EmpowerHER Initiative

EmpowerHER : HER game, HER voice, HER Future

Athletes, Leaders, Difference Makers - Women Supporting Women. Leaders On and Off the Ice.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders—On and Off the Ice

The Ottawa Jr. 67’s are proud to announce the launch of The 67’s EmpowerHER Initiative, a new leadership and empowerment program designed to help young female athletes grow into confident leaders in sport, school, and life. Rooted in the belief that strong women build strong communities, this program focuses on mentorship, personal growth, and the power of women supporting women.

Championed by the leadership of Sandra Howell, the 67’s EmpowerHER Initiative will provide athletes with opportunities to connect with inspiring female leaders, develop essential life and leadership skills, and foster a supportive network that extends far beyond the rink. Through structured workshops, mentorship pairings, and community engagement, participants will learn to lead with confidence, advocate for themselves, and uplift the teammates around them.

MISSION STATEMENT

To empower young female athletes within the Ottawa Jr. 67’s organization by cultivating confidence, leadership, and community. We strive to create an environment where girls uplift girls—building strong athletes, stronger leaders, and the strongest version of themselves both on and off the ice.

PURPOSE

The 67’s EmpowerHER Initiative exists to support the holistic development of young women in hockey by providing mentorship, leadership training, life-skills education, and a supportive sisterhood. Through intentional programming, positive role models, and opportunities for real-world growth, we aim to prepare athletes not only for competition but for future academic, professional, and personal success.

About Sandra Howell

Sandra Howell is a visionary leader in Canadian aerospace and a tireless advocate for women in leadership, whose career has been defined by resilience, excellence, and service. She is the Vice President of Program Development and Government Relations at De Havilland Defence, where she drives strategic partnerships, supports government and industry alignment, and advances the company’s long-term defence programs. Her career spans key areas including aircraft development, flight operations, and Quality, all contributing to De Havilland’s mission to protect and connect communities worldwide.

Sandra’s leadership journey began early. After losing her father and grandfather in a tragic accident at age thirteen, she stepped into a role of responsibility as the eldest of four girls—an experience that shaped her resilience and lifelong commitment to empowering others.

Entering the male-dominated aerospace industry with no prior experience, Sandra joined PAL Aerospace and quickly rose to become the company’s first female Director. She led key functions across Operations, Quality, Safety, Training, and Security, and contributed internationally to programs such as missionized aircraft deliveries for the Dutch Navy.

In 2009, Sandra joined the Canadian Coast Guard, where she led the highly successful Helicopter Renewal Program—procuring and fielding 22 new helicopters ahead of schedule and under budget. Her leadership earned multiple national awards, including the Distinction Award and the Prix d’Excellence.

Sandra’s influence extends well beyond corporate boardrooms. A passionate advocate for women in aerospace, she mentors through DeHavilland’s PropelHER Program and supports Women in Security and Defence. Her leadership style—strategic, empathetic, and empowering—has inspired countless others to pursue leadership paths of their own.

Her dedication to service also shines through in her volunteer work. Sandra has been deeply involved in the Ottawa Women's Hockey community, serving in various leadership roles with the Ottawa Junior 67’s, the Ottawa Women's Hockey Association, and the Nepean Women’s Hockey Association. Through these programs, she has helped countless young women develop not just as athletes but as leaders. Following her husband's leukemia diagnosis in 2018, in collaboration with Shannon Donnelly, General Manager and Head Coach of the Ottawa Jr. 67’s, Sandra co-founded the annual “Skate for the Cause” event to raise funds for leukemia research—a powerful example of her ability to turn personal hardship into meaningful action.

In every facet of her life—career, community, and advocacy—Sandra Howell exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. Her story is one of strength, integrity, and transformation, and she continues to be a force for positive change in aerospace, in sport, and in society.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

PILLAR 1: Leadership Development — HER Leadership

Goal: Build confident, capable leaders who take initiative on and off the ice.

Topics & Workshops

Leadership styles & self-awareness
Communication and public speaking
Decision-making and problem solving
Leading under pressure (game + life scenarios)
Leader’s roundtable with guest female leaders (coaches, alumnae, executives)

Outcomes

Increased confidence in leadership roles
Improved communication skills
Greater self-advocacy and team presence

PILLAR 2: Mentorship & Community — HER Circle

Goal: Strengthen bonds across teams while connecting athletes with inspiring female role models.

Components

Mentorship - Pairing with mentors from different industries
Offer guidance tailored to their unique career aspirations.
Guest speakers from women’s hockey, business, academia, and public service
HER Circle social events (season kickoff, mid-season check-in, celebration night)
Alumni network involvement

Outcomes