Cammi Granato Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Cammi Granato is a pioneering figure in women's hockey and a respected leader in the NHL. Born in Downers Grove, Illinois, she grew up in a hockey family with four brothers, including former NHL player Tony Granato and current Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato. From a young age, Cammi was determined to play hockey, often joining her brothers in basement games. Despite initial resistance, she broke barriers by playing on boys' teams and later became the first woman to captain the U.S. women's national team to a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. Throughout her career, Granato was a consistent presence on the international stage, participating in every IIHF Women's World Championship from 1990 to 2005. She amassed 343 points in 205 games for Team USA, including 186 goals and 157 assists, making her the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. women's team. Her contributions to the sport were recognized with inductions into the IIHF Hall of Fame (2008), the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame (2008), and the Hockey Hall of Fame (2010), where she was one of the first two women inducted. After retiring from playing, Granato transitioned into broadcasting and scouting. She made history in 2019 as the first female professional scout in NHL history with the Seattle Kraken. In 2022, she joined the Vancouver Canucks as Assistant General Manager, overseeing player development and scouting. Her leadership is characterized by a team-first mentality and a collaborative approach, qualities she developed during her time as a captain and have continued to serve her well in management roles. Beyond her professional achievements, Granato is committed to inspiring the next generation. She authored the children's book "I Can Play Too," which encourages young readers to pursue their passions regardless of gender or background. Living in Vancouver with her husband, former NHL player Ray Ferraro, and their two sons, Granato remains a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports.