Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Brent Foote

Position: Member

A recreational athlete himself, Brent Foote’s passion for softball began in high school after making the transition from Baseball. Foote’s experience winning gold as part of Newfoundland’s SSNL Provincial Championships was a highlight of his sporting experience and factored into his decision to pursue a career in community sport and recreation. As a recreational admin, Foote has experience coordinating programs and outreach initiatives targeted at new Canadians, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women and girls along with other underrepresented groups. He also uses his lived experience with severe fluency disorder, a type of speech impediment, to advocate for disability awareness.   

Foote’s contribution to Softball Canada’s DEI committee will support his effort to drive systematic change within the sporting community.  

Areas of Focus:

• People with a Disability
• Women in Sport

Terry Klein

Position: Member

Terry Klein, Softball Saskatchewan’s first female Umpire in Chief is a known trailblazer in the softball community. Klein, a retired physical education teacher and B Certified Instructor/Evaluator was also Saskatchewan’s first female Level V Umpire. While continuing to supervise at major events such as Softball Canada’s U14 Girls Canadian Championship, Klein also devotes her time to the organization’s Female Mentorship Program. Klein’s lived experience as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and undeniable passion to make softball a safe space for all will serve Softball Canada’s DEI committee well.

Areas of Focus:

• LGBTQ2IS+
• Women in Sport

Sarah Manfred

Position: Member

Participating in eight consecutive seasons with the Quebec Rebelles and attending over ten Canadian Championships, Sarah Manfred is no stranger to the softball community. Wrapping up her athletic career with the 2017 Canada Games, Manfred transitioned from athlete to coach. Continuing with the Quebec Rebelles, Manfred has held the position of Assistant Coach for several teams including her current role with the program’s U19 team.

In addition to coaching, she now holds an administrative position with Softball Quebec. Having experienced softball through many lenses, and being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community herself, Manfred strives to provide an inclusive environment for all participants and hopes to diversify representation so that all participants have positive role models to look up to.

Areas of Focus:

• Indigenous Peoples
• LGBTQ2IS+
• Women in Sport

J.R. Simpson

Position: Member

An umpire with over 34 years of experience behind the plate, J.R. Simpson brings experience and passion for equitable representation to Softball Canada’s DEI Committee. As a person of colour himself, Simpson believes in the importance of diversity – on and off the playing field.

Having worked with several national, provincial, and local organizations throughout his time as an umpire, Simpson possesses the knowledge, skill and experience to influence positive change. 

Areas of Focus:

• Black and People of Colour
• Indigenous Peoples
• People with a Disability

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

Dakotah Pratt

Position: Member

Sarah Walz

Position: Member