Meet your 2025 S.W.E.E.T Ambassadors
Jacqueline Mantle
Hello – my name is Jacqueline and I’m super excited to have been selected as a Bushtukah SWEET Ambassador!
I’m currently taking the 10-week Smart Start Program with the Ottawa Running Club after being away from running for a while. To stay motivated, I’ve signed up for the 5K at Ottawa Race Weekend. I also joined the NCR Spoke Sisters Cycling Club (after being on their waitlist last year). As an early retirement gift to myself, I bought a Trek road bike from Bushtukah and I’m working on improving my cycling skills with group rides.
I enjoy power walking, hiking, running, cycling, swimming, active travel, kayaking, snowshoeing, and yoga. I year-round active commute from Westboro to my downtown office by walking, running, or cycling.
2025 is a big year—I turned 60, I’m retiring from the City of Ottawa, and I’m planning a multi-sport trip to France and Italy. I hope to inspire other women, especially my age, to stay active and live life fully.
Keara Ramirez
Hi my name is Keara and I’m excited to be SWEET ambassador!
A little bit about me: I’m just a human who loves to move her body!
I started running in Feb 2024, I was working an office job and absolutely hated being stuck sitting all day. The winter blues were hitting hard. So I had a thought one day “what if I run on my lunch break?”. It was a fun game of “how far can I run in 60 minutes?” Whether it was a 2k-5k lunch run it was the best part of my work day.
I quickly found myself wanting to run more, and with others, especially as the weather changed and became nicer. I discovered run clubs and local workout communities. Since then I have completed three road races, one trail race, and a triathlon!
This season my goals are to focus on my swim, especially in open water, ride further distances on my bike, and complete a half marathon.
Brenda Ross
Hi, I'm Brenda and I’m excited to be SWEET ambassador!
By day, I’m a virtual assistant helping small business owners stay organized and focused. By every other moment, I’m moving—on two wheels, on two feet, or uphill with a pack.
I found sport in my 30s after getting bored with running laps and reps as a personal trainer. A friend nudged me toward multisport, and that one decision led to 8 years of duathlon, 15 years of triathlon, and even some ultra running. I’ve since retired from racing, but not from adventure.
Now you’ll find me lifting heavy things at the gym, chasing gravel roads, exploring trails on all my bikes, or hiking in the mountains. I say yes to fresh air, dirt, and the next fun challenge.
Carly Bertrand
Hi everyone! My name is Carly. I’m a teacher by day and a triathlon enthusiast by night.
While I’ve been active most of my life, it wasn’t until summer 2024 that I really got into fitness. It started with a spur-of-the-moment sign-up for the Cornwall Triathlon Try-a-Tri. Completing a triathlon was on my bucket list and I thought, “If not now, when?”
With just eight weeks to prepare and no idea how to train for three disciplines, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, faced injuries, accomplished major goals, and experienced huge personal growth.
Since then, I’ve completed a second triathlon, my first 5k, a 10k with the Russell Run Club, and my longest triathlon distance yet at the Somersault Early Bird Super Sprint.
Next up: my first Sprint Triathlon with Team Triumph Triathlon Club!
This journey has changed my life, improved my mental health, and inspired me to help others find the same joy in movement.
Agnes Tyński
Hi! I’m Agnes. I’m so grateful and excited to be part of the SWEET Ambassador program this year.
I relocated from the GTA to the capital region in 2022 with my family—and we love it here! I’m a mom of two boys and my best workout buddy is my dog, Tito. I’m also a registered nurse and enjoy volunteering at my kids’ schools and sports clubs.
I don’t consider myself athletic, but being active outdoors has helped me through life’s toughest moments—from nursing school, early motherhood, and pandemic burnout to managing anxiety. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and strength training are now a huge part of my life.
Since moving here, I’ve embraced new activities like cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park and fat biking. Last year, I pushed my limits with local mountain bike races and the Gatineau Loppet 5K ski.
This year, my goals include my first OMBA Social Enduro, a 100km+ ride in Quebec, and training with other women.
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.
