Meet your 2024 S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Joanne Steventon
My name is Joanne – or JoJo to the people who love me most. By day, I’m a communications manager at The Ottawa Hospital. Evenings and weekends, you’ll find me on the backroads and trails on my bike.
I’ve never considered myself an athlete, but I’ve always wanted to travel long distances under my own power. In journalism school, I fantasized about Outside Magazine calling me to cover Everest—so I started long-distance running to be ready. In my 30s, I got into long hikes. More recently, I discovered endurance cycling.
A few summers ago, I started watching bikepacking films—Pan Celtic, Own Her Own, and Lael Wilcox’s Tour Divide record attempt. Inspired, I’m tackling my first self-supported bikepacking trips this summer, aiming for up to three 800–1000km rides.
I love that bikepacking isn’t about speed—it’s about the journey. If this interests you, check out the Log Driver’s Waltz or the Canadian Shield Bike Packing Summit in May. Hope to see you on the trails!
Clare Gallant
Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to be a SWEET Ambassador and to share my journey with you.
Sixteen years ago, I was sedentary and clinically obese. When I hit my “had enough” point, I committed to moving every day. I started by chasing my kids around the house and running laps. Then I won a bike and fell in love with riding. When my kids swam, I swam too—eventually aiming for 100 laps.
That led to running… and eventually triathlons. My first tri was tough—I even had a panic attack in the swim—but I kept going. The bike leg lit a spark in me, and I haven’t looked back since. Triathlon became my passion.
Now I move every day through cycling, walking, strength training, hiking, and paddling. My stand-up paddleboard is my place of peace. I’ve learned that change is possible, and movement is transformative.
My next goal? Run a marathon in October—and maybe, just maybe, qualify for Boston.
Let’s move together!
Hanan Awata
My name is Hanan and I’m super excited to be a 2024 SWEET ambassador!
I started cycling in spring 2021 during the lockdowns, learning from scratch. I’ll never forget the first time I caught a breeze on the bike—something clicked. I’d always lived a sedentary lifestyle, so even short rides were exhausting. But I took it as a challenge, stayed consistent, and now I’m fully in love with the sport.
Cycling has brought me confidence, freedom, and joy in discovering new places across Ottawa and Gatineau. This year, I’m focused on improving my bike handling skills through clinics and group rides with the Ottawa Women’s Cycling Club, and completing my annual birthday challenge ride—maybe even a double century!
All of my cycling milestones started with fear. I’ve learned that doing things scared often leads to growth. I want more women to see that cycling has no look, pace, or background—if you like riding, you belong.
Thanks to Bushtukah SWEET for the opportunity. See you out there!
Diane Harper
Hi everyone – I’m Diane Harper, and I’m excited to be a Bushtukah SWEET ambassador this year.
I don’t focus much on fitness goals—instead, I embrace active living. I’m a year-round cyclist and most-of-the-year outdoor swimmer, as well as a member of a master’s swim club. This year, I’m aiming to surpass 3,000 km on my bike, riding to Manotick, Britannia Beach, Gatineau Park, Barrhaven, and Cumberland. Cycling safety and normalizing active transportation matter to me, so you’ll often see me on group rides too.
I’ll be volunteering again as a swim Angel for Bring on the Bay, and I’m considering the Riverkeeper 4 km swim—it’s the time limit that’s most intimidating!
In winter, I hope to get out skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. I’ve never been a competitive athlete—I got active when my kids were small, and I’ve kept going ever since.
I believe representation matters, especially for older women. I’m just a little old lady on a bicycle out to have fun.
Natasha Nikodijevic
Hi! My name is Natasha, and by day, I’m an engineer in the medical device industry.
Sports and fitness have always been a big part of my life. I grew up playing almost every sport—basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, tennis—you name it! As a shy kid, sports gave me confidence and helped shape who I am today.
As we get older, finding time for activity gets harder—work, dinner, dishes... suddenly you're on the couch watching Love is Blind. Finding balance has been so important, and prioritizing movement has benefited both my personal and professional life.
In winter, I ski and strength train; in warmer months, I’m outdoors biking, hiking, and running (fellow fair-weather runner here!). I also love travel and trying new things—surfing in Nicaragua was a highlight!
This year, I’m aiming to complete the 17K Challenge on Race Weekend and run my first half marathon in the fall.
Let’s keep each other motivated—can’t wait to chase goals and grow together!
Meet Our Past S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Over the years, our SWEET ambassadors have inspired women of all ages and abilities to get active, try new things, and build community through sport. From first-time 5Ks to epic bike tours and trail adventures, these women have shared their stories, celebrated personal milestones, and helped make SWEET what it is today. We’re proud to highlight some of the incredible ambassadors who’ve been part of this journey.
