A New Champion for Inclusion: Ottawa Charge’s Stephanie Markowski Partners with ABLE2

Photo from PWHL

Stephanie Markowski, the standout defense player for the Ottawa Charge and a new face in Ottawa, has made a significant move off the ice. In the fall of 2024, Stephanie reached out to ABLE2, expressing her desire to volunteer and explore more ways to get involved with the organization. ABLE2 is thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the ABLE2 team as an ambassador and a partner in empowering people with disabilities in our community to build lives of meaning and joy. 

Stephanie’s impressive career includes representing Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship in Japan, where her team clinched the gold medal. After four stellar seasons playing at Clarkson University, Stephanie completed her NCAA career at Ohio State, leading her team to a National Championship. In June 2024, she was drafted by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

After her big move to Ottawa, Stephanie had a vision in mind; to have a meaningful connection with her new community by exploring opportunities to be involved and give back. “I’ve been looking for ways to get involved in Ottawa, and ABLE2’s volunteer opportunity of having a one-on-one connection with a person with a disability really stood out to me,” she shares. Her mother, a teacher to underserved children in her hometown in Edmonton, Alberta, has instilled in her a deep sense of understanding and empathy for the most vulnerable. Stephanie is eager to lend her voice and platform as ABLE2’s ambassador. 

This partnership will see Stephanie leveraging her platform as a professional athlete to expand ABLE2’s reach and help elevate its capacity to serve more individuals. Through social media, event participation, and public advocacy, her involvement will shine a light on ABLE2’s impactful programs and encourage others to join her in supporting the cause.

One of the highlights of this collaboration will be the Stephanie’s contribution to ABLE2’s biggest fundraising event, Evening in the Maritimes (EiTM). Known for being Ottawa’s premier East Coast kitchen party, the event brings together prominent social figures, business and community leaders in Ottawa for a night of fun and fundraising. Stephanie has generously donated an auction prize of two (2) tickets to any Ottawa Charge game for the 2025-2026 season, an exclusive meet and greet experience with the Ottawa Charge athletes, and a signed jersey and hockey stick. She is excited about contributing to the event’s success, promoting the event on her social media and as well as attending the event herself. 

Stephanie is also currently in the process of onboarding as a volunteer Ally with ABLE2’s Matching Program. The program, which pairs volunteers with individuals with disabilities, allows both Friends and Allies to develop meaningful and intentional friendships. These connections help reduce loneliness and social isolation while expanding community ties. Recognizing the importance of inclusion, Stephanie also has generously offered occasional game tickets for ABLE2’s matches and program users. “Our team is always looking for ways to give back, and I think this is a great opportunity to do something meaningful,” she noted.

ABLE2 Executive Director Heather Lacey lauded Stephanie’s enthusiasm to get involved. “We’re thrilled to welcome Stephanie as part of the ABLE2 community. She is not only a talented athlete but also someone with a genuine heart for making a difference. Her influence will help us reach more people in the community and inspire others to join our mission of fostering inclusion and support for people with disabilities.” 

As ABLE2 gears up for another edition of EiTM, the excitement is also palpable for Stephanie. Her partnership with ABLE2 is a promising step in our vital work of building an inclusive community where every person is seen as able, important and valued. We’re eager for Stephanie to skate forward into her new role as a champion for inclusivity in the community.