here. Submit your application!
Why did you decide to participate in SIGA’s mentorship programme?
Because I saw it was one pillar of a more comprehensive programme to empower female sports leaders. I was interested in being paired with a mentor in the sport space and connecting with other mentees and mentors through the different virtual workshops and learning experiences.
What is your assessment of participation?
I feel very privileged to have been paired with Catherine Ordway, PhD, Assistant Professor & Sport Integrity Research Lead at the University of Canberra Sports. From our first meeting, we found a lot of connection points across our work in sport, governance and human rights. It has been very helpful to share with Catherine my challenges and concerns around my role as a masters student, as it has been difficult for me to find the time and space to prioritize my research. She guided me through some tough reflection sessions on where I am and where I want to be regarding my research and academic goals. Additionally, the connection with the other mentees was a highlight of my experience. We worked together to support the design of the different SIGA events. We were exposed to exceptional leaders and topics through virtual webinars.
How’s your connection with Catherine Ordway, your mentor?
I still consider Catherine Ordway my mentor as we agreed that the relationship would continue. We quickly found that we shared many interests and exchanged on various topics / situations in our lives. We decided to focus on my research and academic pursuits, and spent time carving out a plan of action which I am implementing step by step. We exchanged on calls, and found ways to keep each other updated through emails and an open communication channel where reports, opportunities, and interesting events were shared.
What was the best thing the programme brought you? What skills did you learn?
My mentorship pair was the highlight of the programme. As a mentee, you are encouraged to test out various skillsets in order to get the most out of the relationship. I would say I took away insights from my mentor and knowledge from the mentorship engagements where we had a chance to hear from different experts on a range of topics relevant to women working in and around sport. I also believe I was able to take away insights from the professionalism demonstrated by Katie and her team when leading on the group events and learning sessions.
Do you advise other girls to enter the programme?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this programme to others. The pool of mentors is strong and diverse, so you have a high chance of being paired with an exceptional female leader. Also, the learning and event pillar seems to be getting even better as the programme moves forward. I would recommend finding a way to connect with the other mentees as much as possible.
Do you believe this programme will help create more opportunities for women in the sports industry? Why?
I think the programme can definitely be considered a factor contributing to creating more opportunities for women in the sports industry. However, other factors need to be considered. The networking and events provide a key platform for female leaders to share their expertise with a wider audience, while also giving the mentees a chance to ask questions, connect and find their pathways in the industry.
Did the programme change your professional life in any way?
Connecting with Catherine and learning about her work as an academic and researcher has been very interesting for me. In my work, I am more connected and exposed to practitioners and those working on the operational side of sport based programmes. Learning from her approach to mentorship and coaching has also been helpful for me as I take on and equip myself with the skills to also be a mentor.
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Katie Simmonds, SIGA Global COO and Managing Director #SIGAWomen, invites women from all corners of the world to #StandWithSIGA and join the programme, either as a mentor or as a mentee. “It is a pleasure, passion and duty as a female in the sports industry to lead the SIGA Global Female Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Female Leaders in Sport. The high calibre of Global Mentors, from a diverse cross-section of the industry, shows that this movement is not only gaining traction but is needed. The current status quo of gender balance in the board room of sports organisations is simply not good enough. If we are to increase this, as women working in the industry, we have a responsibility to help the next generation of female leaders. Networking, exchanging valuable practical lessons and tips, as well as offering reassurance and confidence to the next in line is exactly what the programme is about. If you have smashed the glass ceiling g, take a step forward and join us!”
Submit your application!
Related news
SIGAWomen Global Mentorship Programme 2023/204 – Apply Now!
What makes #SIGAWomen mentors special? Find out and apply “I recommend SIGA Mentorship Programme to any woman who aspires to lead in sport” – Taylor Green “My mentor, SIGA leaders and SIGA have taken me under their wing” – Tarryn Horner “The SIGA Mentorship Programme changed my perspective on some subjects” – Inês Alves Caetano “#SIGAWomen Global Mentorship success stories include mentees gaining employment” – Katie Simmonds
Check out some 2022 Mentors and stay tuned for future announcements
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ABOUT SIGA
SIGA is the world´s largest coalition in the field of sport´s governance and integrity. Supported by more than 100 international multi-industry supporters, SIGA is an independent and neutral organisation whose mission is to bring about meaningful reforms and enhance the integrity of all sports through a set of universal standards operated by an independent and neutral body. SIGA is the only organisation to bring together sport, governments, academia, international organisations, sponsors, business, rights holders, NGOs and professional services companies, from every region in the world, around a common cause of fostering greater integrity throughout sport.
Click on the hyperlinks for the list of SIGA Members and Committed Supporters and SIGA Partners.
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