Jan 29, 2025 – Twenty-four women graduated from the Women Lead Sports Masters Program in November as FIS continues its commitment to increasing gender balance across leadership roles by investing in their development.
Twenty participants who work as sports and technical administrators were selected for the program from several NSAs and disciplines, including Para sport.
They were joined by four FIS staff, including Athletes’ Commission Co-Chair Verena Stuffer, to ensure there was diverse representation.
Cross-Country skier James Clugnet was the sole man who attended part of the program, illustrating his allyship and support of a gender-equal environment.
I really believe that men have a key role to play in building women’s leadership. I believe in a collaborative approach rather than each gender fighting for their rights. Gender equality in sports is not only a woman’s right cause it is just as much, if not more, the responsibility of men to change our federations. James Clugnet (GBR), FIS Cross-Country Athlete Representative The objective was to equip women who are working in the ski and snowboard community with the tools that will enable them to become great leaders or further develop their skills in current leadership roles.
The course further demonstrated FIS’ commitment to its Five-Year Strategic Plan which seeks to ensure that diversity, gender equality, and inclusion are considered in decision-making at all levels.
The Women Lead Sports Masters Program was developed by Gabriela Müller Mendoza, an award-winning trainer and coach for over 20 years and an expert in diversity, equality, and inclusion in sport.
Gabriela Müller and her team delivered a comprehensive four-week program featuring live online sessions. The course combined interactive virtual workshops with self-paced learning through a dedicated online platform, allowing participants to strengthen their skills between sessions.
Graduates will soon be invited to an online Boot Camp training sessions where they can connect and network with female leaders across summer, winter, and Para sports. The Women Lead Sports community has established a truly global presence, with FIS leaders now joining this expanding international network.
There was a focus on building self-confidence, which is key for women to succeed as leaders, as well as courage and assertiveness.
This had an impact on FIS Administrative Coordinator Alexandra Blum, who said: “Although I already had confidence, I was a bit shy about speaking up in front of others. Thanks to the program, I learned how to overcome that shyness in situations where it’s important to step up and express myself.”
How to successfully lead in male-dominated environments was addressed as was fostering self-awareness of personal leadership style, areas of development and strengths and personal power and influence.
Other topics included communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills; stakeholder management and applying skills to navigate politics; networking, sponsoring, mentoring, and lobbying skills and best practices in Sport Electoral years.
Blum praised the way Müller kept the group engaged, saying: “She is incredible — her energy, skills, and personality are unmatched. She knows how to motivate you, push you out of your comfort zone, and inspire real change.”
Johanne Killi retired in 2023 as one of the most successful female freestyle skiers in history.
She then took up a role as coach of the Development Team for female athletes in Norway with the goal of increasing representation on the national team.
Killi said: “The FIS Women Lead Sports Program has significantly boosted my confidence in speaking up during meetings, standing firm in my beliefs, and expressing my opinions effectively. It has also inspired me to embrace leadership as a woman and motivated me to pursue leadership opportunities.
Throughout the course, I gained valuable insights into different personality types and how to interact with them effectively. This understanding has helped me identify areas for personal growth as a leader. The lecturers also provided practical advice on using language, voice, and body language effectively during meetings, online discussions, and presentations. Johanne Killi (NOR), former professional Freestyle skier The program was such a success that it will run for a second cohort in June.
Applications will be sent to NSAs at the start of April.
Gabriela Müller paid tribute to the group, saying: “As the Lead Coach in the Women Lead Sports Master Program, working with the first cohort of impactful women was both a privilege and a pleasure. These remarkable leaders brought creativity, courage, and determination. They challenged the status quo, engaged meaningfully with the program, and showcased how everyone — from staff to athletes and former athletes — brings valuable skills from sports into leadership roles.
Throughout our four-week program, their dedication exemplified FIS’ mission to drive the appeal of winter sports while addressing today’s challenges with innovation and increased representation in leadership. They proved that leadership, when paired with purpose, has the power to transform the global landscape of winter sports. Gabriela Müller Mendoza, Lead Coach of the Women Lead Sports Master Program 
