Team
Kate Beirness
Founder, President

Kate Beirness, a prominent Canadian sportscaster, embarked on her career journey when she made her debut on the national stage with TSN in 2009. A defining moment in sports journalism occurred in 2014 when Kate was handpicked as the co-host alongside Natasha Staniszewski, creating the pioneering female anchor team for SportsCentre. Presently, she holds the coveted position as the primary host for all Toronto Raptors broadcasts on TSN, in addition to her role as the anchor for the CFL on TSN.
Kate's contributions to Canadian television sports casting and her noteworthy founding of Her Mark were so remarkable that Ontario Tech University bestowed upon her the prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Remarkably, she became the first alumna of the university to receive such an esteemed honor.
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Nitsa Staikos
Vice President

Nitsa Staikos boasts a career that has flourished across a remarkable span of more than two decades, encompassing seven diverse industries. In her present capacity, she shoulders the pivotal responsibility of overseeing revenue retention and orchestrating VIP experiences for an illustrious portfolio that includes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Argonauts, Toronto Football Club, Marlies, and Raptors 905, along with members' clubs on both the sports and music fronts.
Her exceptional talents and contributions were duly recognized in 2022 when she earned a coveted place among Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women.
Tessa Virtue
Committee Chair

Tessa Virtue gracefully etched her name into the global consciousness when, alongside her on-ice partner Scott Moir, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest ice dance champion in Olympic history during the 2010 Games. Her Olympic journey is nothing short of extraordinary, boasting an impressive three gold medals and a total of five Olympic medals, a record that firmly establishes her as the most decorated female figure skater in the annals of Olympic history.
In the present day, Tessa deftly channels her extensive experience as a world-class, high-performance athlete into the corporate realm. As an executive advisor at Deloitte, she collaborates closely with the firm's senior leaders and their esteemed clientele. Beyond her professional pursuits, she continues to be a fervent champion for female empowerment, all the while harboring a deep-seated passion for matters of mental health, wellness, fashion, and beauty.
In 2019, Tessa gracefully bid adieu to her illustrious skating career, embarking on a new chapter of personal growth and education. She has since earned a coveted MBA from the Smith School of Business and attained a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the esteemed University of Pennsylvania.
Tessa's achievements have garnered her recognition and accolades beyond the ice rink. She was inducted into the prestigious Canada Walk of Fame in 2018 and honored with an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2020, further solidifying her status as a Canadian icon and a symbol of excellence.
Sylvie Tetrault
Director, Head of Nutrition

Sylvie Tetrault is a distinguished Sports Nutritionist and Strength and Conditioning Coach, boasting an impressive 13-year tenure dedicated to honing the peak performance of elite athletes across the NHL, NFL, UFC, and WNBA. Over the course of the last decade, Sylvie has consistently stood shoulder to shoulder with renowned figures such as Gary Roberts, collaborating closely to elevate the performance levels of some of the NHL's most illustrious talents, including luminaries like Connor McDavid and Steven Stamkos.
Presently, Sylvie holds the esteemed role of Sports Nutrition Consultant for the Edmonton Oilers, where she continues to impart her invaluable expertise in optimizing the nutritional regimens of these high-caliber athletes.
Sarita Patel
Secretary

Sarita Patel embarked on her remarkable journey in the world of sports media, initially joining the ranks of TSN as a story editor. After her tenure at TSN, she courageously pursued her aspirations for on-air broadcasting, embarking on a dynamic career path that led her from the vibrant city of Fort St. John to the picturesque landscapes of Kelowna, where she passionately served as a dedicated reporter.
Her unwavering determination and dedication bore fruit as, after two years of relentless commitment to her craft, she achieved her lifelong dream: assuming the role of a full-time reporter with the prestigious Vancouver Whitecaps FC, solidifying her place in the world of sports reporting.
Kia Nurse
Director

