One Year Later: The Breakfast That Helped Spark a Community

A year ago, we took a bit of a leap.

We hosted Breakfast with Champions with The University of British Columbia — the first major SHE’S GOT NEXT event — and honestly, we had no idea how it was going to turn out.

We had never run a big event before. We pretty much made up the format based on the kind of conversation and energy we wished existed. We brought in a seasoned pro (shoutout Karen Christiansen). We asked our favourite comedian, Carolyn Taylor, to emcee — and did cartwheels when she said yes. We invited a room full of women we admired: varsity athletes, Olympians, business leaders… many of whom we had never even met.

And nearly everyone showed up.

The energy in that room was contagious. People stayed long after the program ended. Conversations spilled into the hallway. Numbers were exchanged. Plans were made.

Many of those women have since become close friends — not just to us, but to each other.

That morning was the start of something.

Since then, the momentum around women’s sport in Canada has been incredible.

The Northern Super League launched its inaugural season. The PWHL expanded to Vancouver and Seattle. And seeing the Pacific Coliseum packed for women’s hockey gives us goosebumps every time. Watching that building become a true home for a women’s team, logo at centre ice and all, feels like a moment many of us waited decades to see.

Along the way, hundreds of women have joined this community.

Together, we’ve shown up for the NSL, the PWHL, the WNBA, and dozens of USPORT teams. We’ve met athletes, executives, students, founders, and fans who all believe the same thing:

Women’s sports are the spark — but what’s really growing is a community of women showing up for each other.

One thing that has stood out over and over again this year is just how generous women are with their support for the next generation.

The women we meet in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are celebrating something they worked hard to build — and they’re deeply invested in making the path easier for the athletes and leaders coming behind them.

Sure, there’s still more to do. But that’s part of the fun. There’s a shared purpose in the room.

This year, we’ll be launching the SHE’S GOT NEXT Starting Five Grants to support five incredible student-athletes. More on that soon.

As for another Breakfast with Champions? Stay tuned for 2027 dates.

And maybe this is the biggest takeaway from the past year:

The world can feel upside down some days. Chaotic. Heavy. Unfair.

But then you run into someone from this community at a game, an event, or even the grocery store… and suddenly the world feels a little brighter.

Because what’s next isn’t theoretical — it’s happening.

Women showing up for each other. Making introductions. Opening doors.

Step by step, things keep moving forward.

Thanks for being here.