Gender Equity

To support young females in their journey into leadership positions, the Town of Aurora is launching the Female in Sport Leadership High School Credit Course. The course will be delivered in partnership with ASK Online Canada in a hybrid, online and in person, model. 

This grade 12 credit will provide females will knowledge, resources and training in leadership, first aid, coaching certification, event and lesson planning, communication and much more.

1. Inspiration and Role Models: By showcasing the achievements and stories of female athletes and leaders, it provides role models for young girls and women, encouraging them to pursue their own goals in sports and leadership.
2. Promotion of Gender Equity: The series helps raise awareness about the importance of gender equity in sports, highlighting the need for equal opportunities, recognition and support for women.
3. Community Engagement: Engaging the community through social media and other platforms fosters a supportive environment for women in sports. It encourages community members to recognize and celebrate the contributions of female athletes and leaders.
4. Breaking Stereotypes: By highlighting diverse stories of women in sports, the series challenges traditional stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and diverse representation of athletes.
5. Encouraging Participation: Sharing the success stories of women in sports can motivate more girls and women to get involved in sports and active living, leading to healthier lifestyles and increased participation in community activities.
6. Highlighting Achievements: The series brings attention to the hard work and accomplishments of women in sports, giving them the recognition they deserve and promoting a culture of appreciation and support. 

Carley Uddenberg embodies the spirit and goals of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her role as a coach with the Aurora Youth Soccer Club (A.Y.S.C.), where she serves as a coach, mentor and role model for young athletes. Her achievements, including winning provincial and national championships with Seneca Polytechnic, showcase her dedication and perseverance. 

Carley actively advocates for gender equity in sports, emphasizing the importance of male allies in providing respect, support, and equal opportunities for women. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, she inspires other women and girls in the community.

Q&A with Carley

Name: Carley Uddenberg

Sport(s) you are Associated with: Aurora Youth Soccer Club, Seneca Women's Soccer, Simcoe County Rovers, St. Kitts and Nevis Women's National Team

Current Role(s): Soccer Coach, Soccer Player

Past Role(s): Co-Captain of the Seneca Women's Varsity Soccer Team

What Local Sport Organizations are you associated with? Aurora Youth Soccer Club

Where is home for you? Aurora / Richmond Hill

Why is mentoring the next generation important? Being able to share your experiences, both successes and setbacks, is very powerful in teaching, inspiring, and guiding the next generation. Mentoring the next generation as a female to young girls is so important to remind them, as someone once in their shoes, that they can do anything they want to. But also to provide them with a safe environment and tools to prepare them for what the world can offer.

What does leadership mean to you? Leadership to me is so much more than just setting an example; it's about being supportive, empathetic, motivating, empowering and patient. It’s about being there for people through the good and bad, without judgement but instead with guidance, kindness and respect. It's taking responsibility to help that individual be the best version of themselves and giving them the tools, support, and guidance to take on anything that comes their way.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I always had a strong work ethic growing up, and I knew I always wanted to help people. Soccer was my passion, and through it, I grew so much as a person. Through coaching and playing soccer, there were many challenges, but through them, I gained experiences, strength, knowledge, passion, drive, and resilience. I became co-captain for the Seneca women's soccer team, and it was then my life changed for the better, and I was faced with new challenges that shaped me into who I am today. My team, who is now my family, and the game of soccer taught me so many lessons. Not even just about the game, but I learned who I was, how to love myself, and how I can make an impact on others' lives.

What is your favorite quote? "Just because things are taking time, doesn’t mean it’s not happening."

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? I would tell myself to accept the hard times and challenges because they are what make you grow, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment. To always be kind to everyone, especially yourself, because it's crazy the power positivity has on your life, even in the smallest ways. And to always be your own number one fan, because at the end of the day, you will always show up for yourself, so don’t rely on others to do it for you.

Who is your hero and why? I wish I could say one person, but I have multiple heroes, which are my mom, dad, three sisters, and my coach Sarah. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each played a big role in building me up when I was broken, supporting me in every aspect of my life, and cheering me on in my successes. They showed up for me when I couldn’t do it for myself and provided me with a safe environment to learn and grow, which I now get to do for others.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it? My biggest challenge both in college sports and as a coach is what others have to say about you or the negative feedback or comments you get. Being in the sports world has broken me down a couple of times, but because of that, it taught me lessons I’m forever grateful for. With the help of my loved ones and some self-reflection, I learned to take the comments and judgment head-on because I knew who I was at the end of the day, and no one can take that away from me.

