When you mention the name Marisa Calvert, PR and Sponsorship comes to mind, and that is no surprise. She has built herself into one of the most well-known industry professionals with her hard work when it comes to her craft. The newly-appointed Head of PR for Ackermans is not only a trailblazer in the industry known for her ambitious personality, but also being a helping hand to whoever needs her in her field.
For dedication to her craft, she won the Woman in PR and Sponsorship gong at the 2019 gsport Awards. Calvert is well-known for her efforts in elevating women’s sport, and she says that her win signifies not just an Award, but it highlights gsport’s intention in making sure women in the industry are seen.
“Winning in 2019 was one of those pinch-me moments. I was honoured, emotional, and a little bit stunned, to be honest, because gsport doesn’t just hand you a trophy, they shine a spotlight with intention. It was a reminder that the work we do behind the scenes in PR and sponsorship matters, not just to the campaigns but to the people and stories we choose to elevate.”
“Since then, it’s shifted how I show up. I’ve felt a real responsibility (and honestly, a desire) to always ask: ‘What can I do to uplift women’s sport? Who’s missing from the conversation, and how do we pull them in?’”
“That moment on the gsport stage lit a fire that hadn’t gone out. And I’ve seen it do the same for so many other winners. gsport gives you visibility, yes, but more than that, it gives you momentum. It turns quiet, consistent work into something undeniable.”
The #PowerOfRecognition is a potent catalyst when it comes to women in sport being acknowledged for their efforts as they continue to go above and beyond in their domain on a daily basis. Calvert affirmed this by saying that her win saw her reach numerous career highs.
“It changed the way I saw myself, honestly. Recognition from gsport wasn’t just a shiny moment on a stage, it was this big, loud, ‘WE SEE YOU!’ from a platform that genuinely champions women in sport, in all roles. That kind of validation, especially in an industry where women often work twice as hard for half the spotlight, stays with you.”
“Since then, I’ve walked into rooms with more certainty, spoken up when it counted, and made space for other women to be heard too. The #PowerOfRecognition isn’t just about visibility, it’s about confidence, connection, and knowing that what you do matters. And once you’ve felt that, you’re compelled to pass it on. We all have a role to play.”
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Calvert, who is also an avid runner, is known as an esteemed PR and Sponsorship professional, with many years of experience. She says what sets gsport apart is their ability to work with intention as they look to advocate for sportswomen and women in sports.
“gsport don’t just recognise women in sport: they champion them. And they don’t wait for a moment to be viral or commercially viable. They show up in quiet, consistent spaces, and that’s rare in a South African context (especially).”
“I’ve worked across a lot of campaigns, and what always makes the difference is intention.”
“gsport has built a platform rooted in purpose. They don’t hand out Awards to tick a box but rather, tell stories, build momentum, and create visibility that opens doors. Whether for athletes, coaches, comms pros, or behind-the-scenes heroes, gsport recognises the full ecosystem of women in sports and that’s where the power lies.”
“From my lens in PR, where the narrative often gets shaped by commercial metrics, gsport is a reminder that human stories are just as powerful as the numbers, and often more enduring!”
After Covid-19, Calvert exited the sports space prematurely but has since gone into the corporate side. She shared how it allowed her to hone her skillset in PR, brand, and sponsorship and she now feels that she can start making a difference in the women’s sport space.
“We are looking at aligning ourselves with a former Protea netball player or two, who isn’t attached to an apparel brand. This is my way of giving back in any way,” said Calvert.
There have been massive strides made to ensure gender parity when it comes to women in sports and sportswomen, but as the saying goes, there is still more that can be done. Calvert believes that gsport is leading the way when it comes to
“Visibility is currency, and at the moment, women in sports are still being paid in loose change. There’s this tendency to show up with fanfare when there’s a big win or a viral moment, but then disappear in the quieter seasons.”
“That kind of support is performative, not progressive. The real shift happens when brands invest consistently, not just when it’s trending. When they build long-term partnerships, not one-off media moments.”
Beyond the athletes themselves, we need more women calling the shots: in creative rooms, in media planning, and on sponsorship decks. Because if the people shaping the narrative don’t reflect the diversity of the game, we’re still playing with a rigged scoreboard, and this is where gsport deserves real credit.
“gsport never waited for permission to amplify women’s sport — they’ve just done the work. They’ve made sure that achievements don’t disappear in the scroll, and that recognition isn’t reserved for a select few. gsport closed the visibility gap with purpose and created a platform that genuinely moves the needle. That kind of advocacy? It matters.”
Being in PR and Sponsorship has seen Calvert gain valuable experience and insight. She shared what some of the lessons have been and focused on how authenticity has been an essential element in the sector.
“I’ve just been doing the work, learning as I go, and trying not to lose the plot in the chaos. I’ve remained authentic because in a world full of fake, authenticity is everything. But if I look back, a few things stand out. Firstly, storytelling matters, but only if it’s honest. People can spot spin from a mile away. The best work I’ve seen (and done) has always started with a clear sense of purpose, not a shiny campaign line.
Also, relationships trump everything. Not fake networking…I mean real connection, showing up, being decent, and remembering people’s names. Also, ego is expensive. You can’t grow if you’re too busy trying to be the smartest person in the room. I’ve learned to ask questions, to listen, and to keep evolving, because this industry doesn’t stop moving, and neither should we.”
Calvert has this message for gsport with the milestone birthday set for 2026.
“Twenty years is no small feat. It takes grit, heart, and a serious amount of staying power to keep showing up for women in sports, especially when it isn’t popular or profitable. That’s what makes gsport’s 20th anniversary such a milestone.”
“It’s not just a celebration of the women who’ve walked that stage. It’s a celebration of a platform bold enough to back women in sport long before the rest of the world caught up.”
Main Photo Caption: Marisa Calvert, the newly-appointed Head of PR Manager for Ackermans, is not only a trailblazer in the industry known for her ambitious personality, but also being a helping hand to whoever needs her in her field. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Calvert has become an industry leader in the world of PR and Sponsorship, and is no stranger to the gsport family.
Photo 3 Caption: The industrious specialist won the gsport PR and Sponsorship Award in 2019, and is reaping the rewards of the #PowerOfRecognition.
Photo 4 Caption: Calvert – “gsport doesn’t just hand you a trophy, they shine a spotlight with intention,” making the case against performative support.
Photo 5 Caption:“Twenty years is no small feat. It takes grit, heart, and a serious amount of staying power to keep showing up for women in sports.”
