Photo: Ontario Women Anglers
Ontario Women Anglers founder Yvonne Brown is stepping down from the group’s day-to-day duties, while remaining a member of the non-profit organization, she announced Jan. 29.
Brown founded what would become one of the most prominent membership-based clubs in Ontario’s outdoor scene in 2012. Originally called Fishing 101 for Women, it’s mission was to bring women and girls into the sport and encourage them to stay there. It fostered interest and increased angling knowledge for participants. Soon, the experience of participants exceeded the beginner level, prompting Brown to rename the organization.
By 2014, OWA events took off, and by 2015 the OWA began recruiting volunteers to help run multiple events per year. A peak year saw 150 members join. Every year since, 20- to 30% of members have been new. The OWA credits great retention rates to an interesting event schedule and its friendly and supportive culture. Brown insists the organization is in good hands with a committee of volunteers who are “equally as driven, who understand the mission and version of the club.”
Thirteen years after Brown founded the organization, a handful of OWA members are sponsored tournament anglers, while others have become mentors.
Learn more about OWA here: www.ontariowomenanglers.ca
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