Kia Nurse is a standout Canadian basketball luminary, presently gracing the courts as a formidable force for the WNBA's Seattle Storm and wielding the esteemed position of captain for the Canadian Women's National Basketball team. Her multifaceted talents extend beyond the game, as she shares her basketball acumen as a distinguished analyst on TSN.
Nurse's collegiate basketball career flourished at the prestigious University of Connecticut, culminating in the triumphant capture of two NCAA national championships.
In July 2019, Kia's star continued to ascend as she was accorded the honor of starting in the WNBA All-Star Game for the very first time in her illustrious career. This accolade solidified her status as just the third Canadian to partake in this prestigious event.
Remarkably, Kia Nurse belongs to one of Canada's most illustrious sports dynasties. Her father, Richard, left his indelible mark on the Canadian Football League (CFL), while her mother, Cathy, showcased her basketball prowess at McMaster University. Kia's older sister, Tamika, graced the courts for both Oregon and Bowling Green, while her brother, Darnell, currently shines in the world of hockey with the Edmonton Oilers. Furthermore, she boasts a familial connection to former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, and her cousin Sarah Nurse is celebrated as an Olympic gold medalist in women's hockey. This illustrious lineage cements Kia Nurse's place in the pantheon of great Canadian sports families.
Megan Jones
Director

Megan is a driving force within Under Armour's Sports Marketing team, where she takes the helm as the leader for the Canadian division. In this pivotal role, she assumes the weighty responsibility of overseeing all contractual relationships with athletes, nurturing grassroots initiatives, and forging valuable property partnerships across the nation.
Megan's career trajectory has been nothing short of stellar, marked by a series of progressively influential roles. Throughout her journey, she has left her indelible mark while orchestrating and executing partnership portfolios for an array of global juggernauts, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Mattel, Bank of Montreal, Nissan, and LG Electronics. Her extensive understanding of the intricate tapestry of sports and consumer dynamics has been a catalyst in her ability to unearth ingenious methods for fostering and activating partnerships.
What sets Megan apart is not only her professional prowess but also her unwavering commitment to promoting gender diversity in her field. Having faced the challenges of being the lone woman at the decision-making table, Megan is a fervent advocate for encouraging young women to relentlessly pursue their aspirations, especially when confronted with the discouraging refrain of "you can't."
Lauren Magda
Head of Technology

Lauren, a seasoned tech and digital maven with over a decade of trailblazing experience in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Lauren's journey into the world of tech began over a decade ago, and from the very outset, she demonstrated an unquenchable thirst for innovation and a knack for navigating the digital realm. Her career has been a tapestry of remarkable achievements and a testament to their unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of technology trends.
Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Lauren is renowned for her passion for mentorship and knowledge sharing. She have been an influential figure within the tech community, regularly contributing her insights through speaking engagements, blogs, and collaborations with industry peers.
With a profound understanding of how technology shapes our world, Lauren continues to be an instrumental force in the digital landscape, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for a more connected and innovative future. Her journey of over a decade in tech is not just a career; it's a testament to her unwavering dedication to shaping the digital world for the better.
Dena Staikos
Treasurer

Dena holds a pivotal managerial role within the Compliance and Registrant Regulation Branch (CRR) at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). At the CRR, the paramount responsibilities encompass the meticulous handling of initial and ongoing registration, as well as rigorous compliance oversight of firms. Furthermore, the branch plays a central role in policy development and conducts thorough reviews of applications for exemptive relief.
In her capacity as the Manager of the Specialized Dealer Team, Dena is entrusted with the vital task of overseeing and regulating both firms and individuals engaged in the trading of securities or derivatives within the province of Ontario.
Dena's distinguished career journey prior to her role at the OSC commenced in 2006. She honed her professional acumen within the assurance services group at PricewaterhouseCoopers, an experience that culminated in her attaining the esteemed Chartered Professional Accountant designation. During her tenure, she cultivated her expertise, with a particular focus on the investment funds industry, laying the foundation for her future success in the regulatory sphere.