Rebecca’s career has been shaped by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in sport.
Originally from Australia and now living in South West Kerry, Ireland, she works at the intersection of education, equity and access in sailing and ocean health. Through her work, she is helping create opportunities for people who may never have considered a place for themselves in the marine industry or in sport.
“I’ve focused my career on opening doors for people who might not traditionally see themselves reflected in the sport,” Rebecca says.
Today, she is a Senior Advisor at The Ocean Race, a global offshore sailing event that champions both competitive sport and ocean health. Her role allows her to combine her passion for participation, inclusion and environmental impact while helping broaden access to sailing and marine careers.
Rebecca describes herself as someone who was never the stereotypical sporty kid.
“I wasn’t the fastest or the strongest,” she says. “But sport still had a positive impact on my life.”
Growing up involved in team sports taught her something that would stay with her long after childhood. Sport was not simply about performance. It was about connection, confidence and belonging.
Over time, she became a strong believer that movement is medicine.
“Not just for physical wellbeing, but for mindset, resilience and overall balance.”
Working within the sailing industry only strengthened that belief. Sailing requires teamwork, adaptability, focus and trust. It also creates a unique connection to the natural environment and the people around you.
“Sport, for me, has become less about competition and more about connection. Connection to myself, to others and to the world around me.”
One of Rebecca’s earliest sporting memories still stays with her today.
Growing up in Australia, she vividly remembers watching the Sydney Olympics and seeing Cathy Freeman win gold in the 400 metres.
“Even as a young person, I knew I was witnessing something historic,” she recalls.
Seeing Cathy Freeman carry the weight of expectation and stand proudly on the track after her victory showed Rebecca something much bigger than sport itself.
“That moment showed me how sport can transcend competition and become something deeply inspiring, inclusive and transformative.”
Today, Rebecca experiences that same feeling through her own work.
One of her proudest achievements is creating experiences that bring women in the marine sector together and provide access to parts of the industry they might not otherwise see.
“Watching women meet others like them, exchange stories and realise there is a place for them in this field is something I never take for granted.”
While Rebecca holds a senior role, she believes leadership extends far beyond job titles.
“I am very aware that visibility matters,” she says.
Through her work and community engagement, she understands that others may see her as someone who has walked a path they hope to follow.
“I never take it for granted that people may see me in a role they are aspiring toward.”
For Rebecca, leadership is about creating space for others, listening deeply and helping people feel they belong.
“Sometimes the most meaningful impact comes not from the big moments, but from being accessible, supportive and willing to champion someone else’s steps forward.”
That philosophy has become the foundation of how she leads every day.
Rebecca joined Empowered to Lead after a conversation with a friend about women in sport and leadership.
The timing could not have been better.
“I was looking to grow my professional development in the equity and access space,” she says.
While she expected the course to broaden her understanding of leadership, she was surprised by just how transformative the experience became.
“The course didn’t just expand my knowledge. It expanded my confidence, my network and my sense of what’s possible.”
What stood out most was the practical nature of the program.
Each week provided tangible tools, frameworks and exercises that Rebecca could immediately apply to her work.
“I loved being able to take something practical from every session and use it straight away.”
She was also inspired by the diversity of the cohort, particularly the inclusion of young women under 18.
“I’ve never participated in a professional development course where young women under 18 were included. Their perspectives and honesty brought something really special to the experience.”
One of the most significant lessons Rebecca took from the program was a deeper understanding of her own leadership strengths.
“It gave me a clearer understanding of my strengths and how to use them more intentionally.”
The experience also reinforced something she had always valued.
“The course really reinforced how central empathy is to my approach to leadership.”
Today, she actively prioritises understanding, connection and creating safe environments where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks.
For Rebecca, leadership is not about having all the answers.
“It is about showing up authentically, being willing to learn and creating space for others.”
Those lessons continue to shape both her work and everyday life.
Looking ahead, Rebecca is passionate about creating a future where opportunities for women and girls are the norm rather than the exception.
Working within a traditionally male dominated industry has shown her the importance of visibility, mentorship and intentional pathways.
“We should be valued, seen and empowered without having to fight for permission or recognition.”
Through her work with The Ocean Race and her involvement with organisations such as The Magenta Project, Rebecca is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls to lead, participate and thrive.
She also plans to continue mentoring emerging leaders while expanding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the marine sector.
“My focus is on combining visibility, advocacy and practical support to create pathways for others.”
For Rebecca, Play Like a Girl is about far more than sport.
“To me, Play Like a Girl means showing up with confidence, courage and authenticity.”
It means embracing strengths, supporting others and challenging assumptions about where women belong.
Most importantly, it means creating opportunities for those who come next.
“Playing like a girl isn’t about conforming to expectations. It’s about redefining what’s possible and celebrating the power, skill and leadership that girls and women bring to sport and life.”
Rebecca’s story is a reminder that leadership begins with visibility, grows through connection and creates lasting impact when we open doors for others to walk through.
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