With the Give to Gain message of International Women’s Day in mind, women across the ITF who have mentored, motivated and supported the goals of others have been celebrated.

Under the umbrella of Advantage All – the ITF’s gender equality strategy, ITF staff members were encouraged to nominate women colleagues who have had a significant impact upon them.

​Winner: Heather Bowler (Senior Executive Director, Communications)

Heather joined the ITF in 2018 from the WTA and has since led the Communications team in developing global engagement around the ITF’s key initiatives and events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events, Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.  

Heather has also played a key role in spearheading and developing the ITF’s Advantage All gender equality strategy, helping to create greater opportunities for women across playing, coaching, officiating and leadership within the sport. 

Itftennis.com sat down with Heather after her nomination.

How did it feel to be nominated by your colleagues? 

“Very honoured. Truly honoured.” 

Colleagues described you as inspiring, resilient and positive. What advice would you share with colleagues in their careers and personal journeys? 

“Positivity is a mindset. I’m very much a ‘glass half full’ person and that positivity is what motivates me every day. If you start each day with that mindset, with a spring in your step and a smile on your face, it sets the tone for the day ahead. You don’t have to be perfect; as long as you do your best, that’s all that matters.” 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Give to Gain.’ Why is mentorship so important? 

“Everyone can benefit from speaking to someone who has experience or who has been there before. Many people lack confidence, and a mentor can help guide you and build that confidence. It doesn’t have to be formal - it could simply be grabbing a coffee with someone whose experience you admire. People are often happy to share their knowledge and support others, so my advice would be, reach out and do it today.” 

Is there a career moment you feel particularly proud of? 

Heather highlighted the global rebrand of Fed Cup to the Billie Jean King Cup as a major moment in her career, helping shape a global brand centred around the value of the women’s game. She also spoke about the pride she feels in seeing interns she has mentored go on to become successful leaders in their own careers. 

Finalists:

Delphine Lemesle (Manager, Davis Cup – Major Events)

Nichola Chong (Manager, Business Development –Science & Technical) 

Congratulations, Delphine and Nichola. 

Message from ITF President David Haggerty

“Progress in gender equality does not happen by chance – it happens when we actively give our time, our leadership, our advocacy and our commitment,” said ITF President Davis Haggerty. “When we give opportunity, we gain stronger organisations. When we give visibility, we gain inspiration. And when we give support, we gain lasting change. 

“Across our sport, we are seeing this commitment translate into action. From governance reforms promoting balanced leadership representation to equivalent prize money at the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals and Davis Cup Finals, tennis continues to embed equality into its structures. 

“At the ITF, we are committed to creating an inclusive and balanced environment where all colleagues feel valued and supported. While International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women across our organisation, it also reflects a culture built on teamwork and collaboration - not defined by gender, but by how we support one another.”

International Women’s Day also offered the opportunity to reinforce the wider Advantage All message, outline the programme's key achievements and showcase how ambition has translated into action since its launch in 2018. Find out more here. 

From grassroots coaching through to governance, Advantage All is reshaping tennis, creating pathways for women to lead and building a clear pipeline for future leaders.