Plano, Texas – October 15, 2026 -- Two nonprofit leaders who open up youth sports to more girls and kids received $25,000 grants each from Toyota at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. Markeshia Grant of EPIC for Girls and Rhiannon Potkey of Goods4Greatness are the 11th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes.

The Heroes were surprised on stage. Tiffany Shido, general manager of brand at Toyota Motor North America, presented the honors alongside espnW emcee and Toyota Ambassador Jess Sims. Shido said the pair are expanding access to sports and removing barriers to participation.

EPIC for Girls builds up the people who serve girls in sports

Grant is Executive Director of EPIC for Girls, a capacity-building nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska. EPIC strengthens the organizations, coaches and systems that serve girls. It gives those groups resources, relationships and support to widen access to quality sports and youth development.

Goods4Greatness puts new and used gear in kids' hands

Potkey founded Goods4Greatness in Knoxville, Tennessee. The nonprofit buys new sports equipment for low-income kids across the country. It also partners with college programs to redistribute their new and used equipment to youth teams in need.

Under Potkey, the group has grown nationwide through partnerships with schools, sports organizations and community groups. Thousands of young athletes now have access to essential equipment.

Toyota shows off two vehicles at the three-day Summit

2026 is Toyota's 14th year as presenting sponsor of the Summit. Attendees can see the 2026 Toyota Sequoia and the all-electric Toyota Highlander. Toyota is offering interactive vehicle displays, games and giveaways throughout the property.

The 2025 honorees were Jessica Carter of HER Sports and Amberly Klam of Texas Fury. The 2024 class was Morgan Crawford of The Moxie League, plus Tam and Brett Donelson of The Cycle Effect.