Speaker Slam® co-founders Dan Shaikh and Rina Rovinelli have been named finalists for the Kindness in Business Award at the second annual Kindness Circle Awards Gala, taking place Friday, October 16th, 2026 at the Crystal Fountain Event Venue in Markham.
They are one of three finalists in the category, alongside Sylvia Calleri and Emily O'Brien.
In Rina's Words
"We were really excited to be nominated, but we are even more excited that we've been announced as one of the finalists for the Kindness in Business Award.
Kindness isn't a competition. It's subjective, personal, and looks different to everyone. But being acknowledged for this is really meaningful to Dan and I. It's the foundation of our business, and how we've survived and thrived over the last decade."
About the Gala
The Kindness Circle Awards Gala celebrates people and businesses making a difference in their communities. The evening includes inspiring stories, dinner and dancing, the kindness awards, and giving back to the Ontario Tech University Women in STEM Scholarship. The 2026 gala is sponsored by Find Perfect Balance, IFDS, and Mintz.
Kindness Circle Awards Gala Friday, October 16th, 2026 Crystal Fountain Event Venue, Markham, Ontario
Dan and Rina would love to have the Speaker Slam® community at their table. [Get your tickets here]([TICKET LINK]).
Ten Years of One Speech
Speaker Slam® was founded in Toronto in 2016 and is now in its 10th season. Read the story in The Evolution of Speaker Slam®.