A CTCA Initiative
HER — Hobby Empowerment & Recognition
Empowering Women. Elevating the Hobby.
Safer. Smarter. Stronger.
Our Mission
Why HER Matters
HER – Hobby Empowerment & Recognition is a CTCA initiative dedicated to recognizing, empowering, and elevating the women who are helping shape the future of the trading card hobby. By fostering mentorship, leadership, education, and visibility, HER strengthens the hobby through greater diversity of thought, stronger communities, and increased trust. A healthier, more welcoming hobby benefits everyone.
The Case for HER
Why It Matters
A Fastest-Growing Segment
Women are one of the fastest-growing segments of the hobby — serving as collectors, breakers, content creators, retailers, artists, executives, graders, and community leaders.
Representation Matters
Highlighting successful women encourages others to participate, lead, and innovate.
Stronger Through Diversity
Different perspectives strengthen the hobby. More diverse voices lead to better ideas, better standards, and stronger communities.
Mentorship Creates Leaders
Connecting experienced professionals with newcomers helps build confidence and long-term involvement.
Recognition Inspires Excellence
Celebrating achievements encourages continued leadership and meaningful contributions.
A Welcoming Hobby Grows the Industry
When everyone feels respected and included, collectors stay engaged, businesses thrive, and trust increases.
What Drives Us
HER's Core Pillars
Five commitments that guide the initiative's work across the hobby.
Empower
Provide opportunities to learn, lead, and succeed.
Recognize
Celebrate contributions and accomplishments.
Connect
Build meaningful relationships through mentorship and networking.
Inspire
Encourage the next generation of women in the hobby.
Lead
Help shape a safer, smarter, and stronger future for the hobby.
Vision Statement
A Hobby Open to Every Woman
A hobby where every woman who wants to collect, create, compete, or lead has the opportunity, support, and recognition to make a lasting impact.
Part of Something Bigger
Advancing CTCA's Broader Mission
HER isn't a separate organization — it's another way CTCA advances its goal of making the hobby Safer. Smarter. Stronger. by investing in the people who are helping build its future.
HER Spotlight
Every month, CTCA will recognize women who are making a meaningful difference in the hobby.
Whether they are leading businesses, educating collectors, creating content, organizing events, mentoring newcomers, or simply making their local hobby community better, we believe their stories deserve to be shared.
Nominate Someone
Do you know an incredible woman making a difference in the hobby?
We invite collectors, businesses, and community members to submit nominations for the HER Spotlight and future HER Awards.
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
Every story matters. Every contribution deserves recognition.
Nominate someone today and help us celebrate the women who are shaping the future of the hobby.