The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) officially launched its historic Girls Got Next Docuseries, an inspiring new storytelling initiative aimed at highlighting the journeys of female athletes and advancing gender equity in sport at the National Racquet Center.
Hosted at a special launch event on Thursday, March 5, the initiative brings together athletes, sport leaders, and members of the sporting community to celebrate the achievements of women in sport while encouraging the next generation of female Olympians.
The TTOC’s Girls Got Next docuseries, produced by Nicole Duke Westfield and Franka Phillip, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in amplifying the voices and experiences of women in sport.
“Girls Got Next is about visibility, inspiration, and creating pathways for women to reach the Olympic podium,” said Duke-Westfield. “By sharing the stories of our athletes, we hope to empower young girls across Trinidad and Tobago to see themselves in sport and believe that they belong at the highest levels.”
During the launch, Diane Henderson, President of the TTOC, highlighted the organization’s commitment to gender equity and the development of high-performance female athletes.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee is proud to support initiatives that elevate women in sport and strengthen the pipeline of future Olympians,” Henderson noted. “Girls Got Next aligns with our broader mission to create opportunities and remove barriers for female athletes.”
Sonja Johnson, Vice President of the TTOC and Chair of the Gender Equity Commission, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that the project forms part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote empowerment, representation, and leadership for women within the sporting landscape.
TTOC’s Girls Got Next project is well-aligned with the priorities of the TTOC Gender Equity Commission which include:
- To increase the number of young women who participate in sport, and remain engaged beyond secondary school.
- To design pathways that will one day deliver Trinidad and Tobago’s first female Olympic medal.
- To expand the representation of women in sport administration, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in decision-making.
Sonja Johnson added:
“It enables the TTOC to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, providing a platform that transforms vision into reality. In doing so, it reflects the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Give to Gain. By equipping our girls with mentorship, visibility, and opportunities, we are cultivating a stronger, more equitable sporting culture, and building a brighter future for Trinidad and Tobago.”
A special highlight of the event included reflections from Laura Pierre-James, Trinidad and Tobago’s first female Olympian, who shared her personal journey and encouraged young athletes to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence.
The launch also featured a presentation by Franka Philip, offering attendees a sneak peek into the project, including episode outlines and insights into the upcoming production timeline.
The event concluded with a panel discussion by Paralympian Medallist, Nyoshia Cain-Claxton, Olympian Cheryl Ann Sankar, Future is Female awardee and journalist, Rachael Thompson-King, on the importance of visibility and representation for women in sport in Trinidad and Tobago, followed by networking and engagement among athletes, stakeholders, and supporters.
As part of the project rollout, a social media campaign will begin in March, sharing video clips and highlights from the Girls Got Next series to engage audiences and build momentum around the initiative.
Through storytelling, mentorship, and visibility, Girls Got Next aims to inspire the next generation of female athletes and reinforce Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to gender equality in sport.
TTOC Release