Brooke Hunter, president and CEO, Hunters International Insurance

When Brooke Hunter, president and CEO of Hunters International Insurance, was asked to reflect on the status of women’s progress in the insurance industry for International Women’s Day, what came to mind was an arena in which determination, investment, and visibility have propelled women forward: professional women’s sports in Canada.

“I’ve been watching the Leafs lose since I was a kid growing up in this city,” Hunter quips. “But watching the Toronto Sceptres take this city by storm last year brought me such delight. This is a hockey town with pent-up desire for more hockey! And wow, did the women of the Toronto Sceptres deliver.”

This led her to another groundbreaking development – the launch of the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. Founded by former professional soccer player Diana Matheson, the NSL represents a historic moment for women’s sports in Canada, proving that with the right vision and backing, women can build a sustainable professional future for themselves.

Women lifting up women

Hunter was impressed and quickly became more than just a spectator. When a friend mentioned an opportunity to invest in AFC Toronto, one of the NSL’s founding teams, she jumped at the chance. “I had a meeting with the CEO, Helena Ruken, wherein she thought she was pitching me. In fact, I had already decided YES,” Hunter recalls. “Here’s the thing: as women, we have an obligation to step into lifting up other women looking to achieve great things. Period.”

With two daughters watching her every move – one of whom is a soccer goalkeeper for the North Toronto Nitros – she hopes to inspire them to seize opportunities, support one another, and push boundaries. “I’m quickly coming to appreciate the game of soccer despite being anxious any time a ball goes anywhere near her. I see these young women on her team work so hard at practice, in matches, and managing school,” she says. “The opening game for AFC Toronto on April 19th promises to be exciting for her team, my entire family, and no doubt this city.”

Tracing the connections

Hunter has worked at global and big regional brokerages and founded Hunters International Insurance 20 years ago. She draws a clear connection between the progress of women in sports and the role of the insurance industry in fostering gender equality – both within and outside the industry in Canada.

“In my career, I’ve seen our industry step up for wonderful causes ranging from community grassroots to national issues,” she says. “I am so very proud of the way my industry conducts itself in this regard.”

The insurance sector has already stepped up to support the NSL. “Westland Insurance has sponsored as the league’s official insurance broker, and Intact Insurance just announced its own partnership. Hats off to them both, and thank you from every woman in this country watching these developments with pride and hope for the future of gender equality in our nation.”

She anticipates more insurance industry support at the local club levels this spring.

For Hunter, the message of this year’s International Women’s Day is one of support and action. “As we celebrate women, I think some inspiration and positive reinforcement is in order. I encourage everyone in our industry to get out there and support a Northern Super League soccer team near you!”