The Collective Drive Announces Inaugural Board of Directors.
The Collective Drive is proud to announce its inaugural Board of Directors. With an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in Motorsport through meticulous research and groundbreaking innovation, The Collective Drive and its board of directors invite you to play a part in enacting genuine change rather than mere symbolic gestures. The new research and development nonprofit strives to spearhead tangible transformation within the Motorsport industry guided by three core values: innovation, collaboration and representation.
"The Collective Drive has been a labour of love for many years, and I am overflowing with pride as we finally unveil it to the public, side by side with our remarkable team,” says Estelle Clapham, founder and CEO of The Female Drive, and sister organisation The Collective Drive. “The composition of our board has been a meticulous process, ensuring that each member brings their own distinct skills and talents to the table. Every director is a powerhouse in their own right, and in our brief existence, I have already witnessed the tremendous impact of our collective efforts. I am eagerly anticipating the endless possibilities that lie ahead, as we continue to strive for even greater accomplishments in this ever-evolving space."
"By joining The Collective Drive as a Director, I become part of a collective of experienced voices who strive to achieve greater unity and equity in Motorsport,” says Krystina Emmanouilides, Senior CFD Engineer for Alfa Romeo F1 Team, Racing Pride director and FIA Girls on Track Australia Ambassador. “With my experience as a factory-based employee and as a fan, I see tremendous potential for improvement on the DEI front. I am hopeful that through The Collective Drive's research, we will contribute to positive changes in our sport."
“It's an honour to be part of this group of hard-working and inspiring women. We're all driven (pun very much intended!) by the same motivations to achieve the same goals, and when you have a group like this, you know you can achieve great things.” says Jessica Dane, Team Co-Owner at Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia, Australian Delegate to the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and FIA Girls on Track Australia Ambassador. “I've had the pleasure of getting to know Estelle over the past few years and it's been amazing to see her ideas becoming reality. In turn, it will be even more amazing to see the positive impacts The Collective Drive will undoubtedly have on the community.”
The board consists of seven women, all dedicated to igniting a resounding transformation in and around motorsport:
- Ellie Cole, Paralympian
- Hannah Barnes, Sports Lawyer
- Jessica Dane, Team Co-Owner at Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia
- Krystina Emmanouilides, Senior CFD Engineer for Alfa Romeo F1 Team
- Tatiana Calderón, Racing Driver
- Toni Cowan-Brown, Content Creator & Founder of Sunday Fangirls
At the heart of this endeavour lies a steadfast mission: to ignite a powerful transformation within the realm of Motorsport, resounding across the globe. Each director brings her own set of invaluable expertise to help guide The Collective Drive in the pursuit of prioritising intentional inclusion, backed by research and accelerated through innovation, in spaces historically exclusionary to underrepresented communities. Change is rooted in research and nurtured by innovation, and The Collective Drive is committed to creating the foundation for widespread, intentional diversity, equity and inclusion work in Motorsport.
"‘As a Paralympian, I have seen firsthand how sport can change lives and I joined the Collective Drive to push the boundaries and challenge conventions in the automotive community,” says Ellie Cole, Australia’s most decorated female Paralympic Athlete. “I am incredibly excited to work with the Collective Drive to reshape the industry and positively impact lives."
“I am thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative and to join this group of remarkable and passionate women who come from all aspects of the sporting landscape,” says Hannah Barnes, sports lawyer and Head of Integrity, Risk & Legal Strategy at Cricket NSW. “I am looking forward to supporting Estelle and her inspiring vision to empower and engage everyone in motorsport and beyond to uplift inclusion and diversity, and bring awareness to the change that has, and can be, achieved.”
The first of many research and development projects is set to launch over the coming months. Honing in on the female voice in the Formula 1 fandom, The Collective Drive’s debut research report explores the significance of female fans, their impact on the sport's commercial aspects and the potential repercussions of losing their support. Future projects include a focus on indigenous representation, supplementing young driver programmes and understanding the barriers to entry for people with disabilities.
"Anyone who knows me knows I'm incredibly passionate about changing the face of motorsports – athletes and fans alike,” says Toni Cowan-Brown, content creator and founder of Sunday Fangirls. “The only way we get to do this is by being more inclusive and collaborative. What Estelle and The Collective Drive have started and built embodies exactly this, and there is so much to do. I feel privileged to be able to play a small part in trying to move things forward in this space."
“I want to work together with other women that have the same desire as me to change the current situation; change perceptions, stereotypes and level the field, so that in the future we can’t see the barriers that young girls and minorities are facing right now,” says Tatiana Calderón, racing driver. “As an athlete and a minority, I feel it is my responsibility. I found out about this great initiative and I just knew I wanted to be part of it. Let’s get hands-on and work to make the sport more accessible for everyone.”
Media Contact
Estelle Clapham
Estelle.clapham@thefemaledrive.net
Info@thecollectivedrive.net