Meet Your Speakers for the 2024 Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals
Oct 01, 2024Speaker Slam®'s 8th Annual Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals
This year marks Speaker Slam®'s 8th annual Grand Slam, an event that highlights the profound impact of storytelling. On November 9th, 2024, at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the top 14 speakers from 2024 will take the stage to share their inspiring and life-changing stories under this year’s theme, Brave.
The Theme: Brave
The theme of this year’s Grand Slam, Brave, encourages us to step beyond our fears and embrace challenges head-on. It's a reminder that bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to persist in the face of it. As these speakers share their powerful stories, they’ll inspire us to reflect on our own lives and push beyond our comfort zones to live courageously.
Throughout 2024, Speaker Slam®, North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition, hosted five thrilling qualifier competitions. Each competition was built around a unique theme, offering speakers the opportunity to share stories that resonated deeply with audiences. The top two speakers from each qualifier, along with four wildcard selections, will now compete for the prestigious title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year, a $5,000 cash prize, and a prize package worth $50,000.
Speaker Slam®: The Journey to the Grand Slam
Speaker Slam® is a platform that empowers changemakers, thought leaders, and everyday heroes to inspire others. Over the course of this year, dozens of speakers have shared their stories in front of live audiences, transforming not only their own lives but also the lives of those who listened.
Here are the themes that defined the journey leading up to the Grand Slam:
- Reinvention (January 30th, 2024) – A celebration of personal transformation and the ability to create new beginnings.
- Human Connection (March 26th, 2024) – Emphasizing the power of relationships and shared experiences.
- Freedom (May 28th, 2024) – Embracing authenticity, breaking free from constraints, and living true to oneself.
- Perseverance (July 16th, 2024) – Highlighting resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
- Power of Yes (September 17th, 2024) – Encouraging the acceptance of new opportunities and growth.
Each competition brought forth incredible stories of hope, courage, and transformation, culminating in the Grand Slam, where the top 14 speakers from 2024 will deliver their most powerful speeches to date.
Meet Our 2024 Grand Slam Speakers
Let’s take a moment to introduce you to the incredible lineup of speakers who will take the stage at this year’s Grand Slam. These individuals have faced challenges, triumphed through adversity, and shared their stories in a way that has touched the hearts of many.
Meagan O'Nan
Human Connection Expert, Keynote Speaker, 3x Author
Starkville, Mississippi, USA
Meagan O’Nan is an award-winning author and award-winning speaker. She is the author of three books, Creating Your Heaven on Earth, Courage: Agreeing To Disagree Is Not Enough, and Held And Free. Meagan has also produced content for Forbes.com. Meagan has spoken to thousands of people at live events since 2008 and continues to appear in local and national media. Meagan received a personal note from Desmond Tutu after hearing a talk of hers on forgiveness. Meagan has worked with hundreds of different companies and organizations, like: Inspire Brands, Toyota, Red Cross National, Forbes, Centers for Spiritual Living, and many more. Meagan is passionate about helping people transform their fears into strength as a way to bridge the gaps of divisiveness. Meagan currently lives in Starkville, Mississippi with her wife, Clare, their 5-year-old daughter, Merit, their three dogs, three cats, and two ducks.
I am thrilled to be competing at the Grand Slam in November! My first experience with Speaker Slam was full of hope and connection, so I am looking forward to being surrounded by other great speakers, enjoying the Speaker Slam community, and challenging myself to give as much as I can on stage.
Calissa Ngozi
Mental Health Expert, Professor, Award-Winning Speaker
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Calissa Ngozi is an award-winning inspirational speaker who stands out in the mental health and social services elds, with over 20 years of dedicated service. A Centennial College alumna and a respected Professor at Mohawk College, her expertise spans from private practice, hospitals, foster care support, child protection, brain injury, to out of home placements to school settings and beyond. In her 14-year tenure at Bartimaeus Inc, she has excelled in building community partnerships, service coordination and fostering impactful therapeutic relationships. More than her impressive career, Calissa is a visionary in mental health advocacy, participating in conferences and serving on inuential boards
like her formal role as a Board of Director with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care, and her current roles on the Board with the Pathstone Mental Health Foundation, and the program advisory committee for child youth care at Niagara College. Her story is not just about a career
- it’s about shaping the future of MENTAL HEALTH CARE.
Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Just like the oxygen mask on an airplane, you must take care of yourself first so that you can efectively care for others.
@calissangozi calissangozi.com
Christine Farrugia
Leadership Coach, Strategic Advisor, Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Christine Farrugia is a passionate leadership coach, strategic advisor to high growth companies and an inspiring speaker. Christine has over 20 years of real world experience leading teams of up to 300 people at major Canadian companies, including Wealthsimple, Loblaws, and KPMG. She now coaches corporate leaders and executives who want to create a career that makes them excited to get out of bed in the morning, advises high growth companies on their company strategy and is a motivating, high energy speaker. Christine has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and is a Certified Khan Method Coach. Most importantly, she is a mom to two incredible kids, Oliver and Harper.
Last December I decided that 2024 was the year of doing things that scare me - and Speaker Slam was one of the 'scary' items on my list! I am excited to get on stage at Speaker Slam to push myself out of my comfort zone, join a community of world class speakers, and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Yusuf Khoja
Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Entrepreneur
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Yusuf Khoja is a catalyst for positive change and the visionary founder of Resilient Leaders. With over 30 years of experience producing and delivering international leadership events featuring iconic figures like former President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Sir Richard Branson, and Tony Robbins, Yusuf is known for delivering impactful keynotes, workshops, and coaching programs that elevate leadership and personal performance. His sessions are designed to inspire, engage, and empower, driving clients to achieve new levels of professional growth, resilience, and success.
We bring out the best in each other by challenging one another to find our voice and share our wisdom. The Grand Slam is a remarkable platform where diverse individuals unite with a shared purpose—to educate, inspire, and celebrate the transformative power of human connection!
Alana Moor
Transformational Speaker, Resilience & Leadership Coach, Prison Reform Advocate
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Alana Moor, a former inmate who spent 4.5 years behind bars in Panama, has transformed her life into a beacon of inspiration. With the mantra "You're going to lose the time, don't waste the time," she turned adversity into opportunity, using her prison experience as a catalyst for personal growth and professional success. Now a renowned life coach, entrepreneur, and award-winning speaker, Alana is dedicated to empowering others to overcome challenges and embrace their potential. As a prison advocate, she founded a foundation that provides dignity packages to women incarcerated in Panama. Her passion for helping others extends beyond her foundation, as she also mentors women in Central America seeking to improve their English language skills and business acumen. Alana's remarkable journey from adversity to triumph showcases the power of resilience and determination. With her unique perspective and inspiring story, she continues to motivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
This is a full-circle moment for me. Sitting in a jail cell, I dreamed of becoming an award-winning speaker. Today, that dream is becoming a reality. It's a testament to the power of perseverance, taking risks, and trusting your gut. I'm humbled and excited to share my story and inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
Madette Mendoza
Youth Mental Health Speaker, Artist, Music Teacher
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Born in the Philippines and raised in Toronto, Canada, Madette Mendoza is a youth mental health speaker, performing artist and founder of Resilient Musicians Academy helping students become skilled musicians, confident performers & resilient individuals. Madette has lived experience with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, and the one healthy outlet that transformed those experiences into a positive was music. She has shared her voice on notable stages including Nathan Phillips Square, Roy Thompson Hall, Flato Markham Theatre, and has been featured on Bell Fibe TV, YourTV Niagara and Jewel Radio to name a few. Madette’s mission is to inspire her audiences to turn their hardships into masterpieces through creative self-expression.
The opportunity to be in the Top 10 Speakers of the Grand Slam is an absolute honour and privilege. From being a shy and quiet little girl afraid to be in the spotlight, I never imagined I would some day grow up to be a professional speaker. I am incredibly grateful for the Speaker Slam team and fellow competitors for what has been a very positive and life-changing experience. I'm so excited for the competition and all the blessings beyond!