Why is healthy active living important? Healthy active living is important because, in life, we invest so much time into our job, school, sports, friendships, etc. But being active and doing what is healthy for you is a way to invest back in yourself and take time out of your busy day to do something for you, that will make you feel good.

What is your favorite memory associated with sport? My favorite memory in sport is winning both the provincial and national championships with my Seneca team. It wasn’t about the medal, but it was the feeling of accomplishing something so great with my family that you worked five years for together. It was running onto the field into one big group, jumping, hugging, crying, and laughing together. It was a moment that will stay in my heart forever.

How do you keep your group/team motivated (as a coach or a player)? As a captain, it wasn’t all about just getting the team motivated on game day, but it was about motivating them every day both on the field and off the field in life. It was motivating them to grow and challenge their mindset, in practice pushing them past their limits, having them buy into the team goals but more importantly their individual goals. As a coach, to stay positive, and create a safe and passionate environment to learn the game of soccer but also to grow as a human. Importantly, to also listen and give your attention when an athlete needs it.

Who are your biggest supporters? My family, my mom Amanda, my dad Rob, and my sisters Cloey, Kayla and Kenley.

What role can male allies play in supporting women in sport and leadership roles? By being respectful, supportive, and enthusiastic toward women in sport and leadership roles. To provide the same opportunities, credit, and praise to women and bring awareness to the lack of support women have in sport. Although it is getting better, there is still a lot of growing to do, and it starts with awareness to then be able to act on it.

Mahsa Iranpour embodies the spirit and goals of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her dedication to water sports and her commitment to mentoring the next generation. For Mahsa, home is where she feels a sense of belonging, comfort and peace. 

Her journey began in Iran, where she discovered her passion for water sports and earned her lifeguard and coaching certificates. Upon immigrating to Canada, she retook these courses to continue pursuing her passion. Mahsa believes mentoring is crucial for transferring knowledge, skills, and values to young people, inspiring them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. 

Her advice to her younger self—stay motivated, be strong and resilient, and never give up during difficult times—reflects her perseverance and dedication. Mahsa also emphasizes the importance of healthy active living, highlighting its benefits in improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Q&A with Mahsa

First Name: MahsaIranpour

Sport(s) you are Associated with: Swimming, scuba diving, skiing

Current Role(s): Lifeguard and swim instructor

Past Role(s): Lifeguard and swim instructor, Assistant scuba diving instructor

What Local Sport Organizations are you associated with? I am associated with S.A.R.C. and A.F.L.C.

Where is home for you? Home for me is where I feel a sense of belonging, comfort and peace. It's where my heart is content and my spirit feels at ease.

Why is mentoring the next generation important? Mentoring the next generation is important because it helps to transfer knowledge, skills, and values from experienced individuals to those who are just starting out. Additionally, mentoring can inspire and motivate young people, helping them to navigate challenges and achieve their full potential.

What does leadership mean to you? Leadership means guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. It is the ability to influence and motivate people to work towards a shared vision. True leaders inspire trust, encourage collaboration, and are dedicated to creating a positive impact.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I discovered my talent and passion for water sports, so when I was in Iran, I participated in swimming courses and obtained my lifeguard and coaching certificates. When I immigrated to Canada, I had to retake the courses because my certifications were not recognized. However, because I am very passionate about this field, everything was very enjoyable for me.

What is your favorite quote? "The only way to do great work is to love what you do," by Steve Jobs.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Stay motivated, be strong and resilient, and never give up during difficult times.

Who is your hero and why? My hero is my mother because she remained calm in difficult situations and was determined to achieve her goals.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it? My biggest challenge was immigrating to Canada. With the help of my spouse, we solved problems one by one. We attempted to make our English better. We tried to improve our skills and expertise and build stronger and more solid connections with people.

Why is healthy active living important? It is important because it can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall quality of life, helping individuals lead longer, more fulfilling lives. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity can prevent a variety of health issues.

What is your favorite memory associated with sport? I have a memorable experience from when I was working as a scuba diving instructor, taking passengers underwater. Before each dive, we conducted a brief training session on underwater hand signals, one of which was the "like" signal. I explained that while this signal usually means "like" in general contexts, underwater, it actually meant that the diver wanted to ascend or had an issue. One day, while we were diving, one of the passengers used this signal. To us, this signal indicated a potential problem, so we quickly brought her back to the surface. When we reached the surface, she was puzzled and said she had been trying to express how much she was enjoying the dive. It turned out she was simply thrilled, not in distress.

