Women's Career Pathways to Nonprofit Leadership Positions;




Mikkonen, Marjukka; Kuoppakangas, Päivikki

PublisherWiley

2026

 Nonprofit Management and Leadership

nml.70056

1048-6682

1542-7854

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/nml.70056

https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.70056

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/524885256



This study examines women's leadership career pathways in nonprofit sport organizations. Drawing on a narrative approach and reflexive thematic analysis of 22 semi-structured interviews with Finnish women leaders, we identify four career types-Progressive Growth Career, Mission Enthusiast, Externally Catalyzed Career, and Chance-Driven Growth Career-and define their key patterns and distinctive features. The study extends the literature by offering a gender-sensitive analysis of women's leadership careers in nonprofit organizations. In contrast to earlier research, our findings show that women follow diverse career pathways and exercise agency across them. In doing so, the study refines nonprofit leadership typologies, highlights dual routes to legitimacy, and offers practical insights for recruitment, nomination, and development practices aimed at expanding women's leadership in sports nonprofits.




leadership careersnarrative approachsports organizations


Open access publishing facilitated by Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu, as part of the Wiley - FinELib agreement.


Last updated on 12/06/2026 12:55:16 PM