OTTAWA - Ravens Football coach Liya Equbagzi has been named one of nine participants in the CFL's third annual Women in Football Program presented by KPMG LLP (KPMG).
A participant in the Ravens' first annual Coach Apprenticeship Program for Women, Equbagzi will join the Toronto Argonauts as a Football Operations intern.
“The role of women in football is significant, reflecting their crucial role in business, leadership and in all aspects of life. This mentorship program is a testament to our KPMG values, and we are privileged to work with the CFL to foster opportunities for women in Canadian football,” Ruth Todd, Managing Partner – Regions East at KPMG in Canada, said in a CFL release Thursday.
One of three participants in the Ravens program in 2023, Equbagzi, a Carleton student and former member of the Ravens Sports Business Club, was a Football Operations and Defensive Assistant coach in 2023 and is now on track to gain professional experience in a program that has catapulted seven of it's first 18 participants to jobs in the league.
"My experience throughout the Women’s Football Apprenticeship Program was one of the most memorable experiences by far," said Liya during the off-season. "The program has given me the opportunity to develop valuable skills and gain real-world experience essential for my future career path in football."
The program, which was brought to Carleton by coach Corey Grant, looked to provide more opportunities for women in football. In it's first year, three women joined the Ravens coaching staff. They weren't the first to ever step on the Ravens sideline, that honour remains with Nadia Doucoure, now full-time with the Ottawa Redblacks, who served with the Ravens in 2021 and 2022.
Asked about her experience with Carleton, Liya believes the opportunity has helped her prepare for this opportunity with the CFL. "This program gives women the opportunity to grow as football coaches at a high level, and gain the necessary skills to help them become successful leaders in the industry."
