As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we turn the spotlight on the remarkable women driving Atlético Ottawa forward behind the scenes.
From leadership roles to operational excellence, these trailblazers embody passion, dedication, and innovation, shaping the club’s present and future. Their impact extends far beyond the pitch, proving that football isn’t just a game—it’s a movement powered by talent, resilience, and vision.
Caitlin Pavone, Operations Coordinator.
1) Tell us a bit about yourself?
Caitlin Pavone, Operations Coordinator. I’ve worked for Atletico Ottawa for just over 1 year, but have been working in sport for 12 years. I started my career in sport coaching soccer at the grassroots level, worked my way up coaching youth competitive and in the adult level as well. I transitioned into a director role at 22 years old and oversaw the grassroots program at my local soccer club Ottawa City, before making the transition into professional sports with Atletico Ottawa.
2) In your current role with Atleti, how can you help #AccelerateAction ?
My current role is the Operation Coordinator where I oversee the travel, finance and operations of the first team. I’ve have been trying to #AccelerateAction through supporting and mentoring young women interested in working in sport by providing them opportunities within the club through volunteer experience on match days! I think it’s super important to build relationships with your community members and provide them not only with opportunities but role models to look up to and connect with.
3) What is your favourite thing about working in football?
My favourite thing about working in football is the fast paced environment. Everyday it’s something new. I get to grow my skills professionally while also getting to watch and grow the sport I love.
Kristen Johnston, Match Operations Manager
1) Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’ve been working in live event production, specializing in sports, for over 30 years which tends to be a male dominated industry.
Over the decades, I’m happy to see more woman working in production and rockin’ it!!! As the Game Operations Manager for Atletico Ottawa since 2021, my main role is to gather information from all departments, organize and communicate it to have everything set up and ready to go within a limited time frame. It’s a high energy pressure job that I absolutely love.
2) In your current role with Atleti, how can you help #AccelerateAction ?
I’m very proud of the work I do and I encourage young females to follow their passions so they love their career choices.
3) What is your favourite thing about working in football?Â
My favourite thing about working in football is creating an environment where our guests have a great time no matter the outcome on the pitch.
4) What is your favourite Atleti memory so far?
 Winning games is of course memorable. However, it’s the little things that stick in my memory. Seeing the players share a moment with fans in the stands post game, seeing the fans bring home made signs to support our team but the best thing is creating games and entertainment features that the fans really enjoy and participate.
My name is Nik Lemieux and I’m the Chief Financial Officer for Atletico and Strategic Consultant for Mirabel Management Inc. I’ve been working along side the club since inception and have taken a more full time roll for the 2025 season.
2) In your current role with Atleti, how can you help #AccelerateAction ?
As CFO, I can support #AccelerateAction by optimizing financial processes, using data-driven decisions, fostering innovation, and maximizing resources to ensure swift and impactful progress toward the club’s goals.
3) What is your favourite thing about working in football?
Definitely the energy, there is so much passion and excitement for the game by the players, staff and community. It’s really inspiring!
4) What is your favourite Atleti memory so far?
One of my favourite memories is the first time I experienced a home match. The energy in the stadium was electric, such unwavering support for the team, it truly showed how important this team is to the community and its fans.
Ashley Charlebois, Team Dietitian
1) Tell us a bit about yourself?
I work as the Team Dietitian, providing support on all things related to performance nutrition. Anywhere from advising on menus for travel, post-game recovery snacks/meals to doing body composition assessments, providing team nutrition education, and individual support in the form of nutrition plans to support individual player’s performance goals. All done in collaboration with the larger medical and performance staff. I’m now going into my second season with the club.
2) In your current role with Atleti, how can you help #AccelerateAction ?
Demonstrating to other women, and girls, who work in and/or aspire to work in sport that we can all have a positive impact in this environment. It may be a challenging path, but it’s worth it. Diversifying the workplace is beneficial to everyone, and Atleti seems to embrace that.
3) What is your favourite thing about working in football?
It’s an exciting sport that touches so many people around the world – from youth, through to older adults, and everyone in between. I value how accessible it is as a sport to play. And working in this sport, it’s a diverse group of people we get to interact with everyday who share the same love of the game. As well as the local fans who come out to support, it’s great for our community in Ottawa!
4) What is your favourite Atleti memory so far?
Just working with the individual players behind the scenes and being able to support them on their athletic journey. It’s great seeing them being able to meet some of their personal goals when it comes to nutrition and performance, and being able to play a small role in helping them get there.
Dr. Danielle Braiwood, Team Physician
1) Tell us a bit about yourself?
I have been the team physician for Atletico Ottawa since the Club’s inception in February 2020.
2) In your current role with Atleti, how can you help #AccelerateAction ?
Having female representation on the bench allows women and girls to visualize themselves in a career in professional sports.
3) What is your favourite thing about working in football?
 I love being part of a team and allowing athletes to perform at their best.
4) What is your favourite Atleti memory so far?
 Winning the regular season championship in 2022.
The women in Atlético Ottawa’s staff play a vital role in the club’s success, bringing expertise, leadership, and dedication to every level of the organization. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across the club and beyond. As we mark International Women’s Day, we recognize their contributions and continue to push for greater representation and opportunities in football.
Vamos!