World Athletics Interviews Donna Raynor
World Athletics has featured Bermudian Donna Raynor, who reflects on her leadership journey and her efforts to empower more women to take on leadership roles in athletics.
The World Athletics website said, “Donna Raynor has dedicated decades of her life to leadership and service in athletics. She is a former president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association and is now a World Athletics Council Member. Through her work with World Athletics’ Gender Leadership Taskforce and as Chair of the NACAC Gender Leadership Committee, she continues to advocate for greater representation of women in sport.
“Raynor recently reflected on the experiences that have shaped her journey, the barriers she has had to overcome, and why supporting the next generation of women leaders in athletics matters now more than ever.”
When asked, “You have spent decades in athletics administration and leadership. What first inspired you to pursue a career in this space?”
Ms. Raynor said, “I have been involved in athletics since the age of 14. After earning a track scholarship, returning to Bermuda and representing the country in competition, I became increasingly aware that our athletics programme was beginning to decline. Determined to contribute to its revival, I chose to become involved from an administrative standpoint. I subsequently ran for the position of President and served in that role for 12 years, during which I worked to restore and strengthen the programme. Having stepped down, I felt a strong desire to contribute at the international level and therefore pursued a position on the World Athletics Council, following my service on NACAC committees and World Athletics commissions.”
When asked, “Looking back on your journey, which experiences or moments shaped you most as a leader?”
Ms. Raynor said, “Building a strong team, cultivating meaningful relationships within my community – particularly with the media – earning the respect of those around me, and supporting Bermudian athletes in achieving their goals are all matters of deep importance to me. These principles play a significant role in shaping my leadership and informing the manner in which I serve others.”
You can read the full story here on the World Athletics.
