Karla Valdez, 29 y.o., believes that having attended the SIGA mentorship program is an asset in her personal and professional path.
Under Armour’s Mexico Planner hasn’t seen her life change course, but she feels it’s just a matter of time. Learning and the network of contacts built will be decisive in the career, she says. Read her interview, and share with women aged 24 or over, who aspire for a leadership role in Sport.
Learn more here. Submit your application!
Why did you decide to participate in SIGA’s mentorship programme?
It was an incredible opportunity to meet great examples of leadership in sports, women who inspire and I aspire to be one of them someday. It was also a wonderful opportunity to establish and expand my network of contacts in different parts of the world.
What is your assessment of participation?
Very interesting sessions were held on personal development, leadership, Sexual Harassment & Discrimination in Sport, among others. It was a safe place to listen, to learn, to contribute ideas, all for the benefit of the sport. It was incredible to meet women who have the same passion as me and who in their roles are making the road easier for those of us who come after them. This work is not done, there is still a lot to do… however, programs like this help to strengthen our sport.
Who was your mentor, and how was the connection between the two?
My mentor was Marely Flores, she works in FIFA competitions. She is a great woman from whom I have a lot to learn, and she inspires me to continue. She has accompanied me in this process and fortunately I met her when she came to Mexico. Our passion for football unites us. More than a mentor, she is a friend I can turn to if I need support.
What was the best thing the program brought you? What skills did you learn?
To be part of a global community, learn the stories of leaders in the sport and learn about my purpose in this industry.
Do you advise other girls to enter the programme?
I invite both mentors and mentees to join this program. Let’s continue to support each other because together we can go further. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with people from various parts of the world. #SIGAWomen
Do you believe this programme will help create more opportunities for women in the sports industry?
It gives us tools to continue preparing ourselves and from our role to make contributions to this industry.
Did the programme change your professional life in any way? If so, how?
Not 100% yet but I hope to have a breakthrough soon.
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 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.
For more information on SIGA, including its vision, mission and reform agenda, please refer to the website: www.siga-sport.com.
To contact SIGA, please email: comms@siga-sport.com.