Empowering Women in Sports | S6 Eps 10 | Brenda Andress and Tree Ryde

In this inspiring episode, Tree Ryde sits down with trailblazer Brenda Andress to explore what it truly means to empower women in sports. Brenda shares her mission of elevating female athletes, amplifying women’s voices, and reshaping the landscape of sports leadership.

From breaking barriers to building community-driven change, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, representation, and the power of purpose.

If you're passionate about equity, leadership, and creating meaningful impact—this episode is essential listening.

BIO: Brenda Andress is a pioneering leader in women’s sports, recognized for her strategic vision and transformative impact on the industry. She is the founder and President of SheIS and the SheIS Sports Network, organizations dedicated to elevating and showcasing women’s athletic achievements. Through SheIS, she united commissioners of all women’s professional sports leagues in North America, launched highly successful campaigns such as #WomenWorthWatching—which generated 450+ million impressions and earned a Shorty Award—and is currently developing a global app designed to aggregate and amplify women’s sports content.

A respected figure in hockey, Brenda served over 12 seasons as Commissioner of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), guiding it to become a premier global league. Her trailblazing career began early as the first woman to play on a men’s college varsity hockey team and one of only three women invited to Hockey Canada’s Level 6 referee ranking.

Brenda has contributed her expertise to numerous boards and advisory roles and has earned multiple honors, including the Women Changing the World Award (2025), YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and recognition as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women. An author, mother, and grandmother, Brenda Andress is a global thought leader committed to reshaping the future of women’s sports and ensuring female athletes are seen, celebrated, and supported.

Connect with Brenda Andress: https://www.instagram.com/jilliantdempsey/

www.sheissport.com