Frances Mercer became the Executive Director of the Ottawa Sport Council in December 2024, after the founding Executive Director for the past 12 years, Marci Morris retired. Frances is deeply driven to contribute to the belief that there should only be positive experiences in sport. Working directly in the recreation, fitness and sport sector for over 20 years she understands the joy sport brings to people and the challenges community sport organizations face in making that possible. Devoted to understanding the needs of each individual or organization, adaptability and optimism fuels her next steps. She is passionate about connecting, collaborating and developing collective resources to strengthen the community sport sector.

Dr. Diana Parry is a Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo whose work explores how gender, equity, social justice, and community shape people’s opportunities to participate, belong, and thrive. She leads the Gender Intelligence Lab and is a co-founder of CODER, a collaboratory focused on digital equity. As the founder of GenderIQ Consulting, Diana also works with organizations to turn research and evidence into practical strategies for more inclusive programs, policies, practices, and workplaces. Across her research, teaching, and consulting, she is committed to moving conversations about inclusion toward meaningful and actionable change.

Hannah Tarasco is the Community Facilitator at Active Abilities Canada, delivering education and professional development to ensure equitable access to physical activity, recreation, and leisure across Canada. Hannah’s expertise is built on her educational background (she has expertise in physical literacy and is currently completing her Master’s at the University of Alberta, researching inclusive recreation and adapted physical activity) and her experience as a Community Outreach Consultant at the Steadward Centre, a leader in adapted physical activity and para sport development.  Based in Edmonton, Hannah is passionate about building inclusive and accessible environments that welcomes individuals of all abilities.

Marina, born with cerebral palsy, brings lived experience as well as numerous skills and talents that serve Active Abilities Canada in its work with organizations and communities. Marina, in her quest to remain physically active, has first-hand experience with the challenges to be active. According to Marina, “l can never do anything without adequate planning, because there is no provision, no expectation and no desire for people with disabilities to show up in exercise facilities that are geared for people who are not disabled.” Marina is a disability content creator, disability advocate, communications professional, award winning writer, public speaker, published author, gallery exhibited fine artist and illustrator. Marina also completed a PhD in Anthropology. She has worked on initiatives focused on persons with a disability with the TD bank and most recently with Humber Polytechnic.

Samantha is a municipal recreation professional with over 20 years of experience. Working with the City of Hamilton’s Recreation Division in a variety of roles, more recently as the Supervisor for Inclusive Programming - with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and staff development. She currently oversees a city-wide team of 75+ part-time inclusion staff and supports the implementation of departmental inclusion procedures across programs and facilities. Her experience includes behaviour support, personal care, staff training and diverse needs programming for children, youth, and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Samantha is passionate about strengthening municipal inclusion systems by bridging policy, training, and frontline practice. Her work focuses on building staff confidence, improving consistency in service delivery, and supporting the city's Recreation Division to deliver structured, dignified, and safe inclusion practices that increase participation and caregiver trust.

With over 10 years of experience as a manager with the City of Hamilton Recreation Division and as a part-time instructor at Brock University, Laura Kerr brings a unique blend of practical leadership and academic insight to the recreation sector. Laura manages diverse citywide portfolios, including inclusion, community engagement, partnerships, and staff training, with a strong focus on fostering collaboration and innovation between teams. Passionate about continuous improvement, Laura uses data to drive decision-making and build high-performing teams, ensuring the successful implementation of strategic goals across a wide range of recreation programs.

Archie began his career at Variety Village in 1984 and is now Director of Access and Awareness. For over 40 years, he has championed accessible and inclusive sport, recreation, and physical activity for people of all abilities.

Archie has coached track and field, taking athletes with disabilities to regional, provincial, and national games, as well as Junior Games in the U.S.A. In his current position, Archie leads a team to deliver Integrated Outreach and Physical Education programs to over 10,000 students in Ontario each year.

A respected educator, Archie has taught at the University of Toronto, Centennial College, and other post-secondary institutions across Ontario for decades. He has developed training for educators, coaches, municipalities, community organizations, and industry leaders.

Archie also serves on several boards, coordinates adaptive sport programs, and organizes major inclusive events. He is Director of the Active Living Conference and continues to create pathways into sport, wellness, and recreation for individuals and families across Ontario.

Nicole is a doctoral research student working with the Mental Health in a Digital Age lab at Ontario Tech University. Her research focuses on student mental health and well-being. She is also a Chair of Community Services at Conestoga College, where she supervises human and community services  programing, including the Recreation and Sport Administration diploma program. 

Nicole began her career in non-profit museums and cultural services 20 years ago, spending a decade in municipal economic and community development before moving into the post-secondary sector. Certified in Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid, Nicole cares deeply about creating safe and inclusive educational spaces for all.

Shauna Bookal is the President and CEO of the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) and a nationally recognized leader advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Canadian sport system. Born and raised in Scarborough (Malvern), Ontario, to Jamaican immigrant parents, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brock University, a Graduate Certificate in Sport Business Management from Durham College, and a Master of Science in Sports Management from West Virginia University.

Under her leadership, ICSN became a Multi-Sport Organization recognized by Sport Canada in 2025—the only organization dedicated to addressing racism and advancing equity across Canadian amateur sport. She also led the launch of the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, a free national resource that helps sport organizations create safer and more inclusive environments.

Shauna served as Senior Research Advisor to the Commissioner of the Future of Sport in Canada and served as Co-Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Wellness Advisory Body. Her leadership has earned numerous honours, including the WISE Toronto Women to Watch Award (2026), the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025), and the Brock University Distinguished Alumni Award (2024).