While studying at Loughborough University London, Tarryn Horner, 29 years old, joined the 2020/21 SIGA Global Mentorship Programme in Sport Business and Leadership.
She now says that choosing SIGA’s Mentorship proved to be a good option. “After joining, I got a fixed-term contract job for Newham College as Sport Engagement Lead for 6 months, and currently work as Grant Support Executive at the Football Foundation”, Tarryn stated.
Why did you decide to participate in SIGA’s mentorship programme?
I applied to the mentorship programme as an aspiring young female leader looking for support to navigate the field of sport, business and leadership – my passion. Hence my Masters degree. I saw the programme as an opportunity to act as a stepping stone for me, provide me with the support, network, skills and opportunities I needed to kickstart my career in sport. As a South African, I was relatively new to a new Country (UK) and new to the sports business field. I knew that the mentorship programme would equip me better to tackle my goals ahead. I wanted to challenge myself to get out there, immerse myself in the sector, and connect and learn from leaders and like-minded women in sport. SIGA was an excellent opportunity to do this.
What is your assessment of participation?
I loved every minute of the programme, from start to finish, although I don’t see the mentorship as over at all. My mentor, SIGA leaders and SIGA have taken me under their wing. This is now a lifelong mentorship and participation. I learnt and benefited hugely from all the programme offers, such as those that my mentor Sarah provided me and the extra support offered with online global mentorship sessions, workshops, SIGA WoW and Integrity Week. Overall I can confidently say that the programme exceeded my expectations and I truly feel a strong sense of belonging within SIGA and the mentorship programme.
Who was your mentor, and how was the connection between the two?
My Mentor is Sarah Solemale (Senior Manager – Member Associations Governance, FIFA). We built a tight-knit relationship and continue to stay connected. We got along really well, not only in a professional sense but also as friends. Sarah supported me greatly throughout the programme, was encouraging, kept me accountable and guided me using her expertise. It was great to have that human connection, something authentic where we saw eye to eye on many things, but our differences also brought an extra zest to our relationship and mentorship. I truly appreciate all that Sarah has done for me and hope that I can become a great mentor like she is for me.
What was the best thing the programme brought you? What skills did you learn?
It’s very difficult to pinpoint one thing as I took many good things out of the programme. However, I will say the diversity of opportunities has allowed me to benefit and grow in several ways. The wider SIGA and mentorship network of inspiring people has been incredible to connect to and opened many doors and learning opportunities. I have been challenged to stand up as a woman in sport and ensure that I am a part of a growing movement of people who are working towards common goals and paving the way for our future females in sport. I have learnt to step out of my comfort zone, take risks and go for it. In this way, I have been able to achieve my goals.
Do you advise other women to enter the programme?
Yes, most definitely! If you are a female in sport, any sport area, or are looking to explore the sports sector then apply. You will not regret it. It is quite simply an easy win for you. You will join an incredible group of women who are in your corner and are there to support you and give you the platform you need to reach your full potential. It’s the best feeling to be a part of something that matters, something that you will always take forward with you. The best part is you’re not alone. Don’t hold back. Take the leap and jump on board.
Do you believe this programme will help create more opportunities for women in the sports industry?
Yes, I do. The field of sport is competitive and male-dominated. You have to have something that differentiates you from the ‘crowd’ and the mentorship programme can do just that. More women are developed to step up as leaders through the programme. Doors and doors of opportunities are opened right in front of you, whether it is connecting to a new organisation or developing a new skill. All this increases potential for women to make their mark in the industry. The programme and its’ network of Alumni ensure that it’s not a one-man show that challenges the current industry and lacks female diversity. It’s an army of women and male allies paving the way. We have already started to see change and will continue to do so.
Did the programme change your professional life in any way? If so, how?
The programme definitely challenged me to refine my focus, ensuring that I am moving in the direction that I am passionate about. It has helped me to navigate my professional goals and ensure that I am best placed and working in smart and efficient ways to achieve these. The programme has also opened my eyes to additional opportunities like the SIGA Youth Council, in which I can support and gain further professional experience to add to my current expertise. Overall it has definitely equipped and helped me to expand my professional potential.
Learn more here. Submit your application until January 31st!
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, take a step forward and join us!”
Submit your application!
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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.
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