Fast and Female Appoints Gabriela Estrada as New Executive Director

Fast and Female is very pleased to announce that it has appointed Gabriela (Gaby) Estrada as the new Executive Director to lead the organization as of September 12, 2022. An experienced organizational leader, Gaby will oversee the strategic direction, growth and daily operations of Fast and Female, working with staff, stakeholders and community to fulfill the organization’s mission.

“We are thrilled to have Gaby lead Fast and Female forward at this exciting time. Gaby’s substantive professional and academic experience, evidenced-based approach, and proven passion for sport and community-building are a great asset to the organization. We are confident self-identified girls across the country will benefit from her vision and commitment to high-quality program delivery and equitable outcomes.”
– Melissa Smith, on behalf of the Board of Directors.

“I’m so excited that Gaby’s the new ED! From working with her through the YAC I know that she’s absolutely amazing and so inspiringly passionate about keeping girls in sport and I’m super excited for where she’ll take Fast and Female.”

– Ines Ciccateri, Youth Advisory Council Member

Gaby has been involved in Fast and Female since 2017, initially as a REAL (Relatable, Empowered Active Leaders) Role Model, then an Event Coordinator. In 2018, Gaby joined the Fast and Female staff team as Program Manager and went on to lead the programs team as the Program Director. During her time at Fast and Female, she has successfully managed numerous events, programs and initiatives including:

• Leading program, grant and research partnerships with Canadian Women & Sport, Silver Gummy Foundation, Vancouver Whitecaps, and more
• Managing the largest Fast and Female event to date with the OSEG (Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group) Foundation in 2019
• Overseeing the creation of the Anti-Racism and Respect Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Council in 2020 and 2021 respectively. 

Gaby is a proven and passionate organizational leader with a vision to bring accessible sport programming to all self-identified girls in Canada – taking an intersectional approach to development and delivery. As a first-generation Canadian and proud Latina, Gaby is committed to creating inclusive spaces that represent equity-deserving groups. Gaby is concurrently completing her Master’s degree at the University of Toronto where she studies racialized women’s experiences in sport and physical activity in Scarborough, ON. She is an avid soccer fan, player, and community coach. 

“I am very grateful for this new opportunity and role with Fast and Female. I am excited to continue working collaboratively with our staff team, Board of Directors, Anti-Racism and Respect Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Council, Role Models and our overall Fast and Female community towards an evidence-based and intersectional future of the organization!”
– Gaby Estrada, Executive Director

Fast and Female thanks Chandra Crawford, Founder, for her support as she moves on to her next great adventure

At this time, Fast and Female would also like to announce the departure of Founder, Chandra Crawford. Chandra founded Fast and Female in Canmore, AB in 2005. Over the last 17 years, Fast and Female has grown in Canada, led operations and events in the USA and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, Fast and Female has engaged over 21,000 youth participants and facilitated over 2600 REAL Role Model in-person and virtual appearances. Fast and Female’s foundation and community is a legacy of Chandra’s incredible vision and work. The entire organization thanks Chandra for her dedication to keeping girls in sport and  wishes her the best in her next adventure!

“I’m thrilled to have Gaby taking the leadership position at Fast and Female. I have learned so much from her over the years and have the utmost respect for her core values and her guidance of Fast and Female over the past years. 

It is unbelievable to see how far this organization has come since humble beginnings in 2005. The tens of thousands of girls and thousands of real role models that have connected with them are a testament to the belief we all share in making the world better and more equitable through the power of sport! 

These days I’m focusing on my 4 kids under the age of 6 and my motivational speaking. Fast and Female has its own wings and destiny and I’m grateful that it can fly on its own.” 

– Chandra Crawford, Founder of Fast and Female

Read Chandra’s letter to the Fast and Female community here.