Rising as the Underdog: Turning Setbacks into Triumph
Every great story has an underdog -- someone underestimated, overlooked, or counted out -- who rises against the odds to create a life of impact, purpose, and meaning. The Underdog is about defying expectations, breaking through barriers, and proving that resilience, determination, and grit can change the game.
At Speaker Slam®, you'll witness individuals who have faced rejection, failure, and doubt -- but refused to let their circumstances define them. Instead, they rose stronger, bolder, and more unstoppable than ever before. Their stories will ignite the part of you that's ready to fight for your dreams -- even when no one else believes.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." -- Mark Twain
Join us on July 15th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®, an unforgettable evening of resilience, grit, and unexpected triumph. Watch as 10 remarkable speakers step into the spotlight to share their underdog stories -- true tales of defying expectations and turning adversity into victory. Let their courage fuel your own comeback.
What is Speaker Slam®?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to elevating voices, sparking change, and empowering thought leaders. We create the space for individuals to share powerful, life-changing stories that inspire their communities to take action.
Each year, we host five competitions, featuring 10 speakers who deliver 5-minute inspirational speeches around a central theme. Winners receive a prize package valued at up to $10,000 -- including $2,000 cash -- and earn a coveted spot at the prestigious Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year against the top finalists of the season.
Meet Your Underdog Speakers
Micha Edwards
Filmmaker, Voice Actor, Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Micha Edwards, also known as Happie, is a writer, filmmaker, voice actor, and Ontario community change-maker -- a Queer Jamaican immigrant-refugee whose story embodies courage, creativity, and transformation. A passionate advocate for youth to embrace their uniqueness and share their brilliance with the world, Micha uses their voice to elevate Queer Afro-Caribbean Canadian narratives through soundscape storytelling, live performance, and cultural gatherings rooted in healing.
A trained personal chef from Ontario's premier culinary school, Micha now blends art and nourishment -- cooking up songs, immersive stories, and soul-stirring experiences. Their debut EP, Jewels of Jamaica, releasing in August 2025, is a tribute to immigrants, identity, and dreaming beyond the boxes we're placed in.
"I feel scared and enthusiastic for the Speaker Slam stage"
Saurabh Malpani
Entrepreneur, Photographer, Scientist, Father
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Saurabh Malpani is a curious and creative problem solver with a passion for turning complex challenges into practical, evidence-based solutions. With an MBA featuring multiple specializations and two Master of Science degrees, he brings a rare combination of business insight and scientific rigor to every project he undertakes.
His work is grounded in both theory and practice, supported by numerous peer-reviewed publications in respected national and international journals. Whether collaborating with teams or leading initiatives, Saurabh approaches each opportunity with a spirit of innovation, thoughtful analysis, and a drive to make a meaningful impact.
Karen Craggs-Milne
Certified Diversity & Sustainability Expert, Founder of Conscious Equality Inc, Tech Exec
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Karen Craggs-Milne is a leading global go-to expert for organizations who want to get equality work right. A proud Kenyan Canadian, Karen is a recognized global expert with over 25 years of international experience promoting equity, diversity, anti-racism, gender equality, and inclusion.
Karen is an Obama White House recognized Gender Equality Changemaker (2016) and a Global Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals (2018), LinkedinGlobalSuperHero (2020), a Top 100 Canadian Professional (2020) and a Top 25 HR Innovator (2021). As Founder and CEO of Conscious Equality Inc, Karen has worked globally with 150+ NGOs, Corporations, and Governments to deliver on their equality mandates intentionally and with real impact.
"I am thrilled and excited to join the Speaker Slam!"
Samantha Kinoshameg
Educator, Advocate, Executive Director
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
First Nations Ojibway woman, turtle clan, daughter and granddaughter of residential school survivors. Samantha has demonstrated commitment for many years to reclaiming and bringing back Indigenous Cultural traditions in urban areas. Her goal is to elevate the Indigenous cultural knowledge from the original peoples of this land as an example for how relationship and integrated based societies have many of the solutions we are seeking for contemporary problems.
University education includes a BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience, MSc in Biology, and a diploma of naturopathic medicine. Over 18 years in the non-profit sector with the last 10 years as an Executive Director in an urban Indigenous community centre with the goal to improve the lives of urban Indigenous folks.
"Excitement and new adventures await. When you take a chance at something new you never really know where you will go next. Speaker Slam is supportive and inspirational for genuine and authentic storytellers and I am looking forward to this experience."
Bethelene Hart
Parenting & Childcare Expert, Early Childhood Educator, Family Behavior Specialist
Markdale, Ontario, Canada
Founder of Parenting By Hart. A speaker and workshop facilitator, Bethelene is a Parenting & Childcare Expert with over 30 years of experience supporting families, educators, and schools. Ms. Hart is a Child and Family Behaviour Specialist and Author of 2 Children's Books that teach emotional literacy.
Beth helps raise confident emotionally healthy kids by showing up with heart. She empowers educators, caregivers and parents by providing the tools required to foster meaningful interactions with children which helps them thrive. Bethelene is the mother of 4 grown children.
"Speaker Slam is the most uplifting community that truly prepares their speakers on how to craft their story. I am honored to share the stage where other inspirational speakers have stood. I am so excited to be a part of this competition and share my story."
