WOMEN in sport conference

Annual Women in Sport Conference

Theme: Give to Gain

On March 7, 2026 we’re bringing together athletes, coaches, leaders, and changemakers for a day designed to ignite inspiration, spark connection, and strengthen the movement for gender equity in sport. This is the event you’ll want to be a part of.

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” celebrates the power of investing in one another through mentorship, advocacy, opportunity, and support. When women lift women, everyone rises. This conference is your chance to be part of the collective momentum.

Expect dynamic speakers, hands-on body confident sessions, and meaningful conversations that fuel action and community. This year, we’re taking the experience even further. Attendees will have the opportunity to add on an exclusive experience at the end of the day: premium access to two semi-finals of a world-class women’s squash tournament, paired with a celebratory drink.

It’s a powerful way to close the day, coming together to watch women excel at the highest level of sport, and to celebrate the very excellence, resilience, and leadership we champion throughout the conference.

📅 Save the Date: March 7, 2026

Spots will go fast! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this movement. Registration is open now with three options: 1/2 Day morning + Lunch, 1/2 Day afternoon + lunch, or Full Day and lunch. Don’t forget to add on access to the semi-finals in your check-out.

2026 Conference Agenda

View the Conference Schedule Here

Our 2026 Line-up is set!

2026 Conference Registration

1/2 Day AM Conference Ticket

Includes access to the morning sessions and lunch from 9am - 12pm

1/2 Day PM Conference Ticket

Includes access to the afternoon sessions and lunch from 12pm-3pm

Full Day Conference Ticket

Full Day Conference Ticket Includes access to all of the sessions and lunch, from 9am - 3pm.

2026 Conference Speakers

Kristen Anderson

Body Intelligence

Kristen Anderson is a performance coach and the founder of Body Intelligence, a coaching method designed to help athletes unlock their fullest physical, psychological, and relational potential. With an MA in Organizational Behaviour, a Sex Educator and advanced training in neuroscience-informed coaching, Kristen integrates sport science, mindful movement, and whole-human performance to support athletes across disciplines. A lifelong endurance and varsity athlete, mom of three, and Boston Marathon finisher, she pairs lived experience in endurance sports with certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Kristen is internationally recognized for her innovative workshops on embodied resilience for athletes, menstrual health, periods and performance. Her work helps women build confidence from the inside out — training that aligns with their physiology rather than opposes it.

Julie Smulders

She's Got Next

Julie Smulders is a pioneering leader bridging elite athletics and high finance. A former UBC Thunderbirds point guard, she played professionally in the Netherlands and represented the Dutch National Women’s Basketball Team. Transitioning to business, she advanced through PwC and Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Willoughby Asset Management. In 2024, she founded SHE’S GOT NEXT, a nonprofit elevating Women’s sports in Canada through initiatives like Breakfast with Champions. Honored with UBC’s 2025 Kay Brearley Award, Smulders exemplifies the powerful intersection of athletic excellence and executive leadership, championing equity for female athletes and professionals.

Dr. Seema Kanwal, ND

Dr. Kanwal has been an active member of the British Columbia Board of Naturopathic Doctors since relocating to Vancouver. With a passion for staying abreast of the latest medical research, she actively attends conferences to ensure she provides her patients with the most current and effective treatments. Utilizing a highly integrative approach, Dr. Kanwal addresses both acute and chronic conditions that may have previously gone undiagnosed. She sets herself apart as one of the few naturopathic physicians in Canada trained in the Apo E Diet, offering specialized expertise in personalized nutrition. In addition to her clinical skills, Dr. Kanwal is licensed to prescribe lab tests and medications, providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Currently, Dr. Kanwal is pursuing certification in integrative medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), further expanding her knowledge and skills in holistic patient care. Dr. Kanwal’s practice philosophy centers around disease prevention, emphasizing the importance of understanding each patient’s unique needs. She empowers her patients to take an active role in their health journey, guiding them towards optimal wellness through lifestyle modifications and personalized interventions. With Dr. Kanwal’s guidance, patients not only recover from illness but also learn sustainable strategies for maintaining long-term health and vitality.

Nicole Bunyan

Squashletic

I'm a Canadian Professional Squash Association player (highest world ranking of #39, so far!), NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coach, and self-proclaimed training geek! I’m not your normal squash pro or gym trainer. I use my experience as a professional squash player and certified trainer to create effective, no-BS training programs for squash players. After graduating in 2015 as an All-American and with my degree in Biology from Princeton University, I began working as a personal trainer & group fitness coach in New York City. While I trained clients full-time and coached squash on the side, I was also rehabbing my own injuries, having recently had knee surgery and been in a car accident. By learning how to train smart and effectively, I was able to make a full recovery, and begin playing on the PSA world tour. Since 2015, I have trained clients of all ages & levels, coached squash to juniors, masters players, and die-hard enthusiasts, all while playing professionally on the world tour. Squashletic was born. WHAT IS SQUASHLETIC? Whether you need to improve your footwork, conditioning, strength, mobility, or even nutrition, Squashletic takes a holistic approach to your training. You are not just a squash player- you are a squash ATHLETE, and you need to train like one if you want to improve your game, play several days a week, and continue playing for years to come.

