Lead Forward Summit 2026 - Toronto, ON

Join Girls Forward & U of T’s Safe Sport Lab for a day of action, community building, and safer sport cultures. Join us for the Lead Forward Summit, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to fostering inclusive, girl-centred, and equitable spaces in sport. Together, sport leaders, coaches, educators, and advocates will celebrate and amplify youth voices, empower girls, women, and gender-diverse people, and tackle critical conversations on how gender-based violence (GBV) intersects with sport. Come ready to collaborate, explore resource tables, and build actionable strategies for lasting cultural change. What to Expect: • Expert Keynotes: Explore current research, and essential strategies for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and systemic barriers in sport. • Interactive Session & Guided Community Connection: Connect with peers and leaders, explore vendor resource tables, and experience the dedicated Student Symposium and interactive boards. • Ready-to-Use Tools & Strategies: Walk away equipped with concrete steps to protect athletes and build braver, more equitable sport environments. • Strategies for Active Support: Explore the different types of bystanders and collaboratively discuss how to break down the barriers that prevent effective intervention. • Vital Community Dialogues: Participate in critical conversations addressing cultural shifts, accountability, and inclusivity in sport environments. All proceeds go directly towards Girls Forward's mission of empowering girls through sport, physical activity, and education. Note on Accessibility: If the $10 minimum donation presents a financial barrier to your attendance, please reach out to Ayesha at [email protected] for subsidized ticket options. We want to ensure this event remains accessible to all community leaders! Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today to help shift the culture of sport in our community!