Yannick Kluch

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategists within professional sport organizations/leagues as well as in national governing bodies of Olympic and Paralympic sport. Drawing from qualitative, in-depth interviews with staff holding DEI responsibilities, the objectives of the study are to (a) examine how DEI strategists navigate their respective organizational contexts when it comes to driving DEI action, (b) gain insight into the various strategies these DEI strategists employ to advance DEI, and (c) identify barriers they face in doing so. It is expected that the data will extend the existing literature on DEI strategists in sport, which to date has largely focused on the intercollegiate athletics space, to professional and Olympic/Paralympic sport organizations.