The Bold Women Giving Collective presents Women's Soccer and the Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026
As Toronto prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, TMU Athletics and Recreation hosted a special International Women’s Day event shining a spotlight on the women shaping the future of soccer in Canada.
Presented as part of the Bold Women Giving Collective, (external link) (BWGC) on March 4, the panel brought together leaders from across the sport – from those shaping the FIFA World Cup 2026 to those building Canada’s first women's professional soccer league.
The discussion was moderated by Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students. Panelists included Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the City of Toronto, Manpreet Pandha, senior manager of enterprise sponsorships at Bank of Montreal and Kathleen Hegarty, vice-president of brand and partnerships at AFC Toronto.
Pictured left to right: Jen McMillen, Sharon Bollenbach, Manpreet Pandha and Kathleen Hegarty.
Clinique was on-site at the Bold Women Giving Collective event, providing free products to attendees.
A pivotal moment for Canadian women’s soccer
The event came at a milestone moment for women's soccer in Canada. The Northern Super League just wrapped its inaugural season, making history as the country’s first-ever professional women's soccer league. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, panelists said the timing couldn't be better to build on that momentum – and to invest in the next generation of athletes.
Gabrielle Solano is a varsity soccer player at TMU pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
TMU Bold soccer player and Biomedical Engineering student Gabrielle Solano spoke about the real-world difference that BWGC scholarships make.
“When organizations like the Bold Women’s Giving Collective invest in women in sport, the return extends far beyond one individual. It strengthens teams, supports younger athletes and contributes to innovation in sport,” says Solano.
She also connected grassroots investment to the sport's biggest stage.
“The road to the FIFA 2026 World Cup begins long before kickoff. It starts in university programs, at community fields and in mentorship spaces. Places where women are supported early and consistently and where potential is recognized and invested in,” she says.
‘Take a seat at the table’
Kathleen Hegarty, vice president, brand and partnerships at AFC Toronto emphasized that the time is now for the future of women’s sports in Canada.
The panelists shared a consistent message: The time for women in sport leadership is now.
Kathleen Hegarty of AFC Toronto encouraged women to step confidently into leadership roles.
“Take a seat at the table. Often women and girls, we might not think we belong at the table, but the truth is we do. You have to believe in yourself. You have to take initiative,” says Hegarty.
Sharon Bollenbach, executive director, FIFA World Cup, City of Toronto believes the future of women’s sport in Canada is a force to be reckoned with.
Sharon Bollenbach offered a similar call to action for women looking to start a career in sport: “You’ve got to be bold and take the leap,” she says.
Manpreet Pandha, senior manager, enterprise sponsorships, corporate marketing, North America, Bank of Montreal described the future of women’s sport in Canada as bright, bold and is built by intention.
Brands are investing with intent
Manpreet Pandha from BMO spoke about the growing appeal of women's soccer to corporate sponsors.
“Women’s soccer is at an inflection point, when we look at what that means, it’s an opportunity. Partners and brands like BMO are not investing in women’s sport for the sake of partnership — we’re change agents. We have real time impact at the moment - brands are investing with intent,” Pandha says. “When we’re growing the game…we’re ultimately growing the good.”
Attendees posing for a photo.
Get involved
To learn more about the Bold Women Giving Collective or to get involved, visit tmuboldwomen.ca (external link) , or contact Robyn Kennedy, director of development, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students.
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