Identity: A Night of Courage, Truth, and Finding Your Voice
Lula Lounge was filled with honesty, courage, and connection as ten remarkable speakers took the Speaker Slam stage for Identity. Each speaker shared a deeply personal story, reminding us that embracing who we are is often the bravest thing we can do.
The evening explored what it means to find your voice, let go of who the world expects you to be, and step fully into your own identity. Through powerful moments of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery, every speaker showed that our greatest strength comes from owning our story and having the courage to share it.
1st Place: Adrian Leckie
Mental Health Speaker, Leadership Development Expert, Youth Success Strategist
Speech: No Capes Required
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: $2,000 cash prize & Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Klaudia Zinaty: 3 months of marketing consulting, one ticket to the Women Empowerment Awards Gala, plus a gift bag filled with products and services. (Value: $8,000)
- Kripa Anand: She & Success / CSME Network Business Magazine Cover Feature — a premium editorial spotlight recognizing the winner on the cover. (Value: Invaluable)
- Daniel Pillai: Speaker & Media Readiness Package — 1-hour one-on-one coaching session, bio and keynote positioning review, and speaker one-sheet feedback. Includes the opportunity to discuss professional goals and speaking challenges, plus a curated personalized PR mailer featuring products from LANGTON PR clients and a handwritten note. (Value: $3,500)
- Stephanie Hiltz: Costa Rica Escape! — Five (5) nights at a Tamarindo, Costa Rica Airbnb. Sleeps 2. Includes WiFi, A/C, pool, tennis court, gym, free parking, and just a 7-minute walk to the beach (blackout dates may apply). (Value: $500 USD)
2nd Place: Tina Calleri
Inspirational Keynote Speaker
Speech: The Loudest Word
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Kripa Anand: Spotlight feature in the publication — an email interview. (Value: $8,000)
- Klaudia Zinaty: two months of marketing consulting, and a ticket to the Women Empowerment Awards afterparty. (Value: $5,000)
- Daniel Pillai: Speaker Success Starter Session — 30-minute virtual coaching session, speaker bio review, and key messaging feedback including three personalized recommendations to strengthen speaker positioning. Includes a curated personalized PR mailer featuring products from LANGTON PR clients and a handwritten note. (Value: $1,500)
- Stephanie Hiltz: The Insider Hour — One hour of direct access to insights from someone who works closely with event planners and clients. Ask anything. (Value: $300 CAD)
3rd Place: Lilly White
Life Transition Expert, Resilience Speaker, Recovery Advocate
Speech: Five Minutes
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race
- Kripa Anand: Spotlight feature on the website — an email interview. (Value: $5,000)
- Klaudia Zinaty: one month of consulting and ticket to Women Empowerment Awards afterparty. (Value $3000)
- Daniel Pillai: Personalized PR Mailer — Curated personalized PR mailer featuring products from LANGTON PR clients, plus a handwritten note from Daniel Pillai.
- Stephanie Hiltz: The Thought-Leader Swag Drop — A curated collection of books, goodies, and inspiration from top speakers.
Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen
- Kripa Anand: Founder & Editor of She & Success Business Magazine
- Stephanie Hiltz: Speaker Strategist & Event Specialist
- Daniel Pillai: CEO & President of LANGTON PR
- Klaudia Zinaty: Founder & CEO, Women Empowerment Awards & The Women Empowerment Foundation
Unforgettable Moments
Val Vee brought warmth, authenticity, and wonderful energy as our co-host, helping create a welcoming atmosphere from beginning to end.
Our Momentum Members and Passion Speed Share speakers once again showed the strength of our community, while a packed audience filled the room with encouragement, connection, and unwavering support for every person who stepped onto the stage.
What's Next?
Our final competition of the season, Reinvention, takes place on September 15 at Lula Lounge in Toronto.
Join us for another unforgettable evening of powerful stories, meaningful connection, and speakers who are ready to inspire.