Ask Women – on Sport
Change the narrative with the women experts from the European databases of the ENWE network.
Dear reader,
Welcome to the March issue of our Ask Women newsletter, brought to you by the European Network for Women Excellence (ENWE) in collaboration with the women experts’ databases in our network: 100esperte, AcademiaNet, Agenda d’Expertes, The Brussels Binder, Expertalia, Les Expertes and our newest member – 🆕 Ona Ve.
Yes, things are moving fast at ENWE! Last month, we welcomed The Brussels Binder to our network, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Ona Ve, a non-profit association from Slovenia dedicated to increasing the representation of women in media and public events. Their platform features a growing database of 580 female experts across diverse fields, actively working to amplify women's voices in public discourse.
Welcome to ENWE, Ona Ve!
To learn more about the organization, read this interview on our website.
This Edition’s Theme:
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (April 6)
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) has been observed annually on April 6, recognizing the transformative power of sport in fostering positive change, bridging divides, and promoting peace.
In 2025, IDSDP highlights the theme: “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion.” This year’s focus underscores the role of sport in challenging stereotypes, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring inclusivity for all – regardless of age, gender, or race. As societies strive for greater equity, sport serves as a catalyst for dialogue, empowerment, and systemic change, offering a platform to tackle prejudice and create a more inclusive world.
Meet the experts
Below, you’ll find the profiles and contacts of women experts in various fields available for interviews, panel discussions, events, and other opportunities.
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Please note:
you may have to change the language setting to ENG at the top right of the 100esperte website to view the profiles in English language.
ELEONORA BELLONI
Sport historian and associate professor at the University of Siena’s Department of Political and International Sciences. Vice-president of the Italian Society of Sports History since 2023, she researches cycling mobility, sustainable transport, and the social history of sport in Italy.
Contact nowLUISA RIZZITELLI
Founder and Managing Director of Communis srl s.u., President of Assist, Italian women athletes association, and journalist, marketing and events manager, and gender equality trainer and speaker. A women’s and LGBTIQA+ rights activist, Italian coordinator of One Billion Rising world NGO against violence on women.
Contact now
SUSANNA HEDENBORG
A specialist in sport sciences and history at Malmö University College, focusing on gender, childhood, and social class in equestrian sports in Sweden. Her research explores youth sports, analyzing why many drop out and how future sports can better meet young people’s needs.
ANA PASTOR PASCUAL
Sport and physical activity consultant with a feminist perspective, researching the links between body, gender, and movement. With degrees in sport sciences, cultural studies, and gender studies, she explores transfeminism and embodied knowledge. Author of Chandaleras: masculinidad femenina vs feminidad obligatoria en el deporte.
MARAVILLAS APARICIO ORTEGS
Director of Nosotras Deportistas, a social organization empowering women in and through sports. Industrial engineer, triathlon coach, and director of 10KFem, Spain’s only 10km women’s race. Speaker, writer, and award-winning advocate for women’s sports, she also leads Spain’s largest women’s running school.
Contact now
JOANNE MURPHY
Accomplished event MC, presenter, and sports announcer, she hosts the Tri Talking Sport podcast. She specializes in sporting events management, PR, and marketing. She also hosts motivational seminars with top speakers from sporting and business sectors. President of BPW Galway, a Women For Tri Ambassador, and an Irish cycling record holder, she champions women in sport and business.
PAOLA OTTONELLO
Policy Officer at the European Commission in DG Education and Culture, focusing on gender equality in sport. Member of the Expert Group on Good Governance. With a strong background in digital communication, she is actively involved in the European Week of Sport.
Contact now
MARTA BON
Sports expert, researcher, and coach specializing in women's representation in sports media, management, and handball. Faculty member at the University of Ljubljana. Active in sports governance with RZS, OKS, and Slovenia’s Expert Council. Collaborates on EU projects and lectures for EHF.
Contact nowSARA OBLAK SPEICHER
Former basketball player, now a strategic advisor and mentor to elite athletes and leaders. She delivers masterclasses, keynotes, and coaching on leadership, teamwork, and conscious decision-making for organizations, businesses, and sports teams worldwide.
Contact nowSARA ROZMAN
Director of Education and Operations & COO at EUSA. Engaged in international projects on gender equality, violence prevention, dual careers, leadership, and governance in sports. Member of EUSA's Inclusion and Diversity Commission and Education Commission.
Contact nowMAJA ZALAZNIK
Expert in sports marketing and governance, teaching Sports Marketing at the University of Ljubljana. Member of the Slovenian Olympic Committee’s Marketing Council and President of its International Commission. Advisor to CSHR, member of EOC and WADA committees, and Slovenia’s Minister of Sport (2015–2018).
Contact now
ENWE is committed to fostering dialogue, promoting diversity, and amplifying the voices of women experts across Europe. With Ask Women, we aim to showcase the incredible achievements and insights of these talented professionals, helping to bridge the gender gap in the media and beyond.
Thank you for reading and supporting our project!