About This Speaker: Harrison Browne

Harrison Browne made history as the first transgender athlete in North American professional sports, breaking barriers for future generations of LGBTQ+ athletes. During his three seasons in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), he became a true pioneer, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and driving change within the sports industry. Harrison played a key role in creating the first-ever transgender policy in professional sports, ensuring equality and respect for both transmen and transwomen.

In recognition of his groundbreaking efforts, The Hockey News named Harrison Browne one of hockey’s 100 Top People of Power in 2016. This honor highlights his impact as both an athlete and a trailblazer for inclusion in sports. Furthermore, he was appointed Inclusion Leader for the NWHL Advisory Board, strengthening his role as a leader in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.

Before his professional career, Harrison represented Team Canada at the 2011 U18 Championship in Stockholm, where he won a silver medal. He also played for Team Ontario in the 2011 Canada Winter Games, earning another silver medal. These accomplishments set the stage for his NCAA Div. 1 college hockey career. He started at Mercyhurst University, then transferred to the University of Maine. After graduation, Harrison joined the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts, where he earned an All-Star nomination in 2017 and helped the team win a championship.

After his athletic career, Harrison Browne continued advocating for LGBTQ+ rights through his work with the You Can Play organization and various Gay-Straight Alliances in schools and communities. His advocacy highlights the need for inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ athletes across all sports.

Harrison Browne’s story is one of resilience, courage, and commitment to social change. He inspires audiences with his journey, challenges, and triumphs.

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Speaking Topics: Harrison Browne

The 5 Pillars of Diversity and Inclusion
Why is Diversity and Inclusion important in the workforce? The answer to this question is that there are many different cultures, lifestyles, and ethnic groups out there and the only way we can attempt to view the world from all perspectives is to have representation within. Diversity is strength and Harrison will map out how to ensure your organization is strong from the inside out. He will share his experiences as a transgender individual in the work force and highlight the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in this expanding business world where inclusion is crucial to success.
Leadership: How it Can Make or Break Your Team
As an elite athlete Harrison has been surrounded by leadership for almost the last 2 decades. He has observed and experienced the framework that goes into what makes a great leader well… great! It does not matter whether you’re an employee or an athlete – leadership is essential in motivating and empowering individuals to take pride in their work and complete tasks to the best of their abilities. Harrison will take you through his journey and map out the qualities of the great leaders in his life and how they were able to bring out the best in those around them.
Teamwork and How to Actually Make the Dream Work
Immersed in the world of elite athletics, Harrison has two decades of experience watching high performance teams come together and win. He has done everything from winning a world championship to coming last place in his college division. Every milestone reached and game lost has been due to teamwork or lack thereof. Whether it’s on the ice, court, or the office all successful endeavours rely on teamwork and collaboration. As an expert in his field, Harrison will guide you through all the ins and outs on the importance of teamwork and how to achieve success together.
My Story: Trailblazing Through Professional Sports
Harrison tells his story as a transgender male in Women’s Hockey, the first openly trans athlete to ever play in professional sports.
Remarks by Harrison Browne
Harrison can customize a keynote talk on one of many topics such as sports culture, diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ issues, and health.
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