Ladies First: Give x Glow
August 8 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Pay What You Can
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion that will delve into the transformative roles women of colour play and shape in contemporary sneaker culture and basketball.
Presented in partnership with FC21CA, aka Full Court 21 Canada, size?, The Collective, and Canada Basketball, Ladies First: Give x Glow will explore the challenges, triumphs, and journeys of four trailblazing women, from seeking inclusion at existing tables to building their own.
Through candid conversation and shared experiences, panelists will illuminate how they’ve navigated male-dominated industries while carving out space for the next generation of leaders.
This powerful dialogue promises to inspire anyone seeking to break barriers and redefine what’s possible in sports, business, and culture while offering ideas for growth, building meaningful connections, and leading the way toward more inclusive and equitable spaces.
Have questions? Please start by reviewing our Terms and Conditions.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Panel Begins
8:00 pm – Panel Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
ABOUT FULL COURT 21 CANADA:
FC21CA, aka Full Court 21 Canada, led by cultural content creator and educator Will Strickland, is a grassroots, community-based initiative embracing diversity, inclusion, the spirit of competition, the outdoors, fun, family and celebration.
In The World’s Most Unique Basketball Tournament, each combatant is doing their best to out think, outlast and outscore all that oppose him/her in scoring 21 points during a timed and referee-regulated game whose roots are bound in a person’s first playground experiences with basketball. This basketball tournament concept, originated in New York City by hip hop legend Bobbito Garcia, features multiple players and no teammates. Canada is one of many countries participating, having won the last five consecutive FC21 All World Finals.
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Carr is a member of the adidas S.E.E.D. program. She started her journey in the design space after receiving her MS in Fashion Design from Drexel University. Her projects include the Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever collaboration with Lexus x Carbon x Marvel x adidas on a Lexus RX 500h F Sport Vibe-Branium concept interior, inspired by the film. Nominated by adidas and in support of @makeawishamerica, Chandricka donated a vintage style leather Varsity jacket with original hand printed artwork of Disney’s original characters Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy for #DisneyCreate100.
Yvonne Uju Ejim, a Calgary Alberta Canadian Olympian and forward renowned for her dominant college basketball career at Gonzaga University, is a member of Canada Basketball’s Senior Women’s National Team and also will be representing Canada this summer on home soil at GLOBL JAM.
In her collegiate career, Ejim was a two-time West Coast Conference Player and Defensive Player of the Year, she shattered school records—including becoming Gonzaga’s all‑time leader in points, rebounds, and field goals. After earning mid‑major national honors like the Becky Hammon Player of the Year (2024) and being a Katrina McClain Award finalist, she was selected 33rd overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Ejim has represented Canada at various international tournaments including the FIBA U16 Americas, FIBA U17 and U19 World Cup, and more recently the 2024 FIBA AmeriCup and at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Off the court, Yvonne is passionate about fashion and healthcare, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology at Gonzaga University, with a goal to leverage her academic foundation toward her dream of pursuing a career in medicine after her basketball journey concludes.
ABOUT ERIKA FLORES:
Erika is a self-taught Toronto illustrator, poet, and multi-media artist. As the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants, Erika’s work reflects her passion for storytelling through heritage and culture, empowering marginalized communities, and the art behind athleticism and sports. This can be seen through her work with various sports leagues, notably designing the inaugural away jersey for AFC Toronto, illustrations for Nike x WNBA for Canada’s first ever WNBA game, various projects with NBA Canada x Microsoft, and PWHL Toronto Sceptres. Her work can be found on her website, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
KJ, a student-athlete at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, is founder and CEO of Point Goddess, a platform dedicated to empowering women through community, collaboration, and impactful initiatives, such as the Point Goddess All-Women’s Celebrity Basketball Game, which celebrates women’s achievements on and off the court. Her mission is fueled by fostering access to essential resources that aid women in building a global community where women are supported, inspired, and equipped to thrive.
Kayla Williams is a seasoned TV journalist, content creator, moderator, and girl mom, known for her dynamic presence both on and off screen. With over a decade in television broadcasting, she’s interviewed changemakers, hosted live events, and built a trusted voice rooted in authenticity. Now a passionate storyteller and digital creator, Kayla uses her platform to champion motherhood, faith, personal growth, and women’s empowerment. Whether she’s on the golf course, moderating conversations, or creating community-driven content, she shows up with purpose and heart—inviting others to do the same.
Co-Presenter
Supported By:
