Girls Forward is seeking researchers, academics, evaluators, and knowledge mobilization leaders to present as part of our Lead Forward Webinar Series, a national virtual learning initiative focused on advancing equity, inclusion, leadership, and positive experiences for girls and women in sport. As part of our commitment to advancing knowledge mobilization and capacity building within the sport and physical activity sector, this series is supported by funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).

Learn more about the opportunity and apply below.

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about girls forward foundation

 

Girls Forward Foundation is Canada’s leading organization dedicated to empowering girls through sport, physical activity, and education. We are reimagining what programming can be and who it can serve. Our vision extends far beyond traditional athletic development – we create spaces where participants discover their strength, find their voice, and develop into tomorrow’s leaders. Through partnerships with local organizations and our extensive network of Real Role Models, we design and deliver programs that reflect and celebrate diverse communities across the nation. Our events and programs combine physical activity, mentorship, and skill development to help participants discover their strength through movement and community. From as young as five until early adulthood, our programs provide structured leadership development that creates pathways for continued engagement and growth.

As part of our commitment to advancing knowledge mobilization and capacity building within the sport and physical activity sector, we are launching the Lead Forward Webinar Series, supported by funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).

WEBINAR SERIES OVERVIEW

 

The Lead Forward Webinar Series is a national virtual learning initiative designed to bring together researchers, practitioners, community leaders, coaches, and organizations working to advance equity, inclusion, leadership, and positive experiences for girls and women in sport and physical activity.

The series will run from July to December 2026 and will feature monthly sessions focused on research translation, practical strategies, emerging issues, and collaborative dialogue across the sector. Girls Forward is seeking researchers, academics, evaluators, and knowledge mobilization leaders interested in delivering one webinar session within the series, prioritizing research from an intersectional lens.

purpose of the proposal

 

This call is intended to identify researchers and/or sector leaders who can contribute expertise, evidence-informed perspectives, and engaging learning opportunities aligned with the goals of the Lead Forward Webinar Series.

Priority areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Girls’ and women’s participation in sport and physical activity
• Gender-inclusive and girl-centred coaching
• Positive youth development and leadership
• Body image, confidence, and wellbeing
• Safe sport and belonging
• Mentorship and social support systems
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Research and evaluation in community sport
• Knowledge mobilization and research translation
• Community-engaged or participatory research approaches

Girls Forward welcomes proposals from researchers across disciplines, career stages, and institutions, as well as those with experience collaborating directly with community organizations and sport systems.

SESSION LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Selected session leads will be responsible for:

• Designing and facilitating one 45–60 minute virtual session;
• Collaborating with Girls Forward staff on session logistics and promotion;
• Providing a session title, short description, and learning outcomes;
• Girls Forward prioritizes sessions that are interactive, practical, participant-centered, and accessible to both academic and non-academic audiences. Presenters are encouraged to balance evidence-informed content with actionable strategies, stories, examples, or case studies;
• Incorporating opportunities for participant engagement and discussion where appropriate;
• Sharing any presentation materials or resources in advance of the session with Girls Forward staff;
  • NOTE: Sessions may be recorded and shared with registered participants or used for future educational purposes by Girls Forward. Presenters will be notified in advance and may be asked to provide consent for recording and resource distribution.
• Provide a 1-page resource post-webinar with best practices or additional resources for session attendees;
• Ensuring content aligns with principles of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and participant-centered learning.

Girls Forward will provide administrative and promotional support, including registration, communications, moderation support, and virtual platform management.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

 

Interested individuals are invited to submit the following:

• Name, affiliation (if applicable), and contact information;
• Short biography (150–250 words);
• Proposed session title;
• Brief session overview (250–500 words);
• Intended audience and learning outcomes;
• Relevant experience related to the proposed topic;
• Links or examples of previous presentations, workshops, publications, or related work (optional).

Collaborative or co-led session proposals are welcome.

selection considerations

 

Submissions will be reviewed based on:

• Relevance to the goals of the Lead Forward Webinar Series;
• Alignment with Girls Forward’s mission and values;
• Demonstrated expertise and experience;
• Ability to translate research into practical application;
• Experience engaging diverse audiences;
• Inclusion of intersectional perspectives;
• Relevance to current sector challenges or emerging trends;
• Engagement and accessibility of the proposed session;
• Diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, and approaches represented across the series.

HONORARIUM

 

Selected session leads will receive an honorarium of $250 in recognition of their time and expertise.

deadline for submission

 

Questions regarding this call for proposals will be answered until 17:00 ET on May 29, 2026. To ensure a fair and transparent process, questions and answers will be shared with all parties asked to participate in this process. Please direct questions to Siobhan Rourke at srourke@girlsforward.ca. 

Submissions must be received before 23:59 ET on May 31, 2026 via the application link here. Proposals will be evaluated during the month of June 2026 which could also include a follow-up with shortlisted candidates. If a specific month in the series is ideal for you, please include it in your submission.

Successful applicants will be contacted by June 15, 2026.