Hockey is the thread that weaves through every chapter of MJ’s life. It has shaped her identity, community, and commitment to empowering others. As a former NCAA Division I hockey player and coach, MJ understands the profound role sport can play in building confidence, leadership, and belonging for girls and women. MJ attributes much of her own development to her hockey teammates and mentors who continue to encourage her to grow, compete, and contribute with purpose.
MJ holds both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa, specializing in sport, physical activity, and health. Her career spans higher education, non-profit leadership, and athletics. She credits her early work with the Columbus Blue Jackets for sparking her interest in sport philanthropy. She later spent six years teaching university courses focused on sport philanthropy, wellness, and civic engagement. Inspired by her students’ change‑making spirit, MJ transitioned into non-profit work to more directly serve communities. Most recently, MJ worked in athletic development, leading donor identification and stewardship, working closely with coaches and senior staff, and directing the annual athletic fundraising campaign. These professional experiences – and the people she met along the way – strengthened her belief that meaningful progress emerges from environments grounded in creativity, joy, and collective action.
Driven by her passion for expanding access to hockey, MJ is dedicated to helping more girls experience the same sense of opportunity and self-discovery that have guided her own journey. One that has led her to Calgary where she is a big fan of smooth golf swings, long hikes, strong coffee, and the PWHL.
