Growing up near the Hutt River in New Zealand, Fran McEwen spent many of her childhood days swimming in the river, flying kites, and climbing trees, living what she calls “the quintessential 1980s New Zealand childhood.” 

After completing a diploma in information and library sciences, Fran decided to shift her focus and work in the sport sector. Knowing first-hand the important role sport can play in women’s lives, Fran founded Shift (“shift your body, shift your mind”), a community outreach program that uses sports to promote mindfulness. “Sport builds social-connectedness and a sense of community, which is really important for women,” Fran says. “It creates self-esteem and body confidence; leadership skills and good health habits.” Shift focuses on getting young women—especially those who are inactive or from underserved communities—into sport through holistic activities that target both body and mind. In 2017, Fran established Shift as an official charitable trust and has since distributed more than $300,000 across the Wellington region to support more than 20,000 young women aged 12-20.