Alyssa McQuaid-Barsby joined the Department of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster University as EDI, Anti-Racism & Student-Athlete Engagement Specialist in December 2024.
Under the leadership of Dr. Clare Warner, she leads initiatives focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on engaging students and student-athletes.
Alyssa holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Teaching (Curriculum, Teaching & Learning) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Fitness Science (Kinesiology) from York University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a certificate in Fitness Assessment & Exercise Counselling.
Her experience includes time as a Varsity Soccer Athlete at York University, a Student-Athlete Academic Advisor at York University, and a Research Assistant with the IDEAS Research Lab at the University of Toronto and Brock University. Alyssa has also worked with Canadian Women and Sport, where she developed curriculum for inclusive spaces in sport organizations and championed programs for girls and women. Additionally, she is the founder of Sport ExtendED, which provides academic and career support for student-athletes.
Outside of work, Alyssa is passionate about leveraging education and sport for social change and empowerment. She is known for her holistic approach to influencing change and her ability to connect authentically with others. Alyssa enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as music and growing plants.
