Sharifa Wilkinson, MEd.

Bio

Sharifa is from Toronto, Canada and holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Ottawa. She started her educational career teaching professional development Master Classes and Certificates for The Event School London. She then leveraged her education and professional experience to lecture in Sport Management at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Sharifa's love of events, sports and venues began at Syracuse University in Upstate New York as a Division One soccer player. She played at one of the highest levels in women’s soccer and at the conclusion of her athletic career she transitioned from participating in sport events to organizing them.

Sharifa has traveled all over the world, working on world class events in Canada, United States, Australia, United Kingdom and most recently Qatar. Sharifa has worked for the Organizing Committee or Host Country in the Functional Areas of Venue Management and Operations Planning for four international sport events; The 2015 Pan/ Parapan Am Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games, 2019 Arafura Games and 2022 FIFA World Cup. She also led as a Senior Venue Manager at Tower Bridge (one of London, UK’s most iconic landmarks), delivering hospitality, catering, and events for clients like the English Football League, TED Talks, London Marathon and adidas.