Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Kareena Zanolli

Position: Director

As the mother of an autistic child, Kareena Zanolli yields a passion for the rights of those within the Autism & Disability community. Since becoming a mother, Zanolli has witnessed firsthand the value behind supportive environments and continues to push for more inclusive education within sport organizations. Hoping others can flourish in similar ways as her son, Zanelli continues to advocate for inclusivity and underrepresented groups.

Areas of Focus:

• People with a Disability
• Socio-Economic Status

Kim Stemshorn

Position: Member

Kim Stemshorn (she/her) is a long-time fastpitch softball player and community organizer. Stemshorn cultivates diversity in softball by creating gender-inclusive spaces in softball. She is the founder of the registered not-for-profit, Learn Softball Toronto. Learn Softball Toronto provides beginner instruction to transgender (men and women), non-binary, and women-identifying players 18 years of age and up. Since its launch in 2021, Learn Softball Toronto has worked with over 150 players with many graduating to play in other leagues.

In 2024, Stemshorn started the registered not-for-profit Toronto Downtown Fastpitch League (TDFL). The TDFL is Toronto’s first and only competitive fastpitch league for transgender (men and women), non-binary, and women-identifying players 16 years of age and up. In the same year, she also started Toronto’s first Baseball5 league, Baseball5 TO.

Stemshorn works to create more spaces for softball in Toronto with a focus on creating intentionally inclusive spaces where gender diversity is recognized, welcomed, and celebrated.

Dakotah Pratt

Position: Member

Sarah Walz

Position: Member

Lisa Brown

Position: Member

Lisa Brown began her journey in softball in 2008, taking on various roles, including working umpire, Umpire-in-Chief (UIC), District UIC, President of Delta Fastpitch Association, and Assistant Coach. No matter the role, her focus has always remained on fostering a strong sense of community and supporting the development of both umpires and players.

After volunteering at the 2017 U16 Girls Canadian Championships, Lisa reached out to Softball Canada to continue contributing at the national level. She attended her first Canadian Championship in 2018 and has been a dedicated supporter ever since.

Beyond her extensive experience in the sport, Lisa’s background in counseling has allowed her to create a safe and supportive space for players and coaches, ensuring they feel heard and valued both on and off the field.

Sheridan Hamilton

Position: Member

Sheridan (she/her) has been involved in the softball community for 15 years, first as a player and later as a coach and umpire. She is passionate about DEI, and has previously worked on projects related to disability advocacy and empowering girls, women, non-binary folks, and other under-represented gender identities in STEM fields. She is excited about the opportunity Softball Canada's DEI working group offers her to stay involved with the softball community. Sheridan is a first-year medical student, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying out new crafts, and going for walks with a good audiobook.

Brittany Brunn

Position: Member

Tansi (Hello), my name is Brittany Brunn, and I am a proud Metis woman from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I grew up playing both softball and basketball, and I was fortunate to compete at high levels in each sport. In the community, I can often be found coaching basketball or running softball camps. My work focuses on Indigenous youth, with a strong emphasis on removing barriers, advocating for, and supporting greater representation of Indigenous youth in sports. When I'm not involved in sports, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two pugs, catching up with friends, and travelling.

Anastasia Morrison

Position: Member

Boozhoo!

My name is Anastasia, and I have had the honour of both playing and coaching at the North American Indigenous Games, most recently in 2023. Softball has provided me with incredible opportunities, including the chance to further my education and playing career at Winston-Salem State University, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). There, I was able to immerse myself in the rich cultures of Afro-Indigenous and African American communities.

As a member of this working group, I am passionate about expanding access to the game and fostering its growth within Indigenous, Afro-Indigenous, and Asian communities.

Miigwech! I look forward to this journey.

Rhea Jankowski

Position: Member

Rhea Jankowski is a four-time Canadian Championship softball champion and a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. A lifelong athlete, she has competed in rep softball for 30 years and remains committed to growing the game and making it more accessible for all.

Beyond the field, Rhea brings extensive experience in marketing and business leadership, having worked with iconic national brands such as Kraft Peanut Butter and Lotto 6/49. She has also been deeply involved in DEI initiatives, previously serving on the Women's Network Steering Committee at Ontario Lottery & Gaming and volunteering with Learn Softball Toronto.

Based in Toronto, Rhea is passionate about fostering a more inclusive and welcoming softball community across Canada.

Les Khan

Position: Member

With nearly a decade of coaching experience at both the community and competitive AA levels, I have had the privilege of guiding athletes in their development on and off the field. My daughter currently plays AAA softball, and coaching her throughout her journey has been one of my greatest joys.

As a parent of Métis children, I am passionate about making softball a more inclusive and welcoming space for my daughter and others like her. I look forward to contributing to the sport’s growth and fostering greater opportunities for Indigenous athletes.