Supported by the Office for Women, the intensive six-month program aims to advance the professional development of women working in these fields and strengthen their connections across the sector.

The program will kick off at the end of March and include three workshops at the AIS as well as online executive coaching and peer support focused on developing leadership capabilities.

AIS Acting Director Matti Clements encouraged eligible applicants to come forward and take advantage of the opportunity. 

“We know there is extraordinary talent out there who can help strengthen the sport system with their unique set of skills and experiences and I strongly encourage them to come forward and apply.” 

“This program has proven hugely successful as it helps people navigate those next career steps and connect them with individuals who have had similar journeys in sport.” 

AIS Female Performance Health Initiative Project Lead Dr Rachel Harris took part in the 2021 AIS Talent Program while in the role as Chief Medical Officer for the Tokyo 2020 Australian Paralympics Team. She says the connections she forged with other women in STEMM have proven invaluable.  

“This group is a bit like your own cheer squad to get through life. The program also assisted me to understand my strengths and weaknesses in leadership, which has made an invaluable difference in my roles in sport, helping me to understand my own leadership style.”

This is the second time the program has run with the AIS delivering two other Talent Programs on alternate years which focus on advancing women in high performance coaching and executive roles.

The AIS Talent Programs are supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Office for Women, in conjunction with the AIS and the Australian Sports Commission. The $3.4 million in funding over four years also supports the long-running Women Leaders in Sport Program and the AIS Accelerate Program.

Applications for the AIS Talent Program (STEMM) are open and close on March. Learn more here.