WIFA, the global not-for-profit association supporting women working in fitness, launches new UK Council

Press Release:

International Women’s Day sees the launch of the UK Council for the Women in Fitness Association, a not for profit organisation that brings women in the fitness industry together to share support, resources and mentoring whilst addressing specific issues facing women working in the sector.

Established in the US in by industry veteran Lindsey Rainwater, WIFA has quickly established itself as a global forum for women working in fitness at all levels, especially after the creation of the global ambassador programme. “The women in fitness Association is very grateful to have Elena as our UK global ambassador. She has gone above and beyond to rally the women in her area together supporting her country as a whole on the behalf of WIFA.  The global ambassador program is something WIFA is very proud of as it allows for a stronger physical presence in all the areas we have members.” 

 Commenting on the UK launch, Emma Barry, WIFA board member and mentor for international says: “Our vision is that every woman working in the sector can find her place and rise to her fullest potential. We want to see more women in the board room and at the top level of fitness organisations, championing each other to share success through collaboration.”

Global WIFA ambassador for the UK Elena Lapetra comments: “Some extraordinary women from our sector have already stepped forward to join as Council Members and we look forward to working together for all women working in our sector, so that our industry can reflect better the society we all love to serve”.

Members of WIFA have access to a global network – accessing a wealth of knowledge, experience and connections. Other benefits include quarterly virtual meetings, live events and meetings aligned to major industry events, quarterly mentorship pairing, exposure on the WIFA website along with speaking, presenting and blogging opportunities. More details can be found at www.womeninfitness.wpengine.com

The UK Council includes many leading women from the UK fitness sector:

• Sue Anstiss MBE - CEO, Promote PR

• Lou Atkinson - Lead Master Trainer, Core H&F / Lecturer, Aston University

• Gemma Bonnett-Kolakowska - Global Marketing Director, Myzone

• Olivia Brafman - Head of Business – Fitness, Ministry of Sound

• Mel Spooner - Founder, The Project Network

• Michelle Dand - Head of Fitness Product & Programming, David Lloyd

• Francine Davis - Commercial & Strategic Development Director, Pure Gym

• Karen Flanagan - HR Director North & South Europe, Amer Sports Corporation

• Laura Hoggins - Founder, Lifted Fitness

• Marg Mayne - Chief Executive, Mytime Active

• Grace Mcnamara - Strategic Initiatives - Health and Fitness, Apple

• Fran Millar - Director of Business Operations, Team Sky

• Jenny Patrickson - Managing Director, Active IQ

• Natalie Prescott - National Key Account Manager, Les Mills UK

• Caroline Richings – Consultant & UKSA Board Member, Caroline Richings Consulting

• Sarah Roberts - Head of Fitness Operations, Places Leisure

• Jess Schuring - Co-founder, Heartcore Fitness

• Kate Day – Head Coach and Master Trainer, Virgin Active

• Fran Presho - WIFA UK Council Operations

• Elena Lapetra - Cofounder and Chief Energy Officer Stronger Studios / Global WIFA Ambassador