BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENT

Girls Forward Foundation is excited to announce that Fahreen Kurji has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors, effective July 2025. Fahreen first joined the Board of Directors in 2023 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s next chapter, including supporting the rebrand in April 2025 and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Foundation this year. A “recovering lawyer”, she currently works in a corporate role at the regional transit agency in the GTHA. Fahreen will lead the Board of Directors team and work closely with the Girls Forward Foundation staff team on the future of the organization.

I am equal parts humbled, excited, and honoured to step into the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for Girls Forward Foundation. I am eternally grateful for the trust of the board and organization, and notably the ongoing leadership and support of the outgoing Chair, Sophia. I have immense confidence in Girls Forward to achieve further successes empowering self-identified girls through access to sport and movement as it enters a new chapter. Girls in sport are empowered for life.”

-Fahreen Kurji, Chair of the Board of Directors

At this time, Girls Forward Foundation also extends heartfelt thanks to Sophia Dhrolia, who has served as Chair of the Board of Directors since 2023. A Board member since 2020, Sophia supported the organization in our ongoing work to integrate an intersectional, anti-racist lens and framework in our operations. More recently, Sophia played a key role in shaping the organization’s strategy and leading the transition from Fast & Female to Girls Forward Foundation. She will continue to serve on the Board as Director at Large.

  I am honoured to have served as Board Chair during such a pivotal time in the organization’s journey, including shaping our strategy and leading the transition from Fast & Female to Girls Forward Foundation. I look forward to continuing to contribute as Past Chair and Board member. I am delighted to welcome Fahreen Kurji as our new Chair and am confident in her leadership to advance our mission and impact.”

-Sophia Dhrolia, Past Chair of the Board of Directors

As Canada’s leading organization dedicated to empowering girls through sport and physical activity, Girls Forward Foundation is reimagining what our programming can be and who it can serve. Our vision extends beyond traditional athletic development — we create spaces where girls discover their strength, find their voice, and grow as leaders. Through sport, mentorship, and skill development, our programs support girls from age five through early adulthood.

I am thrilled to continue working alongside Fahreen in this next chapter of our organization’s story, growing our impact and continuing to empower girls through sport, nationwide!”

-Gabriela Estrada, Executive Director

Girls Forward Foundation is excited to announce that the Call for Nominations to join our Board of Directors is now open! Learn more about the posting here.

For any questions related to our board recruitment or overall operations, please e-mail us at info@girlsforward.ca.