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Sandra Riberdy, Leadership Expert and Well-Known Advocate for Cultural Change, named Diversity Officer for Ontario Soccer

By Staff, 04/26/21, 10:15AM EDT

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The Diversity Officer will work closely with the CEO and the Ontario Soccer Membership to implement the Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Committee’s work

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

As one of Canada’s largest sports organizations, Ontario Soccer recognizes the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and breaking down systemic barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential - be it on the pitch or in the boardroom.

Ontario Soccer’s Diversity Advisory Sub-Committee recently presented its report and the recommendations to the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors and were unanimously approved. The full report can be found at OntarioSoccer.net.

Now that the work of the Diversity Advisory Sub-Committee is complete, the continuation of their plan will be carried on through a newly established Operational Committee, the Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Committee, that will report to the Chief Executive Officer’s office and advise the Board of Directors.

Furthermore, as a part of the approved recommendations, a Diversity Officer role has been created that will operate closely with the CEO and membership on the implementation of the operational committees’ work. 

Today, Ontario Soccer is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Riberdy as the Diversity Officer.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new committee, Ontario Soccer and its members to build a more holistic and equitable organization,” said Sandra Riberdy. “Soccer is a sport that brings people together regardless of their background. It’s important that all of our participants can see themselves represented on the field and in the boardroom at all levels of the game.”

Sandra Riberdy is a Lead Agile Coach - Program Director with Manulife and with over 20 years experience leading strategic programming and transformations in global technology, telecommunication and financial industries. 

She also acts as an advocate for cultural change to include Diversity and Inclusion both in and out of the workplace.  Riberdy is on the Manulife Segment Diversity Equity Inclusion Council, as well as a member of various Employee Resources Groups, including: Global Women Alliance (GWA) and Valuing the Inclusion of Black Experiences (VIBE). She also recently served on the Ontario Soccer Diversity Advisory Sub-Committee.

Sandra has also been actively involved in the soccer community as a player and a parent of three with her youngest playing competitively. She is also a member of the Southwest Soccer District Board of Directors. She has a strong passion for coaching and empowering individuals, teams and leaders on business agility, process improvement and change management through mentoring, facilitation, training, collaboration and continuous improvement.

“Ontario Soccer is thrilled that Sandra has accepted this appointment to serve as our membership’s Diversity Officer,” said Johnny Misley, Chief Executive Officer. “Her leadership and experience will play a key role in leading us through change which will allow all our members equal access to the world’s game.”

The Diversity Advisory Sub-Committee’s recent Report and Approved Recommendations are available on OntarioSoccer.net for public review.

Sandra Riberdy can be reached at our specific Diversity Officer contact by email.

About Ontario Soccer

Founded in 1901, Ontario Soccer is comprised of more than 550 Clubs and Private Academies servicing over 24,000 teams with 380,000 registered players, 70,000 coaches and managers, and 9,500 match officials, as well as countless volunteers, parents and supporters comprising a direct, multi-cultural community of over 1,000,000 Ontarians.

Ontario Soccer develops and delivers exceptional and sustainable programs and services throughout Ontario with the mission of providing leadership and support for the advancement of soccer in collaboration and cooperation with our membership, partners and other stakeholders. Ontario Soccer also operates the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) - the province’s premier standards based youth development program and proudly supports Canada Soccer’s National Teams, the Canadian Premier League and Toronto FC.

An overall goal of Ontario Soccer is to assist with the equitable development of soccer as a healthy lifestyle choice, provide a talented pathway for players to excel and encourage inclusive community involvement at all levels.