Meet Delfina Shakespear, Program Manager for the Empowering Women and Girls in Sport Integrity Program at Sport Integrity Australia. Here she talks about her work, passion for women’s leadership and embracing collaboration.   

What is your current role and how did you get to be there?

I am currently serving as an Executive Level 1 Program Manager for the Empowering Women and Girls in Sport Integrity Program at Sport Integrity Australia. My journey in the Australian Public Service (APS) spans over 12 years, during which I’ve had the privilege of working in various dynamic roles. My career has been driven by a passion for promoting integrity and inclusivity in sports, particularly for women and girls.   

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Geography from the University of Wollongong and have completed executive education in Women’s Leadership from the Yale School of Management. These formal qualifications, along with my extensive experience, have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to lead strategic initiatives and engage stakeholders effectively.

How does your work contribute to the field? 

In my current role, I spearhead the development and launch of strategic programs aimed at promoting integrity in sports for women and girls. One of my proudest achievements has been leading the soft launch of our program strategy, which involved incorporating feedback from key stakeholders to ensure it aligns with our organisational goals and industry best practices – Empowering Women & Girls in Sport Integrity Program.  

I also organise and moderate panel discussions with athletes, coaches, and policymakers to address critical issues and share best practices. Engaging with diverse stakeholders through targeted outreach and collaborative initiatives has been a cornerstone of my work, fostering a supportive network committed to enhancing sport integrity.  

Additionally, I have developed media talking points and briefings to effectively communicate our program’s objectives and achievements, enhancing public awareness and support. My efforts have not only promoted the participation of women and girls in sports but also highlighted their achievements and advocated for increased opportunities and support 

What is a project you would love to get off the ground or a skill you would like to develop, if you had the opportunity? 

As the Vice President of the Professional Football Referees Association (PFRA), I am deeply committed to leadership and advocacy within the sports community. One project I am particularly passionate about is establishing a women’s leadership development program for elite match officials.

This program focuses on enhancing their skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles both on and off the field. I aim to further develop my expertise in strategic policy management, particularly in areas that intersect with sports integrity and governance. By leveraging my experience in program management and stakeholder engagement, I hope to drive initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports.

This dual focus on leadership and policy will enable me to contribute more effectively to the broader goals of the PFRA and the sports community at large 

What are your loves outside of work?

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid football referee and have been a member of the National Women’s A-League Panel since 2013 – recently becoming the most capped Assistant Referee in the Women’s competition. This role has allowed me to stay connected to the sport I love while advocating for fair play and integrity. I serve as the Vice President of the PFRA, where I represent and advocate on behalf of elite match officials.  In addition, I am a Board Director for Fearless Women ACT, an organisation dedicated to empowering girls and young women to live life with confidence, courage, resilience, and hope. Through this role, I have had the opportunity to support various initiatives and act as a spokesperson for the organisation. 

I love enjoy quality time with my husband (who is also an A-Leagues match official), travelling near and far to have new experiences and try lots of different foods (MASSIVE FOODIE). 

What is one piece of advice you could pass onto others following their own career in health and medical research sector? 

One piece of advice I would pass on to others pursuing a career in the health and medical research sector is to embrace collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Building trust and fostering relationships are key to achieving impactful outcomes. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the power of strategic thinking and a results-driven approach. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.