We are incredibly lucky to have so many inspiring women leading the way to level the playing field for women and girls and sport and recreation in Victoria. Dr Clare Hanlon is just one of them.

Clare's many positions include Associate Professor at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living at Victoria University, Director at Gymnastics Australia and Vice President for the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand.

With over 25 years' research and practical experience in sport, Clare has been changing the game as an industry adviser in research and collaboration strategies to encourage women in leadership roles and facilitate greater participation in sport and physical activity.

Associate Professor Clare Hanlon is a researcher, lecturer, advisor and mentor in the College of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University. For more than 25 years she has provided research and advice to government, international bodies, and commercial organisations that are keen to enhance their organisations by increasing opportunities for women as leaders and participants in sport and active recreation.

"This honour has made me even more determined to collaborate with people to drive change and strengthen pathways for girls and women to lead and participate in sport," she said in a recent interview with VU Comms.

Clare was a member of the advisory panel for the Inquiry into Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation. She is still actively engaged with the initiative, in particular with the Change Our Game Champions program