Presenting a buffet of sports-related career opportunities, the Careers for Women in Sport event at Griffith University inspired 140 young women to pursue their place as future sports industry professionals. 

From left: Taylah Favier, Dr Sarah Wymer, Naomi McCarthy OAM, Sam Hughes and Annabelle Mclaren.

Partnering with the City of Gold Coast, the event celebrated the accomplishments of female athletes and sports industry role models to reinforce gender diversity and inclusivity in sports.

Griffith Manager of Sports Engagement, Lead in the Women in Sport Strategy, and Sydney 2000 Gold medallist, Naomi McCarthy OAM said there are a diverse range of career paths in the sporting industry and its important young women know about the opportunities.

“This event has been an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes and industry role models,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Through workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, students have gained valuable insight about career options such as sport coaching, event management, sport communication and journalism, sport science, sport technology, and sport marketing.

“Engaging young women in events such as this is an important part of Griffith’s Women in Sport strategy which aims to achieve better outcomes for all women in sport and support more women in sport careers.”

Providing strong representation and recognition of women in sport, the panel discussion led by Ms McCarthy included: 

  • Active & Healthy Team Lead at Venues Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast Sam Hughes’ leadership in the Active & Healthy program ensures the activation of public spaces for community fitness and wellness activities 
  • Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith Business School, Griffith University Dr Sarah Wymer’s research is focused on digital media and fan engagement 
  • Griffith School of Health Sciences and Social Work, PhD candidate Annabelle McLaren’s sports science research has allowed her to do testing with elite swimmers, NRL’s Women’s Indigenous Academy, and the Australian Jillaroos 
  • Titans Commercial Development Executive Taylah Favier’s expertise lies in leveraging business opportunities within the sports industry, ensuring sustainable development and impactful community engagement 

Griffith experts delivered workshops detailing the depth of sports technology, sports science, and sports management.

10: Reduced Inequalities
UN Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities

5: Gender Equality
UN Sustainable Development Goals 5: Gender Equality