How do you keep your group/team motivated (as a coach or a player)? I organize competitive games, encourage them, and try to provide a clear vision of the future.

Who are your biggest supporters? My parents and especially my husband, who has always been by my side and helped me through every challenge. Also, my swimming coach, Ms. Movafagh, to whom I owe all my training.

What role can male allies play in supporting women in sport and leadership roles? Male allies can play a significant role in supporting women in sports and leadership roles. They can help promote gender equality by encouraging and supporting their female colleagues and amplifying women's voices in work and sports environments. Additionally, they can use their influence and power to create more opportunities for women and combat gender discrimination.

Robyn Stafford embodies the spirit and goals of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her dedication to volleyball and mentoring the next generation. Having played volleyball since age 12 and competed at the varsity level in college, she transitioned into coaching (Storm Volleyball), finding great joy in teaching youth the sport she loves. 

Robyn believes in leading by example, encouraging her athletes to let their actions speak and to be the best teammates they can be. Inspired by her father’s perseverance and wisdom, she aims to pass on the lessons volleyball taught her, helping young athletes find their place in the sport. 

Q&A with Robyn

Name: Robyn Stafford

Sport(s) Associated with: Volleyball

Current Role(s): Head Coach, Admin, Gear Team, Media

Past Role(s): Coach, Athlete

Local Sport Organizations Associated with: Storm Volleyball

Home: Aurora, Ontario

Why is mentoring the next generation important? The sport of volleyball helped build me into the person I have become, and I want to pass that on to the next generation.

What does leadership mean to you? I try to teach my volleyball athletes to lead by example. You don't always have to be the loudest in the room or on the court—just lead by your actions and be the best teammate you can be.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I have played volleyball since I was 12, and after playing varsity in college, I joined the coaching side and haven’t looked back. Teaching youth to play the sport I love is so rewarding. Seeing them understand and execute something I have shown them is the best feeling. If I can be a small part of their journey in sport and finding their place, that's worth all the time and effort in the end.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? When it comes to volleyball, I would tell myself to play hard all the time and leave it all on the court with no regrets. Play with all my effort and not worry or stress about what I can't control. Play not only for myself but for my teammates.

Who is your hero and why? My dad is my hero for never giving up on his goals and always being there for those who need him. He still helps me through tough times with his calm demeanor and wisdom.

Why is healthy active living important? Staying active is so important, even if it's just getting out to walk the dog. The amount of amazing people I have met while walking my dog in my neighborhood is outstanding.

Biggest Supporters: My family

Grace Wong embodies the spirit and goals of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her dedication to table tennis and her commitment to mentoring and leadership. She began playing table tennis at the age of seven in an after-school program but took a long break before rediscovering her passion at a community event about eight years ago. Since then, Grace's commitment to self-improvement has led her to rigorous training and competing in numerous tournaments. 

Grace believes that mentoring the next generation is essential for setting positive examples, inspiring young people to pursue their dreams, and promoting healthy lifestyles. She believes that leadership is dedication, sportsmanship, and hard work both on and off the court to inspire and motivate others.

 

Q&A with Grace

Name: Grace Wong

Sport(s) Associated with: Table Tennis

Current Role(s): Athlete

Past Role(s): Athlete, Coach

Local Sport Organizations: Table Tennis Canada

Home: Aurora, Ontario

Why is mentoring the next generation important?

• It sets positive examples and inspires young generations to pursue their dreams.
• It encourages and promotes healthy lifestyles and habits.
• It fosters a supportive community and ensures the sport's future by nurturing new talent.

What does leadership mean to you? To me, leadership means demonstrating dedication, sportsmanship, and hard work both on and off the court to inspire and motivate others. It also means using my platform to promote table tennis, encourage participation, raise awareness about the benefits of the sport, and build relationships and friendships among people from all walks of life.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I started playing table tennis at the age of 7 in an after-school program but took a long break until about eight years ago when I picked it up again at a community event. My commitment to self-improvement led me to rigorous training and competing in numerous tournaments. Despite setbacks in training, competitions, and injuries, I gained valuable experiences. The drive to become better and stronger pushes me further to challenge myself in international competitions.

Favorite Quote: "Just do it."

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? While trainings are hard and games are tough, try to enjoy the process and embrace the results no matter what they are.

