Hello everyone, I’m Angela Pope. I have been immersed in the snow industry for well over a decade, and in 2013, I made the transformative decision to become an instructor with the APSI (Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors). As a Level 4 Examiner Trainer and a National Team Member, I recently had the incredible opportunity to represent my country at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland.

Throughout my journey, I have developed a deep love for this industry and firmly believe that everyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or background, should have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential on the slopes. Inclusivity and equal access to the sport are paramount to me. I hold various certifications, including Alpine (Level 4 Trainer), race coach, telemark, park, and adaptive skiing, which allow me to contribute to the growth and development of aspiring instructors.

Passionate about addressing the underrepresentation of women in sports, a challenge that extends beyond our industry, I am dedicated to driving positive change. By fostering an environment of equal partnership between men and women, we can build strong communities and societies together. As a member of the AWS (Advancing Women in Snowsports) Committee, I am genuinely excited and inspired for the future. I envision a future where men and women uplift each other, enabling everyone to aspire to new heights.

Advocating for the advancement of future female leaders in the snow sports industry is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is my commitment to ensure that their pathways remain at the forefront of APSI's objectives. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse snow sports community where individuals can achieve their desired certifications, pursue their passion for the sport, and thrive without any form of discrimination.
Let's work together to build a stronger, more vibrant future for all snow enthusiasts. By empowering others, fostering equality, and creating supportive pathways, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in snow sports instruction. I am genuinely excited about the future of our industry, where men and women unite to uplift and encourage each other. Together, let us inspire future generations and pave the way for a truly inclusive snow sports industry.

Hi, I'm Jane Scheer. I live in Jindabyne and am a passionate Nordic skier of some 25 years. I actively compete in citizen cross-country marathons and the annual Masters' World Cup competitions conducted in various locations in Europe, the USA, or Canada during the Northern Winters. I became a Nordic Instructor and APSI member seven years ago. Since then, my instructing role has increased dramatically, and I have successfully created and been running Masters’ Nordic skiing skills improvement programmes for the last four years. These have seen extensive participation by women. Since late 2019, I became the Managing Director of the K7 Ski School. Other highlights of my instructing career so far are selection onto the APSI Demo Team (Nordic), attending Interski Bulgaria in 2019, and of course, being voted to represent female APSI members on the AWS Committee. I put my hat into the ring of the AWS because I am passionate about increasing the participation and opportunities for women in the APSI and the snow-sports industry in general and believe that this will help grow the sport of Nordic skiing here in Australia too.

Hi, I'm Kylie Dwyer. I have been involved in the Snowsports Industry since 1998 and am the current Snowboard Technical Director for the APSI. Growing up in Sydney, I started my journey in Snowsports at a later stage than most. I credit my early career to Selwyn Snowfields, NSW, where I was given my first opportunity at instructing. During those early years, I had many trainers that inspired me for different reasons and many trainers who showed they believed in me. Those trainers who believed in me, helped me instil a belief in myself, and it is my wish, as part of the AWS, that I can instil this belief in our next generation of Snowsports Instructors and Trainers.

Hi, I'm Sam Hamilton. I've been with the APSI since 2015 as a candidate and staff since 2020 when I became an examiner. Over the years I have been an athlete, instructor, coach and examiner. Through all these roles I have worked with all types of people of all ages with all types of goals in the industry. As an athlete and while training for my certifications I was often one of few girls in a male-dominated sport. Because of this, I strive to increase female representation within the industry with the help of other women and our non-female colleagues. 

Hi, I'm Chloe Merry. Originally from Hobart in Australia, I found my calling teaching skiing in Thredbo, Australia. I went on to spend numerous northern winters instructing at Vail/Beaver Creek, Whistler, Telluride, Copper Mountain, before settling on Aspen Snowmass as my USA ski home in 2013.  I was privileged to become the coach and program manager with the Australian Aerials Development Ski Team from 2016-2018.  I am also a trainer with the Aspen Snowmass Ski School, as well as coach and team member of the Aspen Team Divas and organisation (est. 1998) whose sole intention is to support and provide community for female ski professionals.  It is remains as one of the strongest and largest female snowsports networks, having produced multiple now snowsport industry CEO’s, interski demo team members and highly successful professional ski instructors.

With 17 years in the skiing industry, it is a career that has seen me challenge my own personal boundaries, physical capabilities and knowledge in my pursuit of the APSI certification pathway to trainer with the Aspen Snowmass Ski School.  This experience within our organisation and industry wide has given me valuable insight in the challenges faced by women in the pursuit of a fair and equal opportunity career in snow sports. 

As ski coach and program manager of the Australian Aerial Skiing Development Team I was able to witness the rewards and success of seeing athletes achieve at the highest international levels.  I also observed the difficulties and structure failures in relation to women, that resulted ending their participation or careers.  This position has given me invaluable insight to the challenges of gaining opportunity, providing the appropriate support and empowerment to ensure females can reach new heights of individual ability and success.  

It is my aspiration to continually be a role model and support all skiers, especially women, to participate in the sport at the highest level they choose whether it is recreationally, professionally or at a competitive level.  Essential to growing female membership and representation is fostering our future.  Presenting the youth with education, opportunity for involvement and demonstrating female representation in the sport at all levels and governance is essential in defying gender norms and breaking stereotypes. 

We also need to support the women of the Australian snow sports community now, this includes challenging ageism, establishing social networking, mentoring, creating programs or training clinics where it is a safe space to challenge skills and knowledge. Create inclusive and empowering environments that promote a future for female participants of the APSI and snowsports industry that is supportive, nurturing, and inspiring.

I embrace this privilege to work on this committee striving for gender equality, with a vision to connect, collaborate and create real and positive growth in our industry.