Strong Is Pretty | Andrew Ference & Kate T. Parker | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Former NHL player Andrew Ference and photographer Kate T. Parker discuss the importance of empowering children, especially girls, through sports.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: We have two wonderful guests today. I'm going to introduce both. So our first guest is Kate T. Parker. Kate is a mother, a wife, an Ironman, and a professional photographer. Her book, "Strong is the New Pretty," which we have back there, is a photo series that's led to collaborations with brands such as Disney's, Kellogg'... Read More

Key Insights

• 👧 Kate T. Parker's photography series and book, "Strong is the New Pretty," celebrate the strength, confidence, and authenticity of girls.
• 👶 Andrew Ference highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing one's differences to inspire and empower children.
• 👩 Social media can be a powerful tool to promote positive body image, self-acceptance, and realistic depictions of girls and women.
• 🚙 Governing bodies, such as the NHL, have a responsibility to support and promote gender equality in sports, creating equal opportunities for participation and resources.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Kate T. Parker transition from being a video editor and producer to becoming a professional photographer?

After having her first daughter, Parker began taking photos and taught herself photography and editing through YouTube tutorials. Her passion for capturing the beauty of her children's moments led to collaborations with major brands.

Q: When did Andrew Ference realize that playing in the NHL was a realistic possibility?

Ference didn't consider playing in the NHL a realistic expectation until he saw other players around him make it. It took him a few years into his NHL career to feel a sense of belonging in the league.

Q: How did Kate T. Parker come up with the idea for "Strong is the New Pretty"?

After selecting a series of photos to be displayed at a gallery show, Parker realized that the photos showcased the true essence and strength of girls. The positive response to the gallery show led to the creation of her book and the broader message of empowering girls.

Q: How did Andrew Ference support his daughter's transition from figure skating to rugby?

Ference encouraged his daughter to explore different sports and supported her decision to try rugby. He emphasized the importance of finding a sport and community that made her feel empowered and part of a team.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kate T. Parker began her career as a photographer after capturing her daughters' moments. Her book "Strong is the New Pretty" led to collaborations with major brands and emphasizes the empowerment of girls.

• Andrew Ference, a former NHL player, found his passion for hockey early on and highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in pursuing dreams.

• Both Ference and Parker discuss their experiences with sports and the impact they have on building confidence and self-acceptance in children.