Robin Stamm, MPT

Robin received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011. Prior to this, she had been exposed to physiotherapy and its positive impact on her physical pursuits as an amateur athlete, dancer and yogi. Since graduation, Robin has worked extensively in private practice. She spent six years in Halifax working at an innovative interdisciplinary healthcare clinic which sought to empower and improve patients’ quality of life through collaborative holistic care. She has extensive post-graduate training and experience in the areas of orthopaedics and chronic pain. She obtained her certification in Anatomy Trains Structural Integration through Tom Myer’s school in 2013. In 2018, she completed New Zealand’s Bradcliff Method certification for assessment and treatment of breathing pattern dysfunctions. Most recently she studied the Integrated Systems Model approach with Diane Lee here in BC, which teaches an effective framework for whole body assessment and integrated treatment. Robin enjoys treating all types of patients and injuries and is passionate about helping her patients feel and move better for long term health and well being. She moved to Vancouver in early 2020 and became a mother in 2021, and has been the a Physiotherapist at Vancouver Lawn since 2003

Ikue Ueno

Fascia Oracle

With a background as a professional dancer and choreographer, Ikue bridges performance, somatics, and fascia science to help women reconnect with their bodies from the inside out. Her work focuses on nervous system regulation, emotional release through movement, injury recovery, and restoring confidence through embodied awareness. Rather than “fixing” the body, she creates a safe field where the body remembers how to soften, recalibrate, and reorganize itself. Ikue teaches weekly classes in Vancouver and offers hands-on sessions supporting athletes, dancers, and women at all stages of life to move with more freedom, strength, and self-trust.

Dasha Maslennikova

Clinical Director, Symmetrix Kinesiology and Kinesiologist

Dasha is the clinical director and co-owner of Symmetrix Exercise & Rehab, bringing 11 years of extensive clinical, sport, and gym experience to her clients and team. Her expertise is wide-ranging, covering active rehabilitation, personal training, aquatic therapy, and ergonomics for workplaces. With her diverse background, she has worked with a variety of individuals, including athletes from lacrosse and hockey teams, chronic pain clients, and those in cardiac rehabilitation. Recognized for her outstanding work, Dasha has received numerous accolades. These include the Award for Excellence in Clinical Health from the British Columbia Ministry of Health, Vancouver's Top Kinesiology Studio for 2022-2025, and Kinesiologist of the Year for 2021 awarded by the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance. One key aspect of Dasha's clinical approach is her emphasis on a mind-body connection in training and rehabilitation. She helps clients understand the significance of motivation, cultivating healthy habits, setting goals, and incorporating relaxation and restoration practices alongside their regular kinesiology sessions. Dasha's passion lies in empowering individuals to improve their function, movement, and strength, and she genuinely cares about her clients' success. Furthermore, she actively fosters community growth and development, always eager to expand her knowledge and take on new challenges. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dasha is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She frequently embarks on mountain trips, engaging in activities like backcountry skiing, multi-day hiking, and rock climbing. Demonstrating her commitment to adventure, she once undertook a two-day hike along the Howe Sound Crest Trail to attend her friends' wedding in Porteau Cove. Additionally, she has cycled from Vancouver to Baja Sur, Mexico, showcasing her dedication to outdoor exploration. At home, Dasha's creativity shines as she engages in fermenting, canning, and preserving food items such as tomatoes and miso. Constantly seeking ways to enhance her active lifestyle, she prioritizes consuming nutritious whole foods to fuel her endeavors.

Angela Hong

President, Sunshine Squash Club

The Sunshine Squash Club is driven by a vision bigger than the court. We inspire the next generation, support junior athletes in chasing their highest potential, and help fund and strengthen organizations like Squash BC and Squash Canada. We stand behind competitive pathways, including PSA tournaments, while our alumni advise junior players pursuing college squash. Through hosting events and building community, we’re growing the future of the sport.

Kate Perry

Kate Perry is a high-performance sport leader with over 15 years of experience in athlete development, sport science, and physical preparation. She holds a BSc in Exercise Physiology and Sport Medicine from Kent State University and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Edinburgh. Kate has worked as a provincial field hockey coach and sport scientist supporting provincial, national, and professional sport organizations, and now focuses on leadership within high-performance sport systems. A lifelong competitive athlete, she earned a full NCAA Division I field hockey scholarship at Kent State and represented Canada at the Age Group World Triathlon Championships in Beijing (2011) and London (2013). Her experience across coaching, science, and performance gives her a uniquely holistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in elite sport.

Tasha Doucas

Resilience isn’t just a mindset - it’s a way of life. As an advocate, squash coach developer, and family caregiver consultant, I empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose. Through Radical Resilience, I help family caregivers find balance, strength, and sustainable strategies for their journey. My work in squash coaching and consulting extends beyond the court, shaping athletes and leaders with the same principles of perseverance and adaptability while creating a safe space for women to learn, connect, and have fun. With a background in sport, fitness, and business, I also help entrepreneurs define their goals, achieve financial independence, and create a balanced, fulfilling life. My guiding principle? Live Life Fully.

2025 conference recap

Lessons from the Power of Mentorship Conference

Written by Diana Chang