Hear from a CPC Board member: Judy Joseph-Black 

The Canadian Paralympic Committee has opened its call for applications for the 2027 Board of Directors. With five open director positions on the Board, CPC is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, lived experience, and expertise who are excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact.   

To access the nomination package, please click here. The application deadline is October 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.   

To learn more about what it’s like to be on the CPC Board of Directors, hear from director Judy Joseph-Black below: 

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Judy Joseph-Black  

Tenure: Director, 2025-29 // Director, 2022-25 

Judy Joseph-Black has worked in a myriad of sport positions over the past three decades including the BC Games Society as an Event Manager, the Provincial Government as a sport consultant, managing the national women’s soccer team, owning her own sport communications company, executive director for Badminton BC, and the Sports Information Director for the University of Victoria athletic department.  

She has also been part of communications teams at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Canada and Western Canada Games. An advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and equity her entire career, she is currently retired, lending her sport administrative expertise to three boards. 

Q: What drew you to join the CPC’s Board of Directors? 

A: I was drawn to the CPC Board of Directors because it represents a powerful intersection of sport, equity, and national pride. The CPC is more than a sports organization – it’s a movement that champions universal access, challenges societal barriers, and celebrates the excellence of athletes with disabilities on the world stage. I am inspired by the chance to contribute to something bigger: advancing inclusion, shaping a more accessible sport system, and supporting athletes whose resilience and talent redefine what is possible. The CPC attracts people who want their leadership to have real social impact, who value diversity in all its forms, and who believe that sport can be a catalyst for cultural change across Canada. 

Q: How does working with the CPC align with your values? 

A: Sitting on the Board of Directors for the CPC is a natural extension of my commitment to inclusion and diversity. I believe deeply in creating spaces where every individual is recognized for their strengths and supported in achieving their full potential, and the CPC’s mission of universal access regardless of ability reflects that conviction. Working with an organization that champions equitable opportunities in sport allows me to contribute to a culture where barriers are challenged, representation is prioritized, and people of all abilities are empowered to thrive. This role aligns with my values because it is rooted in the belief that inclusion is not an initiative – it is a responsibility. 

Q: What have you taken away from your experience on the Board so far?   

A: The Board of Directors has given me meaningful experience in shaping policy, strategy, and advocacy for an organization that champions equitable access in sport. I have gained firsthand insight into how national‑level decisions are made to support athletes of all abilities, while collaborating with leaders who are deeply committed to inclusion, accessibility, and systemic change. This role strengthens my governance skills, broadens my understanding of disability‑inclusive program design, and deepens my ability to influence organizations toward more equitable practices. Most importantly, it allows me to contribute to a mission that aligns with my values: ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate, compete, and thrive.  

Q: What excites you most about the future of CPC?  

A: The future of the CPC is rooted in expanding opportunity, strengthening representation, and elevating the voices and experiences of athletes with disabilities across Canada. As the landscape of sport continues to evolve, the CPC is positioned to lead national conversations about accessibility, inclusive program design, and equitable pathways to high‑performance competition. The organization’s future will likely focus on deeper community engagement, broader athlete development pipelines, enhanced support systems, and stronger advocacy for universal access – not just within sport, but across Canadian society.