The Free to Grow in Forestry Initiative was officially launched in November 2018. The Centre for Social Intelligence secured funding for the Canadian Institute of Forestry from the department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE). This innovative partnership spearheaded by CSI and CIF will lead a gender champions steering committee comprised of public, private, not-for-profit, Indigenous and academics that will create a sustained change across the forestry sector. This project was recognized by the International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO), a global non-governmental organization uniting 650 member organizations and representing over 15,000 scientists across the world. The IUFRO Task Force identified this project as a key case study and resource for fostering the professional development of underrepresented voices in the forestry sector.