Global Sports Mentoring Program

From policy to practice: elevating women through sports diplomacy

With extensive experience in both legal governance and executive leadership, Markéta Haindlova aims to empower athletes through the enforcement of fair play principles around the world. After graduating from the Faculty of Law of Charles University in 2009 and the Master of Law program at the University of Zurich in 2010, Markéta established her private law practice in 2013. In 2021, Markéta received her doctorate in Legal Studies where she researched and defended her thesis on sports arbitration, igniting her passion for legislative processes in sport.

Along with her legal pursuits, Markéta also boasts extensive executive experience. In 2010, she was appointed as the Chairwoman of the Board of Appeal and Review of the Football Association of the Czech Republic. The following year, she co-founded the Czech Association of Football and Hockey Players and served as the Chairwoman of the CAFP for two years. Markéta serves on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Hockey Unions, WAIPU, World Soccer Players Union, and the Legal Committee of the European Minifootball Federation.

With an understanding of sport from both a legal and executive perspective, Markéta sees sport as an integral tool for international diplomacy. During her time at the GSMP, Markéta is interested in carrying out cross-cultural comparisons of best practices in sport leadership. Upon her return, she plans to implement a program that would promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within sports ministries across Central and Eastern Europe.

Markéta will be mentored by Olga Harvey, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer; Sarah Axelson, Vice President, Advocacy; and their team at the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York, New York.

Olga Harvey, New York, NY

Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, Women’s Sports Foundation

Olga Harvey brings 20 years of business experience and boundless passion for sports to the Women’s Sports Foundation where she leads research, advocacy and community impact initiatives. Ms. Harvey joined WSF in 2017 to head up the Foundation’s Athlete Leadership, including its Athlete Ambassador program which connects elite and professional athletes with girl-serving organizations to teach workshops, serve as mentors and provide inspiration to young girls; and leadership development programs that help athletes transition into successful careers after competitive sports.

In 2018, Ms. Harvey stepped into the role of Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, allowing her to apply her business acumen and strategic thinking to all of WSF’s programmatic initiatives. Under her leadership, WSF’s has launched two fellowship programs that seek to close the gender gap in collegiate and professional coaching; developed WE PLAY INTERACTIVE digital platform for community leaders working with girls; and expanded Foundation’s grant-making portfolio to support BIPOC communities, foster multi-generational connections through fitness and movement, and allow mom-athletes to compete without barriers.

A native of Moscow, Russia, Ms. Harvey received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from Cornell University, where she played on the Varsity Tennis team. She was the team captain and holds a 21-0 record in Ivy League singles play. She was the Ivy League Player of the year in 1995 and 1996 and was inducted into Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Since graduating from Cornell, Ms. Harvey stayed involved in tennis by joining the United States Tennis Association. She is an avid player and serves as the Vice President on the USTA Eastern Board of Directors. In 2019, Ms. Harvey was recognized as one of the notable women in the business of sports by Crain’s New York.

From policy to practice: elevating women through sports diplomacy

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