meet our team

NATALIE SWANSON
CEO, Founder & Head Coach

Natalie founded Run.Jump.LEAD! with a goal to make the future brighter for our young female leaders by promoting active bodies and healthy minds. Growing up in Calgary, she competed in gymnastics and later went on to participate in many multi-sport activities before focusing on track and field. Through high school and university, Natalie trained and competed for the Calgary Spartans Track Club and University of Calgary Dinos Track and Field team. It was upon retirement from competitive gymnastics when she discovered her love of coaching.  Obtaining NCCP training, Natalie taught children's recreational gymnastics for 10 years at the U of C Gymnastics Centre and later coached high school track and field.

Natalie worked as a technical professional in the energy industry for 13 years and currently specializes in corporate and growth marketing strategy. During her professional career, she developed a passion for mentoring students and young technical professionals in Calgary’s energy industry. Natalie credits her strong desire to give back to the community and inspire young girls to her own numerous coaches, role models and mentors who influenced her athletic and professional career. In her spare time, she loves to cheer on her two young daughters from the sidelines.

KIRA, RJL Ambassador

Kira has been involved with RJL since March 2021 when she joined as one of our inaugural coaches! She now represents the organization as an Ambassador, playing a crucial role advocating for Run.Jump.LEAD!’s mission and connecting with stakeholders, participants, and partners. Kira was fortunate to grow up playing a variety of sports and played varsity hockey with the University of Calgary Dinos while completing her engineering degree. She now works at Cenovus Energy as an Engineer-in-Training and has found a new passion, competing in various endurance and CrossFit style sports.

“Sports and physical activity have taught me invaluable life lessons that I’ve transferred to many aspects of my life and career. My hope working with RJL is to inspire young girls to discover the joy of sports and sustain that passion, as well as teach leadership skills to help them excel in their future endeavors.”

COACH EMILY, Lead Coach

Emily is currently working towards completing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the U of C which has allowed her to appreciate the importance of building strong physical literacy foundations in childhood.  Growing up, Emily participated in a wide variety of sports such as gymnastics, ballet, track and field, and basketball.  In addition, she participated in the Girl Guide program for nearly 9 years, building close relationships and gaining valuable leadership skills.  Emily is an active member of the community, volunteering with many organizations and events in our city.

“I believe that we need to empower young girls to believe that they can follow their dreams, while creating positive, supportive environments in which they can grow up to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

COACH GHADEER, Lead Coach

Ghadeer aspires to be a pediatric doctor and recently completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the U of C. Participating in many recreational sports such as badminton, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball, Ghadeer has a passion for healthy living and is dedicated to working towards equitable opportunities for girls and women in sport and physical activity.  Ghadeer states that her biggest accomplishment is, and continues to be her hijab. She is proud to be the best version of herself and has many supportive family members and friends who encourage her.

“Sports are a way for people to be themselves without needing to worry about so many of the daily things that we worry about. It’s a place where I feel like my raw self, and a place through which I can gain the most memorable (and forgettable) experiences.”

COACH GRACE, Lead Coach

Grace loves being active and sharing that passion with others. She recently completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the U of C and plans on pursuing grad school for occupational therapy. Grace’s involvement in sports started at age 3 and hasn’t stopped since! She has participated in many sports such as field hockey, soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, flag football, and figure skating. Bringing many years of coaching and working with kids, Grace has always wanted to give back to the sporting community and encourage girls to stay in sport.

"Participating in sport throughout my life has greatly impacted my leadership skills and the way I interact with people. When you are a part of a team, you are a part of a family who will always pick you up when you are down."

COACH SIDNEY, Lead Coach

Sidney started playing soccer at the age of 8 and has played at the provincial level with the Calgary West and Calgary Blizzards Soccer Clubs. She recently obtained her NCCP certification in soccer and is also an experienced multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and track and field throughout high school.  Sidney is currently in the Kinesiology program at the U of C with a long-term goal of having a physiotherapy career working with young athletes. Her participation in sport has allowed her to appreciate her strengths, abilities, and mindset towards physical activity and she hopes to actively contribute to changing the narrative for female participation.

“The most significant sport barrier I faced was at age 14 when my soccer club went from 8 full girls teams to 2. Today I recognize how losing so many girls changed the quality of play and my experience with the sport. At RJL, I'm excited to mentor the girls and help them see everything physical activity has to offer.”

COACH COURTNEY, Assistant Coach

Courtney has played competitive basketball for eight years and is also a multi-sport athlete, participating in volleyball, track and field, skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. She is currently a student at the U of C, working on completing a degree in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology. An active volunteer in the city, Courtney dedicates her spare time to tutoring students and helping patients at the Foothills Medical Centre.  Her goal with Run. Jump. LEAD! is to support young girls so they feel confident discovering and pursuing their passions.

“Playing basketball has helped me build communication skills and grow my confidence. The coaches and mentors I had growing up helped me be comfortable trying new sports and express who I am. I want help others accomplish their ambitions too.”

LINDSAY STEWART, Yoga Instructor

Lindsay's passion for empowering women and youth brings a multifaceted approach to our yoga workshops. A 200-hr trained yoga instructor, Lindsay is also a certified Pilates instructor, lactation consultant, and internationally trained dietitian. She currently teaches yoga, Pilates, youth education programming, and prenatal breastfeeding classes. Lindsay focuses on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her programs with an emphasis on finding joy in movement, creating a positive mind body connection, and enhancing overall health and well-being. When not on the mat, Lindsay enjoys family time with her two young boys, volunteering in the community, and spending time outdoors with her dogs. 

COACH KAYLEE, Girls Sport and Leadership Mentor

Kaylee originally joined our team as a Junior Mentor and has gained many leadership skills volunteering with our organization. Her dedication to working with the young girls in our program has helped her grow as a role model and experience new challenges and successes. Growing up participating in many recreational sports, she has recently picked up badminton and has academic aspirations to thrive in the International Baccalaureate program.

"My biggest accomplishment so far is putting myself through new experiences and I can't wait to take on new challenges as I progress."

COACH KINSLEY, Junior Mentor

Kinsley is a previous participate in our Leaders in Motion program and is excited to start her volunteer journey as a Junior Mentor to our younger participants. She is a competitive soccer player and has been playing since the age of 4. Having a love for the outdoors she also loves to cross-country ski, downhill ski, run, and hike in the mountains, as well as play the violin.

"When I did RJL, I was inspired by the coaches who were supportive and encouraging. I want to give back to the community, share, and practice the leadership skills I have learned. I want to be part of the process to help the girls express themselves in new ways, and learn the life long skills RJL has to offer."