Scott Ferron
Sales Professional, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Coffee Connoisseur, Inspirational Speaker
East Amherst, New York, USA
Multiple decade sales leader in both Health and Pharmacitical Industries. Hold current and previous Board of Director seats for several none profits. Trainer and Mentor to various Sales professionals in multiple industries. Award winning Inspirational Speaker! President My Coffee Adventure. Traveling the world to source the finest Organically Grown Coffee!
The Grand Slam is a must attend event. The energy and powerful messages will no doubt change your life moving forward.
Maya Woronicz
Motivational Coach, Entrepreneur
Timmins, Ontario, Canada
Maya is a dedicated women's motivational coach specializing in supporting women facing self-identity challenges in motherhood. As a passionate entrepreneur, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the realm of personal development and empowerment. Through her innovative approach, Maya hosts engaging classes for mothers and children within the community, integrating movement and activities to foster a strong bond between families. Her mission goes beyond mere instruction; she aims to inspire individuals to overcome mental barriers and embrace their true potential. At the core of her work lies a deep commitment to helping others thrive and find joy in their lives. Maya firmly believes in the power of a positive mindset and encourages her clients to prioritize self-discovery and personal growth while having a blast along the way.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share the stage with such talented speakers. This competition not only offers a chance for personal growth and learning but also allows me to convey a message that is deeply meaningful to me. I see this as a platform to express my thoughts and experiences, and I hope that my voice resonates with someone who truly needs to hear it.
Val Vagopoulos
Serial Entrepreneur, Certified Inspirational Speaker, Empowerment Coach
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Val Vee is a fearless, authentic leader and a powerhouse in women’s empowerment. As a serial entrepreneur and dynamic speaker, Val is known for her bold, unapologetic approach to life and business. She inspires women to embrace their true selves, break free from societal expectations, and lead with confidence. Through her podcast, I Am That Bitch, and her influential networking group, Ladies Who Dine, Val Vee is on a mission to help women everywhere unlock their inner badass and make their mark on the world.
Real power comes from showing up as who you truly are, not who the world expects you to be.
Aseel El-Baba
Financial Therapist and Mental Health Expert
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aseel El-Baba is the first renowned Financial Therapist and Mental Health Expert in Toronto. Her journey started with over ten years of robust experience in the heart of Canada's financial industry on Bay Street. She specialized in financial planning and had a proven track record in managing portfolios with assets exceeding $100 million. Adept in the complexities of wealth management, Aseel identified the gap in the industry and pivoted to mental health having completed a comprehensive five-year psychotherapy program. Whether in her private practice or on stage leading a keynote, Aseel approaches financial challenges through a comprehensive, trauma-informed lens that encompasses emotional, psychological, behavioral, and relational dimensions. Her work is driven by the conviction that financial health is inextricably linked to mental and emotional well-being. As an active member of both the Financial Therapy Association and the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapy, Aseel brings innovative strategies and insight making her a sought-after expert for individuals and organizations seeking to achieve holistic financial wellness. She works with large organizations such as Interac, RBC, Ministry of Labor and TMU just to name a few. Since the economy is an extension of our value system, Aseel believes that in healing our relationship to money, we can change not only our lives but also the world at large. She is a creator, a speaker, an explorer, and most importantly a devoted loving mother.
It is a priviledge to witness the power of a story shared vulnerably and authentically. It changes the life of the storyteller as well as the audience.
Tyler Ryan Hall
Motivational Speaker & Alignment Coach
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Tyler Ryan Hall is an award-winning speaker, alignment coach, and creator of Out of the Closet Living, a transformative movement helping people embrace their most authentic and aligned selves. His message centers on identity, authenticity, and living out loud, asking the powerful question: “What is your closet?”—a metaphor for what holds you back from living your truth. Since coming out as gay in 2014, Tyler has undergone a profound transformation, embracing self-discovery, self-love, and radical authenticity. His journey also includes a powerful weight loss transformation that deepened his alignment in life. Tyler inspires audiences to step out of their own "closets," whether they be fear, doubt, or societal expectations, and live boldly.
I still cannot believe that at the beginning of this year I had a dream of being a speaker and now I'm getting the chance to compete in the Grand Slam event. This opportunity has been life changing and shown me what is possible when you just go for it!
