Dora Henry, President of the St Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA), has successfully completed the highly regarded Women Lead Sports Master Online Programme, an intensive, globally recognized initiative designed to elevate women in sports leadership. The programme, which ran from March 5–26, 2025, is an initiative of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and is supported by World Athletics, which selected Henry as one of its nominees.
Henry’s participation was also endorsed by the Gender Equity Commission of NACAC Athletics, making her one of the region’s representatives in the programme, which focuses on equipping women in senior roles with the practical tools needed to excel in leadership positions within sports.
Reflecting on her achievement, Henry described the experience as both professionally enriching and personally empowering.
“Having successfully completed the ASOIF Women Lead Sport Master Programme, I have gained expertise in key areas such as communication, negotiation, networking, and leadership confidence,” she said. “These tools are not just theoretical concepts; they are practical strategies that will help me navigate complex leadership dynamics, build meaningful partnerships, and advocate effectively for athletes, coaches, officials, and the wider sporting community.”
As the head of the SLAA, Henry believes the skills and global insights acquired during the programme will have a direct and lasting impact on athletics in Saint Lucia.
“This achievement is not just personal, it is a step forward for women in sport leadership, particularly in Saint Lucia,” she stated. “The insights and skills acquired from this programme will allow me to strengthen governance structures, enhance athlete development pathways, and drive initiatives that ensure inclusivity and sustainability in our sport.”
She also highlighted the value of the international network built through the programme, which brings together women from diverse sporting disciplines and leadership levels around the world.
“The global network I have built through this programme will provide access to shared knowledge and best practices that can elevate the local athletics landscape,” Henry said. “This experience has reinforced my commitment to fostering opportunities for our athletes, officials, and administrators, ensuring that Saint Lucia continues to produce world-class talent and remains competitive on the regional and international stage.”
The St Lucia Athletics Association officially celebrated Henry’s accomplishment, describing it as a significant milestone not only for the organization but for the broader national effort to empower women in leadership across sports.