This March, York University is recognizing and participating in SDG Month Canada, a national initiative to advance collaboration, awareness and engagement around the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Throughout the month, YFile will present a series of articles that highlight contributions from York University and its efforts to advance the SDGs. These stories reflect the people, research and initiatives that make the University an international leader in sustainability.
York University Athletics isn’t just about sports – it’s driving key University priorities, from sustainability to equity, with bold initiatives including a leadership conference on the future of women’s professional sports.
For Mandy McCurdy, manager of varsity athletics, it has always been important that York Athletics contribute to a healthy post-secondary ecosystem by aligning with the University’s broader strategic priorities.
“We want to connect with University-wide goals so people can see the value of a thriving, well-rounded athletics department,” she says. “It’s important to be able to say, ‘Yes, we're doing this in varsity, and it’s making a difference across campus.’”
Among several initiatives, Athletics & Recreation has implemented its Leaping Forward 2025 strategic priorities, ensuring its programs support student success, community engagement and inclusivity. The department has also mandated equity, diversity and inclusion training for all student-athletes, coaches and staff, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive sports culture.
In sustainability efforts, the Tait McKenzie Centre has introduced eco-friendly fitness equipment and implemented waste reduction programs during athletic events. Additionally, York Athletics has partnered with local organizations to expand accessibility in sports, particularly for underrepresented youth in the community.
University priorities were also at the forefront for McCurdy and the department while planning the latest Women & Girls Leadership and Sports Conference. Established to empower and advance women in sports through critical conversations and leadership development, previous iterations of the annual event have tackled gender equity, safe sport policies and industry barriers.
This year’s conference, titled “Professionalization of Women’s Sports: It’s About Time,” arrives at a pivotal moment. With women’s sports leagues securing historic media rights deals and sponsorships, the conference will explore how this shift is creating real career opportunities – not only for players but for executives, coaches and managers.
As the only conference in Canada that brings together academic perspectives and mainstream sports leaders, the event will examine key questions: Why has it taken so long? What barriers remain? And how can lasting progress be ensured? Sessions will cover the history of women in professional sports, the challenges that have hindered growth and the market forces that are now making women’s leagues more viable and profitable.
The agenda also aims to empower participants to take an active role in shaping the future of women’s sports, rather than just observing its evolution. For example, discussions will explore what a sustainable salary model looks like for female athletes in leagues still in their foundational stages. In that way, York Athletics wants to advance the University's efforts in not just being part of critical conversations, but leading them.
“At York, we believe that athletics is a powerful platform for driving change,” says McCurdy. “Through initiatives like this conference, we’re elevating voices of all athletes and shaping a new narrative that reflects the diversity of York University. And in doing so, we’re reinforcing York’s leadership in equity, sustainability and innovation beyond the playing field.”