Every Speaker Slam® competition brings a new lineup of voices to the stage. On February 26, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto, 10 speakers competed on the theme of Overcoming Adversity.
Meet the speakers below. See how the night ended in the results.
Vanessa Jass
1st Place at Overcoming Adversity 2019
Vanessa Jass is a successful lawyer and came from humble beginnings and an abusive childhood. At 17 she was thrown out of her parents’ home and ended up in a horrific situation as a victim of domestic human trafficking. At 18, her roommate and friend Kelly was murdered. Vanessa was forced to identify her. After escaping with close calls with death, Vanessa was able to leave that violent life behind. A secret for many years, 27 years had passed. She believed that she survived and suffered for a reason that She soon discovered; it was time to tell her story.
Theresa Laurico
2nd Place at Overcoming Adversity 2019
Theresa Corazon Laurico is a mediapreneur, speaker, & creator. Her past work includes, founding the SociaLIGHT conference which focused on the triple bottom line “People. Planet. Prosperity” and brought together 1,000 entrepreneurs & leaders with past contributors like Sir Richard Branson, Seth Godin, and more. Laurico is also an on-air TV personality and she is the producer of the Miracle Morning Movie. She is the recipient of a leadership award from the former Lieutenant Governor of Canada & her passion is to blend media content that moves humanity forward and elevate love consciousness. She even has a dog named Love.
Warren Falkenstein
3rd Place at Overcoming Adversity 2019
Warren is a true warrior and a walking example of mind over matter. He uses his disability as a means of purpose and a gift from above to be used to uplift humanity through purpose, compassion and service. Warren has become a known inspirational speaker, coach, spiritual thought leader and teacher, entrepreneur, energy healer practitioner and was recently awarded first place at the 2019 Eric Edmeades's Business Speaker Freedom Academy - Public Speaking Idol and the 2018 Global ChangeMaker award for his social impact project supporting funding for patients with chronic illnesses.
Tracy Schmitt
Speaker, Author & Decorated Athlete
Born a 4-way amputee. International TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and TV host. Seen on CBC, NBC, and FOX. 2017 Robert W. Jackson Award winner and Ontario Premier Awards Nominee.
Sarah Keast
Writer, Speaker & Activist
Sarah Keast is a writer, a public speaker and an activist. Through her writing, her blog and her recent TEDx talk, she explores love and loss, mental health and substance use disorder, shame and stigma, and the power of empathy, compassion and connection all with a healthy dose of the f-bomb and humour. Her writing has been published in Chatelaine, Today’s Parent and The New Family. She is a widow, a mother and a wannabe Wonder Woman. She also believes in the powerful magic of a good yoga class, Netflix binging, vanilla lattes, laughing with friends and laughing at yourself.
Glenn Sandford
Athlete, Speaker & World Traveler
For 30 years, Glenn built a successful career while balancing the demands of being a pro AFL footballer. In 2012 he took a well-deserved vacation and his life changed. While on holiday he was blown up in a terrorist bombing. Life spiralled downwards and recovered compelling him to retire just before his 45th birthday. Glenn has now visited 52 countries. Whenever he lands in a new city, he visits the local bar, finds the oldest person in the room, buys them a drink and asks them to share their story. Because it's through our stories that we find common connections.
Patrick Bizindavyi
Author, Speaker & Coach
Patrick attracted national attention in Burundi by becoming the youngest basketball coach to win 15 trophies in 7 years. Since his arrival in Toronto in 2002, he has gone on to influence thousands of people as a radio host, author, speaker and coach. Patrick has been a guest speaker at organizations such as the Toronto Dominion Bank, RBC Bank, Bank of Montreal, Sunlife, Canada Post, Government ministries and many other companies as part of the United Way Fundraising Campaign. His blog “Journeyman Stories” has attracted readers worldwide. He is currently working on publishing his first book this year
Shirin Ariff
Mother, Writer, Speaker, Poet, Coach
Shirin is an inspirational speaker, author, and life coach committed to helping women find their strength. After braving immigration to Canada and surviving thyroid cancer, Shirin understands adversity. Despite the lemons that life handed her, she dug deep and found resilience. Today, she empowers other women to become their own North Stars. No matter what struggle you’re facing, you have the power within yourself to overcome it. Through her three mediums- speaking, writing, and coaching- Shirin relates to women who are feeling defeated. Her motivational guidance teaches women to cultivate their inner strength and believe in themselves.
Kevin Cahill
Best Selling Author, Speaker, Visionary, Change Management Specialist
Kevin T. Cahill is an award winning sales professional and consultant specializing in the art of managing change and achieving great results. As the founder of The Change Revolution, this international best selling author and speaker inspires men and women alike. As someone who has mastered the art of resilience and hope, Kevin’s philosophy as a clarity builder is strategic and results driven. Kevin’s passion is to equip individuals and organizations with a renewed sense of clarity and excitement, knowing that positive change will bring about positive gains.
Judit Schonwald
Legal Professional, Entrepreneur, Artist
Ms. Schonwald has lived in three continents, pursued her calling in the field of law. She has had to make some tough choices in life, but through it all she remained positive. She loves sports but most of all, she loves her Toronto Blue Jays.