Sally Hassona & Impact Academy Egypt
Sally Hassona is a sports educator, coach, and gender equality advocate, and the founder of Impact Academy Egypt, a pioneering initiative that empowers girls through sports, STEM education, and leadership training. Sally has been instrumental in shaping national policy in Egypt, securing girls’ inclusion in the Olympic Champion Development Program, and launching Egypt’s first national girls’ boxing program. Her efforts have created significant opportunities for women in sports, aiming to break down the barriers they face in male-dominated fields.
With the support of our Giving Joy grant in July 2025, Impact Academy has expanded its impact by training women coaches and mentors in Egypt. This initiative focused on providing specialized workshops that combine gender-inclusive coaching, leadership development, and STEM education integration within sports. By equipping women with advanced training techniques and educational tools, the grant aimed to create sustainable pathways for girls to thrive as athletes, scientists, and community leaders.
Training Future Leaders: Impact Academy's Progress
Over a three-month period, Impact Academy conducted a series of workshops and mentorship sessions that blended technical sports training, leadership development, and trauma-informed coaching. The activities included:
Coaching Fundamentals Workshops: Female coaches from Impact Academy led sessions in boxing and football, providing young women athletes with the foundational skills to transition into coaching roles.
Mentorship Circles: Sessions focused on communication, safeguarding, and gender equality in sports, equipping participants with the tools to become leaders in their fields.
Practical Coaching Labs: Participants designed and led micro-sessions with younger girls, bringing real-world coaching experiences to underserved communities.
Peer-to-Peer Learning Circles: These circles allowed participants to share their experiences and discuss the challenges they face as female athletes in a male-dominated field.
These activities were aimed at developing both technical skills and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where women could grow as leaders, coaches, and mentors.
Strengthening the Coaching Pipeline
The Giving Joy grant also enabled the launch of the “Coach Her Lab” initiative, a vital component of Impact Academy's mission to build a sustainable network of women coaches and mentors. The grant supported the development of:
Structured Training Content: A comprehensive coaching curriculum was developed to support the transition of female athletes into coaching roles.
Stipends and Materials: Small stipends and materials were provided to participants who faced financial barriers, ensuring their access to training and equipment.
Increased Visibility for Women in Sports: With the support of the grant, Impact Academy gained recognition as a women-led sports and mentorship organization in Egypt, contributing to the larger movement of increasing female representation in sports leadership.
Through these initiatives, many of the trainees have begun to mentor younger girls and assist in flagship programs like “Her Fight for H20,” “SAFE (STEM Athletes for Empowerment),” and “Play it Brave.” These programs continue to empower girls and women in their athletic and academic pursuits.
Making a Difference in the Community
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the training sessions. It is shifting community perceptions about women in sports. Parents, local sports clubs, and other stakeholders are increasingly recognizing women not only as athletes but also as capable coaches and leaders. One notable success is Tia Hamza, who completed an internship with the Anti-Doping Committee at the African Aquatics Championships. Tia now serves as a mentor to younger girls, demonstrating the lasting influence of the program.
The program has directly benefited approximately 75 individuals, including:
10 young women athletes (ages 18–26), who received full coaching and mentorship training.
20 junior girls (ages 13–17), who participated in practical coaching sessions led by the trainees.
5 female coaches, who received professional development and mentorship.
40 community members and parents, who were reached through local showcase events promoting women’s leadership in sports.
In the coming months, Impact Academy plans to build on the success of this initiative with several exciting new activities:
Launch the "Girls Train Girls" Coaching Camp: This camp will provide advanced mentorship to the top three graduates of the Giving Joy-funded program.
Expand Women-Led Sports Coaching: These new female coaches will be integrated into the Play it Brave and SAFE initiatives to deliver community training sessions.
Partner with Local Youth Centers: By collaborating with youth centers, Impact Academy will provide more women with opportunities to become coaches and mentors in their communities.
Continue Capacity Building: Through collaborations with the IOC Olympism 365 Innovation Hub, CFLI, and Women Win, Impact Academy will further strengthen the capacity of women in sports and leadership roles.
Key Takeaways and Future Improvements
Implementing this project has revealed key lessons for Impact Academy. Female athletes require continuous mentorship and follow-up, not just one-off training sessions. Creating safe spaces and utilizing trauma-informed approaches has been essential for building confidence and ensuring retention among young women participants. Furthermore, combining sports with leadership and education has led to the development of more resilient and community-oriented coaches.
Looking ahead, Impact Academy plans to:
Allocate more time for field practice and shadow-coaching experiences to give trainees more hands-on learning.
Engage local sports federations earlier in the process to ensure pathways to certified coaching roles.
With the ongoing support of partners like Giving Joy, Impact Academy is confident that the future for women in sports in Egypt will continue to grow. By empowering women to become leaders in sports, education, and their communities, Impact Academy is paving the way for future generations to break barriers and reach their full potential.