Danielle Campo
Paralympic Gold Medalist, Resiliency Expert, Disability Advocate
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Danielle Campo McLeod, OOnt, is an esteemed keynote speaker and coach renowned for her expertise in leadership, resilience, and fostering connections. Danielle, a celebrated Paralympian and recipient of the Order of Ontario, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, brings over two decades of experience as a thought leader and resiliency expert. Diagnosed initially with muscular dystrophy and later correctly with Spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance (SMA-LED), Danielle's personal journey fuels her advocacy for disability rights and her mission to empower individuals to discover their "gold medal moments” and uncover their strengths and achieve personal success. Danielle has won multiple gold medals and set world records at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Beyond her athletic success, Danielle has significantly impacted her community as the Director of Culture and Engagement at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, raising over $5 million for neuromuscular diseases. Her efforts and story have been featured in major media outlets such as CBC, Global News, and CTV News. Danielle is also the author of "Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian," a memoir detailing her journey of overcoming adversity and empowering others. A devoted mother of five, Danielle balances her professional achievements with a bustling family life, continuing to inspire and lead by example.
Competing in Speaker Slams fills me with an incredible adrenaline rush. I love the connection between the speakers as we share our stories and lift each other. Preparing for a Speaker Slam is much like preparing for the Paralympics—it takes courage, grit, and a relentless drive to push through challenges. The moment I step on stage, I'm not just telling my story—I'm representing everyone who's ever faced an obstacle and found the courage to say 'try me' instead of 'why me.' It’s a powerful feeling, turning pain into purpose, and I’m committed to sharing my journey. I want to inspire others to define and achieve their gold medal moments
Leisse Wilcox
Leadership Development Expert, Workplace Wellbeing Speaker, Executive Performance Coach
Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
Leisse Wilcox - known as “the Secret Weapon of the C Suite” - is the best at helping you be the best at what you do. As an award-winning speaker, twice best-selling author, and certified Executive Performance Coach she’s the Emotional Intelligence Expert you want in your corner to help leaders and teams get out of their own way to get results so they can live, lead, and succeed on their terms. Using practical and results-focused strategies for improving communication, emotional health, and resilience, Leisse shakes up workplace efficiency by putting people first. When she’s not lighting up the stage, the page, or the internet, you can find her listening to Taylor Swift with her three tween daughters, road-tripping for tacos with her husband, or on the couch watching HBO with her dog.
BRING THE HEAT! Being able to compete at the Grand Slam is a dream come true. My university guidance counselor told me I should be a keynote speaker, and at the time, I had no idea what I would ever talk about. Fast forward 20 years through cancer, divorce, solo parenting three kids, and building a multiple six-figure business from my dining room with clients across the globe - suddenly I have a LOT to say. Being on stage with so many talented speakers and thought leaders is seriously an honor - and a ton of fun.
Mari Haruno
Motivational Special Educator, Inspirational Speaker, Canada Study Abroad Expert
Tokyo, Japan
Mari Haruno is an experienced educator and speaker with over two decades in special education. As a principal of special education schools in Japan and Canada, Mari has introduced innovative teaching methods and created supportive learning environments that benefit children with developmental disabilities. Holding a Master’s degree in Education, Mari teaches Math, Biology, English, and Japanese to a wide range of students, from children to adults, both in person and online. Her deep commitment to education is matched by her personal resilience, having overcome significant life challenges, including severe burns, a traumatic traffic accident, and a battle with an eating disorder lasting over 20 years. These experiences have influenced her educational approach and inspired her interest in motivational speaking. Mari’s journey reflects her ability to turn adversity into strength, and she uses her experiences to positively impact her students worldwide.
Give it a shot! Believe in yourself! Your possibilities are endless!
This year’s Grand Slam promises to be a life-changing night of inspiration, courage, and connection. As these powerful speakers share their transformative stories, they will challenge us all to reflect on our lives and discover our own definitions of bravery. Their messages will inspire growth, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and igniting a drive to live more courageously.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these remarkable speakers compete and inspire! Be part of the energy and transformation on November 9th at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto or tune in via livestream.
Be a part of an event that aims to change the world, one speech at a time.
