European Aquatics is sharing further details about the speakers and facilitators who will take part in the first Women in Aquatics Network Leadership Webinar, scheduled for June 15, 2026 at 17:00 CET.
The members-only webinar represents an important milestone in the continued development of the Women in Aquatics Network, an initiative designed to support, connect and empower women across the aquatic community through education, leadership development and shared experiences.
The inaugural session will bring together female leaders from across European aquatics to discuss leadership pathways, governance experience, professional development and the challenges and opportunities faced by women in sport leadership positions.
Kim Van Malderen
Kim Van Malderen is the General Director and Secretary-General of the Royal Belgian Swimming Federation. A former national-level swimmer, she has built her career across elite sport, education and sports administration.
Before joining the Belgian federation in 2022, she spent a decade working within the Flemish Swimming Federation as a physiotherapist, coach and coordinator, before serving as Elite Sport School Coordinator for the City of Antwerp.
Today, she leads the development of all aquatic disciplines in Belgium, with a strong focus on collaboration, sustainable growth and athlete-centred leadership.
Rita Zeqiri
Rita Zeqiri is the President of the Kosovo Swimming Federation and the first woman to lead a national sports federation in Kosovo.
A former competitive swimmer, coach and club leader, she has been involved in aquatics throughout her life and played an important role in the development of one of Kosovo’s most successful swimming clubs.
As federation president, she is committed to strengthening governance, promoting education and creating new opportunities for athletes and coaches, while championing leadership based on vision, dedication and positive change.
Dr. Julia Powischer
Dr. Julia Powischer serves as Secretary General of the Austrian Swimming Federation and is the first woman in the federation’s history to hold the position.
With a PhD in Sports Science, she combines academic expertise with practical experience in sports management and organisational development.
Since taking on her current role in 2022, she has overseen the operational management of one of Austria’s largest sports federations while advocating for diversity, inclusion and swimming education initiatives aimed at improving water safety and reducing drowning.
Pia Zätterström
Pia Zätterström is the President of Sweden Aquatics and one of the most experienced sports leaders in the Nordic region.
Her involvement in sport spans more than four decades and includes leadership roles within Sweden Aquatics, the Swedish Olympic Committee and Sweden’s national sports education system.
Alongside her extensive governance experience, she has held senior executive positions within public administration and the Swedish Work Environment Agency. Her career provides valuable insights into leadership, organisational development and the advancement of women in decision-making roles.
The session will be facilitated by:
- Sarah Keane – European Aquatics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Bureau Liaison
- Andida Bouma – European Aquatics DEI Committee Member and Treasurer
HOW TO REGISTER
Women interested in participating in the webinar are invited to join the Women in Aquatics Network and register through the official platform.
The Network is open to women aged 18 and over who are members of a National Federation within European Aquatics, or who have been involved in aquatics at any point during the past 10 years, and who have an interest in leadership and professional development within sport.
