Ladies First: Give x Glow
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:
Sherlock Holmes Day at the BSM
Date: Sunday, July 20
Time: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, registration is encouraged
Step into the world of mystery, deduction, and intrigue, and celebrate the greatest detective in literary history. This event is in partnership with The Bootmakers of Toronto, the Canadian Sherlock Holmes Society. Learn about the shoes of 19th-century England, and how they left their mark on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories with Donald Zaldin and Barbara Rusch. Listen to a live radio play inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories. Put your Sherlockian knowledge to the test with a fun and fast-paced trivia game! Compete for exciting prizes and showcase your expertise on all things Sherlock Holmes. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the detective or newly intrigued by his world, this event promises an unforgettable journey into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes!
Agenda
1:00 pm – Footwear in History and the Sherlockian Canon presented by Barbara Rusch & Donald Zaldin
2:00 pm – Sherlock Holmes Radio Play Sherlock Holmes: A Comedy of Errors starring Mike Ranieri, Jeff Rosenthal, and Gregory Hertel
3:00 pm – Sherlock Holmes Trivial Pursuit Quiz and Prize Giveaways, presented by The Bootmakers of Toronto
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. All programming is included with our Free Sundays admission. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE BOOTMAKERS OF TORONTO:
The Bootmakers of Toronto is an esteemed community of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and literary aficionados based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1972, the group takes its name from a reference in “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” In the story, a boot belonging to Sir Henry Baskerville is retrieved from a bog and inside the boot is a label inscribed “Meyers, Toronto.”
As one of the oldest Sherlockian societies in Canada, the Bootmakers have dedicated themselves to the appreciation, study, and celebration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s works and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes. The group brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for mystery, deductive reasoning, and Victorian literature.
The Bootmakers are more than a literary society—they are a vibrant community that fosters connection, inspiration, and an enduring love for the master detective and his world. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Baker Street, the Bootmakers of Toronto warmly welcome anyone eager to join the adventure.
Co-Presenter
Discover Dance Class: Intro to Broadway Jazz
Date: Monday, July 28
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General
Step into the spotlight and bring the razzle-dazzle of Broadway to life in our Intro to Broadway Jazz class, led by dance instructor extraordinaire Melissa Bartrem! Learn dynamic jazz dance techniques inspired by iconic Broadway choreography. A beginner-friendly session for all ages and skill levels—no prior dance experience required! Put on your dancing shoes and let Melissa guide you through the glitz and glamour of Broadway jazz. This is your chance to shine on the dance floor like a true star!
Agenda
5:30 pm – Doors Open
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Dance Class
7:30 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Melissa Bartrem is a dance artist, educator, and scholar from Toronto. Melissa’s international credits include stage appearances in Brazil with the Tihany Spectacular, South America’s largest Circus, Showtime! with Casino Figueria Da Foz, Portugal, and on the high seas with Princess Cruises. Her countless appearances in live events include performances as a Toronto Argonauts cheerleader, Brazilian Carnival Samba Dancer, Divas Las Vegas Live at Casino Rama to industrials representing brands and companies such as Red Bull and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Melissa continues to appear in principal roles in film, television, and commercials.