Women Who Inspire Series

Kayla Grey is a dynamic and trailblazing sports journalist and broadcaster who has made history as the first Black woman to anchor SportsCentre,Canada’s flagship sports news program. Born and raised in Toronto, Kayla’s passion for sports and journalism led her to pursue a career that would break barriers and create a path for other women of color in sports media.

Kayla Grey is not just a sports broadcaster—she’s a cultural force, using her platform to challenge the norms of sports reporting and elevate the voices of marginalized communities. Her ability to connect with her audience and her remarkable storytelling skills have made her a household name in Canadian media.

Kayla Grey: From Athlete to Broadcaster

Kayla’s journey into the world of sports journalism started as a student-athlete at York University, where she excelled in both academics and athletics. A former basketball player, Kayla quickly recognized that her love for sports could translate into a professional career off the court. She pursued a degree in communications and journalism, setting the foundation for her future success.

After landing a job as a sports reporter for CBC and later moving on to work with TSN, Kayla’s hard work, dedication, and compelling storytelling brought her recognition. Her history-making achievement as the first Black woman anchor of SportsCentre has inspired countless young women, especially women of color, to pursue careers in sports media.

Breaking Barriers in Sports Journalism

Kayla Grey has not only become a prominent sports journalist but also a symbol of diversity in broadcasting. Her pioneering achievement as the first Black woman to anchor SportsCentre highlights her role in breaking racial barriers in a predominantly white industry. By holding this position, she shattered stereotypes and opened the door for more women of color to represent themselves in the world of sports journalism.

Her bold approach to storytelling, combined with her focus on social justice issues, has allowed her to speak about race, identity, and diversity within sports. In doing so, she continues to break down barriers and raise awareness about important issues that affect athletes and communities of color.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion in Sports

Kayla Grey’s success goes beyond her role as a broadcaster; she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sports industry. Through her platform, she actively encourages other women to take the reins in sports journalism and empowers them to amplify their voices. She believes that when more diverse voices are represented, sports media becomes richer and more authentic.

In 2020, she launched a podcast titled “The Intersection”, where she discusses the intersection of race, sports, and culture, offering her perspective as a Black woman in sports. Her work has made her a voice for the voiceless, tackling difficult topics that go unnoticed in mainstream media.

Awards and Recognition

Kayla Grey’s career has earned her numerous accolades. In recognition of her accomplishments, she has received the 2019 Canadian Screen Award for Best Sports Host and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN (Women’s Executive Network).

Her passion for promoting women’s sports also led her to become a key figure in promoting gender equality in the industry. She continues to advocate for more women in sports broadcasting and media, encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers they are passionate about, regardless of societal barriers.

Kayla Grey’s Impact Beyond Broadcasting

Kayla’s influence extends far beyond sports journalism. She is an active mentor and role model for young women, particularly women of color, aspiring to break into the world of media. Her story serves as a reminder that success comes not only from skill but also from perseverance, resilience, and the ability to defy the odds.

She continues to speak out about the lack of representation in sports media, constantly working to ensure that diversity and inclusion become central pillars in all aspects of media and broadcasting.

Photo: Nikki Ormerod

Dr. Theresa Tam is Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer and a pediatric infectious disease specialist with a long-standing career in public health. She gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her evidence-based leadership played a pivotal role in guiding the country through a public health crisis. Her calm demeanor and strategic foresight made her a household name.

Canada’s Top Public Health Leader

Dr. Tam has served in various senior public health roles, including tackling previous health threats such as SARS, H1N1, and Ebola. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by regular communication with the public, ensuring that science-based updates were accessible and understandable. Her role was vital in helping Canadians make informed decisions about safety and health.

A Lifetime of Service

Dr. Tam began her career as a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases before transitioning into public health policy. She has been a key figure at the Public Health Agency of Canada for over two decades. Her work focuses on improving health equity, disease prevention, and pandemic preparedness. She has advocated for systemic improvements in health access, particularly for marginalized communities.

Challenges in the Spotlight

As an Asian woman in a high-profile role, Dr. Tam faced racism and gender bias, especially during the early months of the pandemic. Despite this, she continued to lead with professionalism and compassion. She emphasized mental health, social cohesion, and the importance of solidarity during national challenges.

A Role Model in Health Leadership

Dr. Tam’s leadership style steady, empathetic, and fact-driven has become a benchmark in public health communication. She’s an inspiration to young women pursuing careers in science and medicine.

“Be visible. Be courageous. And always speak with truth.”

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Kayla Grey: Changing the Game in Canadian Sports Media