Golf Canada has announced the hiring of Laura Wilson as its new Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Safe Sport.
Wilson, an experienced and enthusiastic senior leader, has held important executive positions at various organizations including most recently as the Executive Director of the Ontario Para Network, and previously with the Coaches Association of Ontario, and the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.
The role is a new position in Golf Canada, reflecting the organization’s elevated commitment to driving diversity and inclusion in all facets of the game as well as ensuring a safe sport environment for all enthusiasts.
“We are extremely proud to add someone like Laura, with the depth of her experience and skill-set, to our team,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.
“Golf Canada launched an extensive search for committed leader such as Laura who could advance our efforts across equity, diversity and inclusion as well as our critical safe sport activities. As an organization and industry, we are looking forward to open dialogue, engagement and action with our stakeholders and partners to help develop and execute an important diversity, inclusion, and safe sport strategy for the betterment of the organization and our sport overall.”
As part of Wilson’s effort, she will chair Golf Canada’s Diversity and Inclusion Alliance to execute a multi-point strategy to help all individuals to foster an environment where all feel responsible for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“I am committed to building diverse, fully inclusive, and equitable sport pathways for future generations of all abilities, and I can’t wait to get started at Golf Canada. As a sport leader, I am also committed to increasing opportunities for all,” said Wilson, who immigrated from India with her parents as a child.
“I believe we all have a responsibility to champion safe sport and inclusion while fostering the change we want to see in our organization and across our communities.”
Golf Canada recently launched an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion online resource as an expression of is commitment in this important space. The portal outlines a number of the policies, activities and alliances that are currently underway.
Earlier this year, Golf Canada also launched a Safe Sport online resource as part of its fundamental responsibility to protect the health, safety and physical and mental well-being of athletes, staff, volunteers, and other enthusiasts involved in its activities.
Wilson has experience not only as a senior leader in the associations and organizations space but has a background in media and content development as well. Her robust volunteer experience across many sports along with a continued interest in education and growth made her a perfect addition to Golf Canada’s team.
Wilson has already begun in her role with Golf Canada and can be reached at lwilson@golfcanada.ca.