Who is your hero and why? My hero is my son Jerry. Jerry has supported me unconditionally since I resumed playing the sport. Table tennis is not just a physical challenge but also a mental one, where emotional strength and calmness are as crucial as skills and techniques. Jerry's belief in my efforts and his unwavering support mean the world to me.

Biggest Challenge and How You Dealt With It: My biggest challenge was overcoming injuries and setbacks, especially to be mentally strong. I have learned to be resilient, focusing on recovery, and using setbacks as learning opportunities to come back stronger.

Why is healthy active living important? In my career, balancing work and family caused health issues. To cope, I returned to playing table tennis and found joy and stress relief. This taught me the importance of a healthy active lifestyle.

Favorite Memory Associated with Sport: One of my favorite table tennis memories is from the 2023 World Veteran Championships in Muscat, Oman. Despite feeling disappointed about my previous losses, I focused all my energy on the mixed doubles final and ended up winning. This experience reminded me of the importance of staying positive and never giving up.

How do you keep your group/team motivated (as a coach or player)? I strongly believe in team spirit, sportsmanship, and fair play in sports. I am always eager to share my knowledge with my teammates and offer support, whether in victory or defeat. To me, sports are about connecting with others, sharing both joy and challenges, and building friendships.

Biggest Supporters: My son Jerry, my parents and whole family, my coaches, my friends, and teammates.

Role of Male Allies in Supporting Women in Sport and Leadership Roles: To advocate for gender equality and promote equal opportunities.

• To mentor and sponsor women by developing their skills and expanding visibility in their field.
• To challenge stereotypes and outdated attitudes about women in sports and leadership roles.
• To provide and ensure women have equal access to resources and training, and leadership opportunities.

Abby McGregor exemplifies the spirit of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her dedication to mentoring and leadership in the aquatics field. She began her journey in aquatics at just three years old, encouraged by her parents who enrolled her in swim lessons. Her passion for the water led her to pursue lifesaving certifications at 12 years of age, and by 16 years old, she was working as a lifeguard and instructor for the Town. 

Abby continued to build on her experience throughout university, taking on the role of Head Lifeguard in her later years at Queen's University. After completing her studies, she returned home to her high school job, this time stepping up as the Aquatic Deck Supervisor. For Abby, leadership means using her knowledge to role model, teach, inspire and motivate others.

 

Q&A with Abby

Name: Abby McGregor

Sport(s) Associated with: Lifeguarding, soccer, camping (canoe tripping), skiing, running

Current Role(s): Aquatic Supervisor, Aurora Soccer Club Member

Past Role(s): Toronto Half Marathon Participant 2024, Camp Counselor (tripping), O.F.S.A.A. Medalist (Alpine Skiing)

Local Sport Organizations Associated with: Town of Aurora Aquatics, Aurora Soccer Club

Home: Aurora, Ontario

Why is mentoring the next generation important? Mentoring the next generation is important because of the role it plays in goal setting and achievement. Guidance from experienced individuals is key for inspiration and creates a safe and supportive learning environment.

What does leadership mean to you? To me, leadership means using your knowledge to role model, teach, inspire and motivate others.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I started in aquatics at 3 years old when my parents first signed me up for swim lessons. With their encouragement, I continued into my lifesaving certifications at 12, and by the age of 16, I applied to work as a lifeguard instructor for the Town of Aurora. I worked this job through to university, where I also guarded and instructed at Queen's. For my fourth and fifth years, I took on the responsibility of Head Lifeguard. After university, I moved back home and returned to my high school job, this time moving up to the position of Aquatic Deck Supervisor.

Favorite Quote: "Little progress is still progress."

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Patience, your goals can’t all be achieved overnight. Satisfaction doesn’t just come from the end result, but from the process and all of the little things you’ve learned and achieved along the way.

Who is your hero and why? My hero is my mom. She is the most determined, intelligent, and hardworking person I know. She has a goal-oriented mindset and has shown me that if you want something, you have to go and get it. Work hard, and good things will come your way.

What was your biggest challenge, and how did you deal with it? COVID was a challenge for me. Social isolation really impacted my motivation and accountability. I overcame it by journaling my activities to hold myself accountable and sharing my accomplishments with my friends and family through messages.

Why is healthy active living important? The mind and body are heavily connected. Not only is activity important for your physical health, but also your mental health.

