Professor, Massey University
Foundation Member, Women in Sport Aotearoa
Professor Sarah Leberman, MNZM, is Co-Founder of Women in Sport Aotearoa and a leading academic in sport leadership and management. Her work spans research, teaching, governance and advocacy, with a strong focus on gender equity, organisational culture, and leadership development. Sarah has played a pivotal role in shaping national conversations about how sport systems can better support women’s participation, leadership, and visibility.
Sarah has been involved in sport all her life, both on and off the field. She is a leader in the field of sport management, helping to establish Massey University’s academic programme, and has had tremendous influence through her research into women and leadership in sport and academia. An advocate for facilitating opportunities for girls and women in sport at all levels, Sarah was recognised as NEXT magazine’s women of the year (sport) in 2018 and was a finalist in the 2016 Westpac ’Women of Influence’ awards in the diversity category. With previous board experience at Volleyball New Zealand, Western Netball and Hockey Manawatu, Sarah has also been ‘hands-on’ at the highest level as manager of the Black Sticks women’s hockey team. She was elected to the Massey University Council for a 4-year term, 2020-2024, and in 2020, Sarah was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to women, sport and tertiary education.
Get to know Prof. Sarah Leberman
Sport that shaped you the most?
Hockey, Basketball & Tae Kwon Do
Your leadership superpower?
Bringing people together to drive change.
Whats one thing you care deeply about changing in sport?
Creating a sport system build on equity.
What are you most excited to contribute as part of the WISPA board?
Energy & passion
Favourite Women's Sport Platform
