This story includes excerpts and interviews originally published by Tennis Canada.

Tennis Canada announced the introduction of its Regional Ambassadors, a national network of women leaders advancing gender equity in tennis across Canada as part of its Game. Set. Equity. commitment presented by National Bank. The leaders will work alongside their Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations (PTTAs) to provide mentorship and guidance through local insight, leadership, and action promoting a more equitable future for the sport.

Game. Set. Equity. was created in March of 2023 with the support of National Bank, as a platform to advance gender equity at all levels of the tennis ecosystem in Canada. As part of that announcement, a Circle of Ambassadors committee was selected to amplify Game. Set. Equity. programming. The
evolution of the Ambassadors program, launch to coincide with the celebration of Gender Equality Week, will expand from amplification to action, inspiring more local connections, meaningful conversations and lasting relationships.

The inaugural Regional Ambassadors span seven provinces and one territory, including two representatives from Alberta: Yosabeth Agonafer and Jackie Ngondo.

You may recognize Yosabeth and Jackie from their work with Black Girls In Tennis. We’re thrilled to see their dedication recognized by Tennis Canada, and we’re looking forward to working alongside both of them to bring more Game. Set. Equity. programming to our Alberta tennis communities.

Meet the Ambassadors

Yosabeth Agonafer

Q: What does tennis mean to you?

Yosabeth: Growing up, tennis was something my parents signed me up for — not something I chose. But somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like an obligation and became something I genuinely loved. What surprised me most wasn’t the game itself, but the people it brought into my life. Some of my most meaningful friendships started on a court, and that’s when I realized tennis is so much more than a sport — it’s a place where real connections are made. That belief is at the heart of everything I do with Black Girls in Tennis, because I want other women to experience that same sense of belonging and joy that the game gave me.

Q: Why did you choose to become a GSE Regional Ambassador?

Yosabeth: I chose to become a GSE Regional Ambassador because this program reflects everything I’ve been building. The belief that when you put a racket in a girl’s hands and surround her with the right community, something shifts in how she sees herself. I know firsthand how tennis can quietly build confidence, resilience, and leadership in ways that go far beyond the court. GSE’s approach of pairing match play with real reflection and mentorship is exactly the kind of intentional programming that I want to help bring to more girls in my region, especially those who might not yet see themselves as tennis players. Being a part of this as an ambassador feels like a natural extension of the work I’m already doing  and an opportunity to reach girls early, before the barriers get louder than the encouragement.

What does your life look like outside of the GSE Regional Ambassador Role?

Yosabeth: Outside of this role, I’m a chemical engineer who is fully focused on entrepreneurship. I’m currently building Suba, a functional protein fiber latte mix rooted in Ethiopian coffee culture that I’m bringing to the Canadian market. I’m also working on Black Girls in Tennis, a women’s tennis community operating across multiple Canadian cities. Outside of work, I love cooking and spending time in nature — both keep me creative and grounded. And a daily workout is a non-negotiable for me; it’s how I show up fully for everything else I’m building.

Q: Who is your dream doubles partner?

Yosabeth: Venus Williams, without a doubt. She’s a pioneer in every sense of the word, on the court she’s a seven-time Grand Slam champion, but off it she’s a businesswoman, an advocate, and someone who has spent her career opening doors for the women who came after her. I admire how she has always moved with grace and purpose, never losing sight of who she is no matter the pressure. Honestly, I’d want her as a doubles partner as much for the conversation off the court as for what she brings on it. She represents everything I believe about what’s possible when women show up fully and refuse to be defined by anyone else’s limits.

Q: Who is your favourite Canadian Tennis Player?

Yosabeth: Vicky Mboko is my favourite Canadian tennis player right now. Watching a young Black Canadian woman rising through the ranks and representing this country on the international stage is something that genuinely excites me. I’m cheering for her loudly.

Q: [What is your] focus of gngagement?

Yosabeth: A Girls. Set. Match. event in Calgary with Tennis Alberta, providing girls aged 10–13 with a fun, team-based tennis experience. A Women in Leadership Event, bringing together women coaches, officials, and community voices for an inspiring and candid conversation about their journeys in tennis.

Jackie Ngondo

Q: What does tennis mean to you?

Jackie: Tennis means expression and freedom to me. Yes it’s physical activity, but it’s where I enjoy myself away for real life.

Q: Why did you choose to become a GSE Regional Ambassador?

Jackie: I want to make my impact and encourage more girls to be passionate about tennis and sport in general.

Q: What does your life look like outside of the GSE Regional Ambassador Role?

 Jackie: I work in HR, run Black Girls in Tennis and Women In Motion.

Q: Who is your dream doubles partner?

Jackie: Serena Williams.

Q: Who is your favourite Canadian Tennis Player?

Jackie: Miss Vicky Mboko.

[What is your] focus of Engagement?

Girls. Set. Match.

Congratulations to Yosabeth and Jackie on their appointments! We look forward to working together to develop GSE programs across the province.

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