Favorite Memory Associated with Sport: My favorite memory associated with sport is the half marathon I ran in March. Pushing through sheer exhaustion to get to the finish line showed me how much physical strength can come from mental strength.

How do you keep your group/team motivated (as a coach or a player)? I find ways to make work enjoyable while sharing as many of my tools and resources as I can. I like to refer to the "big picture" importance of our job and try to inspire my lifeguards and instructors to be the best that they can be. Being good at your job is the coolest thing ever.

Biggest Supporters: My mom and dad.

What role can male allies play in supporting women in sport and leadership roles? Male allies can play a huge role in amplifying women’s voices in leadership roles. Supporting and promoting their ideas can help give space for them in their roles, and discourage any gender-based disrespect. Similarly, in sports, supporting and promoting their accomplishments will help them feel welcome and equally entitled to success.

Ruby Lappin embodies the spirit and goals of the W.I.N.S. Spotlight Series through her dedication to staying active and always having a positive attitude. Ruby has been a passionate athlete for over 15 years, participating in sports like basketball, curling, golf, rhythmic gymnastics and more. 

She represents the Aurora Special Olympics and Motionball, where she shines as a head athlete ambassador and inspires younger athletes to get involved.

Q&A with Ruby

First Name: Ruby Lappin

Sport(s) Associated with: Golf, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Soccer, Curling, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball

Current Role(s): Athlete

Local Sport Organizations Associated with: Aurora Special Olympics and motionball

Home: I live in Newmarket, ON and compete in Aurora, ON.

Why is mentoring the next generation important? I like to mentor other athletes because I feel it's important to help others succeed and be a part of their journey in sports.

What does leadership mean to you? Leadership means making sure everyone feels included. It’s important to inspire younger athletes to get involved and learn new sports.

Describe the path you took to get to where you are now. I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 15 years. I started by playing basketball with the Aurora Dunks. I also joined motionball and became a head athlete ambassador. Now, I’m an honorary athlete of the year for emotional balance, public speaking events, and Special Olympics Ontario events.

What is your favorite quote? My favorite quote is from Special Olympics: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Try lots of sports and have fun!

Who is your hero and why? My siblings, because they always encouraged and supported me in my sports.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it? Ruby had several unsuccessful surgeries to try to correct her hearing impairment.  After several attempts she was fitted for hearing aids to enhance her hearing.  This has been incredibly successful.

Why is healthy active living important? Healthy active living is important for maintaining both mental and physical health.

What is your favorite memory associated with sport? Going to Calgary and representing Ontario at Nationals with my curling team. We won a silver medal and had lots of fun!

How do you keep your group/team motivated (as a coach or a player)? I cheer on my team and keep a positive attitude.

Who are your biggest supporters? My family and my coaches.

The program begins with 60-minutes of dynamic sports sessions led by all-female coaches representing three Local Sport Organizations. Each organization will take the reins for two weeks, guiding participants through the fundamentals of their respective sports.

Following the invigorating physical activity in the gymnasium, participants will transition to a program room for 30-minutes of engaging discussions and activities. Topics include journaling, leadership development, nutrition and communication styles, all aimed at fostering holistic growth and confidence-building in a girls only environment.

• Whether you're new to sports or seeking a fun environment to reignite your passion, Strong in Sport welcomes you!
• Customize your experience by setting personal goals with the guidance of our dedicated leaders, ensuring individual growth and development.
• Embrace the opportunity to learn from fellow participants and become a stronger, more empowered individual through shared experiences.
• Experience a supportive and non-competitive atmosphere throughout the program, where every participant's contribution is valued.
• Depart the program equipped with invaluable tools and resources to support your ongoing journey toward wellness.
• Connect with inspiring female leaders who will share their stories and provide unwavering support as you navigate your path to success.
• Cultivate meaningful friendships early on, as building connections and sharing laughter are core objectives of Strong in Sport.

Fall 2024 Program - Code # & Registration Dates

• Code #: 32257
  • Click on code # to register online.
• Residents: August 12
• Non-Residents: August 19

Thank you to York Region Lions Football, Aurora Barbarians Rugby and Aurora Mixed Slow Pitch for partnering with the Town to offer Strong in Sport.

• Start Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
• End Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Duration: 8 consecutive weeks
• Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - gymnasium
  • 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - program room
• Location: Aurora Family Leisure Complex (A.F.L.C.) - gymnasium/program room
• Ages: Girls 10 to 12 years old (must be under 13 years old)
• Cost: $40/8 weeks (subsidization is available)