SASHA GOLLISH, MODERATOR
Sasha Gollish, PhD, PEng, ChPC, is the Director of Knowledge Mobilization in the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre at the University of Toronto. Sasha’s represented Canada numerous times from the 1500m to the marathon, with a notable result at the 2015 Pan Am Games where she won a bronze medal in the 1500m. In addition she’s a gender equity consultant, a mentor for the Coaching Association of Canada’s Advanced Coaching Diploma, and a youth middle distance running coach. (Social media: X, Instagram, and Facebook - @SGollishRuns)
SAWYER NICHOLSON
Sawyer is a competitive distance runner representing Etobicoke Track and Field Club. Over the past several years, she has emerged as one of Canada’s top young distance runners, setting 15 Provincial track records and achieving a World Age Record in the 5km with a time of 17:28.1 at the Niagara Falls 5km in 2023. In 2025 iRun Magazine named her their Runner of the Year.
Through the sport, Sawyer has had opportunities to connect with inspiring people and share her journey through features in publications such as Canadian Running, iRun and Runner’s World UK. She has also appeared in interviews with CBC and partnered with brands including ASICS and Krono Nutrition.
Beyond the records and competition results, running has helped shape Sawyer’s confidence, resilience, and work ethic, reinforcing the value of perseverance and the importance of continually pushing beyond limits.
RACHAEL McMASTER
Rachael is a seasoned retail leader with 15 years in athletic retail and over 12 years of people leadership experience. She currently leads one of the top-performing athletic retail businesses in Canada, where she focuses on team development, culture, and building strong community connections through movement.
A former captain of the Western University Women’s Rugby Team who competed provincially and nationally, Rachael is passionate about sport, leadership, and creating spaces where women feel empowered, confident, and connected through movement.
ROBYN MICHAUD
Dr. Robyn Michaud is Anishinaabe Kwe from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, currently living in Woodstock. She is a 49x marathoner and ultramarathoner and became an Abbott Six Star Finisher in 2024. Robyn started training for and running marathons after being diagnosed with a spinal cord injury in 2012, something that allows her the unique opportunity to run Boston each year as an adaptive athlete.
Beyond running she is a proud mom and foster mom, an author, a jingle dancer, and enjoys playing recreational hockey.
Robyn is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education at Western.
EMMA CAMPBELL
Emma Campbell is a varsity hockey player and team captain at Western University, where she is completing her degree in Kinesiology. Sport has shaped much of who she is, not only as an athlete, but as a leader and advocate. Throughout her university career, Emma has been deeply involved in athlete advocacy and community initiatives, serving as a President of the Mustangs Athlete Student Council and helping lead conversations around inclusion, mental health, and opportunity in sport. Beyond competition, Emma is especially passionate about empowering the next generation.
As a mentor with the Girls Forward Foundation, she works closely with her mentee to build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging. She has also volunteered as a youth hockey coach, is a part of Western's Mustangs Wellness Lead program, and is a Hockey Gives Blood player ambassador. She consistently strives to create more accessible and welcoming spaces for girls and women in sport. Looking ahead, after completing her Master's degree at Western next year, Emma hopes to build a career in the sport or healthcare sector, where she can support high-performance environments while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for women in athletics.
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