ABOUT US

About our Founder and CEO
Debra Barnes is an educator, PR and Sports Marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience. She has been involved in major events in the Western Cape, including the campaign to bring the Olympics, World Baseball Classic and Cape Town Grand Prix to Cape Town.
As the founder and CEO of Ignite Talent Lab, and former Race Director of the Two Oceans Marathon, Debra is passionate about women’s sport and leadership in sport, sports development and the social impact of sport.
In 2018 she launched the inaugural Women in Sport Summit in Cape Town, bringing the conversation on women in sport and inclusivity to the fore.
Equally passionate about the youth , she managed a number of sports development projects in football, cricket and athletics, and through her network, assists sports marketing graduates gain real-life experience in the sports industry.
Our CEO has worked on some world-renowned projects:
- Jazzathon
- V&A Waterfront
- Robben Island Museum
- Cape Town Olympic Bid
- Gary Player Invitational Global Series
- Two Oceans Marathon
- Round the World Yacht Race
Talent Develolment
Unearthing and mentoring the next generation of global sports marketers. I will get some testimonials from students that I have mentored.