Dina Bell-Laroche (MA ’06) is passionate about leveling the playing field in Canadian sport.

In recognition of her unwavering dedication to building a more compassionate and values-driven sport system, Bell-Laroche received the 2025 Brock University Alumni Association (BUAA) Distinguished Alumni Award on Sept. 21 during Brock’s Homecoming celebrations.

As an author, Partner at Sport Law and a nationally recognized Integral Coach, she has provided strategic leadership and coaching support to hundreds of Canadian sport organizations and is widely recognized for her expertise in systems thinking and her efforts to build ethical and inclusive cultures.

“Dina exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership, compassionate service and lifelong learning,” said BUAA President Chis Yendt (BA’15, BEd’ 15, BEd ’20, MEd ’21). “Her impact on sport and community in Canada is profound and enduring.”

Bell-Laroche’s connection to Brock has remained strong throughout her career. She has collaborated with faculty members — including Professor of Sport Management Julie Stevens, previously Director of the Centre for Sport Capacity, and Associate Professor of Sport Management Kirsty Spence — to advance values-based risk management and leadership development initiatives.

“Working in sport from playground to podium continues to bring me deep joy. From coaching children in my community to organizing True Sport Play Days, I have witnessed firsthand the power of sport to connect people towards a higher purpose. I have also had the deep privilege of working alongside some of the most devoted, sincere and brilliant legal and leadership minds at Sport Law. Doing meaningful work on behalf of our sport community is why I continue to serve,” Bell-Laroche said in an announcement by Sport Law.

Her work focuses on values-driven leadership and the power of compassion in shaping a more humanistic sport culture. Early in her career, she held roles with Equestrian Canada, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the True Sport Secretariat.

Bell-Laroche is also the founder of Grief Unleashed, an initiative that supports individuals and organizations navigating loss. As the first Certified Thanatologist working in the sport sector, she continues to pursue formal studies in grief and loss.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bell-Laroche’s volunteerism reflects her deep commitment to service. She has supported bereaved families, led school-building projects in Nicaragua, coached youth soccer for over a decade and served on numerous boards and advisory committees.

Nominations for the 2026 BUAA awards are now open. To learn more about these awards and submit a nomination, visit the Alumni Relations website.