As 2017 comes to a close, we are honouringย Toronto’s most inspirational women of the year. Take a look at our 12-part series highlighting the changemakers who are pushing for women’s rights, exposing the inequalities in our city, achieving excellence in what they do and giving back through advocacy, activism, philanthropy and more.
The defender:ย Kadeisha Buchanan
On the field, Kadeisha Buchanan [player on the national womenโs soccer team] is definitely a trailblazer right now for the sport across Canada. She has been shortlisted as a finalist for the FIFA Ballon dโOr, was named the Best Young Player in the 2015 Womenโs World Cup and won the UEFA Womenโs Champions League this year with her team in Europe.
Buchanan is definitely a warrior on the field. The way she understands and reads the game is amazing for a player her age. Her fierce competitiveness really shines bright as a leader on the field. She gives 100 per cent in everything she does, and especially as a black woman coming from Canada, itโs not easy.
From my experience, working with my foundation in our communities and working with inner city kids, especially girls, they really look up to Buchanan as a role model. Sheโs done a fantastic job, and weโre all proud of her and her achievements. To be a young woman and to take on such a big role and responsibility and to come out of it the way she has is something great to see. It creates a great platform to be a great leader and role model for other girls like her who are growing up with similar experiences as her, to know that they too can achieve greatness in life, whatever that may be.
Next, I want her to win the Ballon dโOr and to one day push Canada to win the World Cup. But whatever it is, Iโm very proud of her and how sheโs developed as a player and grown as a young woman. I wish her nothing but the best and more accolades. Sheโs definitely well deserving of it.