Tania Chomyk
Life Transition Expert, Grief Educator, Resilience Speaker
Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada
Tania Chomyk is a life transition expert, award-winning resilience speaker, and grief educator who leads with heart and lives with purpose. With over 30 years of experience spanning higher education, career development, and personal growth, she empowers individuals to navigate life's most difficult moments with clarity, courage, and compassion. After the unexpected loss of her infant son, she transformed her grief into a purposeful mission to support others through loss, major life transitions, and the journey of rediscovery.
Her debut book, Bringing Light to Loss, is a heartfelt reflection on grief, love, and the resilience required to rebuild one's life. A portion of the book's proceeds supports the Child Life Program at Montreal Children's Hospital. Tania holds a B.Ed. and M.Ed. in Education (Human Relations & Family Life) and is a certified professional coach (PPCC). She is the founder of Be the CEO of Your Career.Life and creator of the EmpowerHer Summit 2025.
"Returning to the Speaker Slam stage after a few years feels like coming home -- but this time, I arrive with a clearer purpose, a stronger voice, and a message I'm proud to stand behind."
Michelle Weger
Resilience Expert, Tech CEO, Bestselling Author
Ontario, Canada
Michelle Weger is a Resilience Expert, Tech CEO, and Bestselling Author who runs a multimillion-dollar company while managing a rare sleep disability. She's the founder of Venture Creative Collective and the creator of its signature "Website in a Day" model -- proving that big results don't have to take forever when you work with real experts.
Her bestselling book, Don't Snooze Your Dreams, shares how she built a thriving business while living with narcolepsy and teaches others how to turn fear into fuel and build bold, ambitious lives -- even when the obstacles feel insurmountable. Featured by CBC, the Ottawa Business Journal, and more, Michelle's story isn't just about resilience -- it's about rewriting the rules of success.
"As someone who lives with an invisible disability, taking the stage at Speaker Slam is about more than sharing my story -- it's about showing others that your biggest challenges can become your biggest power."
Rimshah Ahmed
Speaker, Public Speaking Educator, Mental Health & Neurodiversity Advocate
Milton, Ontario, Canada
Rimshah is a bold and distinctive voice in the world of public speaking, spoken word, and advocacy. As a neurodivergent artist, mother of three, and champion for equity and mental health, she brings raw honesty, resilience, and grace to every stage she steps on.
From the TEDxOntarioPublicService stage to Speaker Slam -- where she earned 3rd place in a North America-wide competition -- Rimshah's storytelling cuts through noise and speaks directly to the heart. She's been featured on CBC Radio and Global News for her work in neurodiversity advocacy, and has performed across Canada at venues such as OCAD University's Feminist Art Conference and Workman Arts' Being Heard.
"Speaker Slam is more than a competition -- it's a declaration. A chance to stand in my truth, speak for every underdog who's been dismissed or doubted, and remind the world that we don't just survive -- we rise and we lead!"
Patrick Morrison
Motivational Speaker, Mindset Coach and Ironman Triathlete
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Patrick Morrison is an Ironman triathlete, mindset coach, and motivational speaker who believes that true transformation begins with one simple act: showing up. As a father, coach, and everyday underdog, Patrick uses his journey -- from panic attacks in open water to crossing finish lines -- to inspire others to believe in themselves and take action.
His message is clear: if you have the courage to keep showing up, you're already on the path to becoming who you were meant to be.
"For me, Speaker Slam isn't just a stage -- it's a chance to turn pain into purpose, doubt into belief, and show others what's possible when you just keep showing up."
Victor Lopez
Inspirational Speaker
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Victor Lopez is an inspirational speaker who has finally embraced his calling to let his voice be heard. Driven by a deep purpose to foster greater peace and unity among people, Victor is on a mission to help others reclaim control of their mindset -- especially in today's fast-paced and challenging world.
He encourages individuals to "think in a victorious way," empowering them to overcome self-doubt and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Victor believes that no one needs permission or approval to chase their aspirations; the only requirement is to believe in oneself and go all in.
"Some people may think I have no business speaking at Speaker Slam. It's time to turn my non-believers into my biggest believers."
Words of Wisdom Speaker: Angie Seth
Journalist and Professor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Angie Seth is an award-winning journalist, news anchor, reporter, host, and storyteller with over 25 years of experience in the media industry. Known for her integrity, curiosity, and passion for truth-telling, Angie has built a distinguished career covering stories that inform, inspire, and impact audiences across Canada.
Currently serving as a freelance journalist with the CBC, Angie brings depth and authenticity to every story she tells. She is a respected Professor in the Journalism Department at Seneca College. In November 2024, Angie was elected President of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), reflecting her leadership and commitment to journalistic excellence in the digital age.
How the Competition Works
10 speakers deliver 5-minute prepared speeches on the theme, judged by 4 industry experts. Prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 in cash. The Top 2 speakers move on to the Grand Slam.
Speech Rules: Props are allowed, but music requiring technical setup is not permitted. Exceeding 5:30 results in point deductions (1 point for every 5 seconds over).
Judging Criteria (scored out of 100 points):
Message Clarity (25 pts) | Storytelling (25 pts) | Transformative (15 pts) | 'IT' Factor (15 pts) | Entertaining (10 pts) | Presentation (10 pts)
Join us on July 15th and experience The Underdog -- reclaiming your voice, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor your true self. Who will be the next to spark transformation and create a ripple effect of taking a chance?