In celebration of International Women’s Day tomorrow,  Speakers’ Spotlight is proud to represent numerous Women of Influence who speak on a wide variety of topics–from business matters to social media, from human rights to their deeply personal stories. Below is a selection of just a few of the Canadian women we are thrilled to represent:

Dr. Roberta Bondar
Astronaut | Physician | Scientist | Photographer

Dr. Roberta Bondar was the first Canadian woman to fly in space. An astronaut, physician, and photographer, Dr. Bondar expanded the horizons of millions when she joined the space shuttle Discovery for its 1992 mission. Dr. Bondar’s highly motivational talks―punctuated by her stunning photographs― focus on overcoming challenges, realising dreams, and the importance of life on earth, in all its forms. Learn more…

Mellissa Fung
Journalist | Hostage Survivor | Author of Under an Afghan Sky

In 2008, CBC journalist Mellissa Fung was leaving a refugee camp outside of Kabul, Afghanistan when she was grabbed by armed men, stabbed, stuffed into the back of a car, and driven off into the desert. For 28 days, Fung lived confined in a small room, deep underground, until her release. She speaks with passion, grace, and humility about her experience, and on the importance of forgiveness and human rights. Learn more…

Dr. Shimi Kang
Award-Winning Harvard-Trained Physician | Author of Forthcoming Book, The Dolphin Way

An award-winning doctor, researcher, and lecturer on human motivation, Dr. Shimi Kang offers the keys people of all ages need to succeed in the workplace and at home. With over fifteen years of clinical experience and extensive training in the science that lies behind motivation and mental wellness, Dr. Kang shows people how to cultivate the skills needed to flourish both professionally and personally. Learn more...

Silken Laumann
Olympic Hero 

Silken Laumann takes her audiences on the journey of a lifetime. Sharing her personal story of triumph over tragedy, of enduring broken bones and shredded muscles to achieve Olympic glory, Silken’s courage and perseverance over staggering obstacles is a testament not just to her spirit, but to the human spirit in all of us. In her powerful talks, Silken discloses the critical elements for realizing success with striking anecdotes and analogies, while sharing the tools she developed during her seventeen years of international competition. Learn more…

Marnie McBean, O.C.
Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist |  Athlete Mentor For The Canadian Olympic Team

Marnie McBean is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, and an expert in turning potential into performance. As a Specialist in Olympic Athlete Preparation and Mentoring for the Canadian Olympic Committee, McBean prepares athletes emotionally and psychologically to ensure that they perform at the highest level in everything they do. Drawing on her years of experience as a top competitor and her current expertise, she leaves audiences with a recipe for success that can be applied to all endeavours. Learn more…

Wendy Mesley
Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist

Wendy Mesley is one of Canada’s most recognized and respected broadcast journalists. A provocative speaker who addresses the  challenging issues of the day with an entertaining and informative presentation style, Mesley is also an outstanding moderator, master of ceremonies and on-stage interviewer. Learn more…

Dr. Samantha Nutt
Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada

One of the most original and influential voices in the humanitarian arena, Dr. Samantha Nutt, a medical doctor and the founder of the internationally renowned non-profit War Child Canada, is a speaker who is constantly in demand. For over 15 years, she has been at the front lines of many of the world’s major crises, in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Darfur. These experiences have given her unique insights into the brutality of modern conflict: why it begins, what sustains it, and what must be done to prevent children being held in its terrifying grip. Learn more…

Barbara Stegemann
Celebrated Entrepreneur | Bestselling Author

Barbara Stegemann’s entrepreneurial vision was formed after her best friend—a soldier—was severely wounded in Afghanistan. Understanding that supporting Afghanistan’s economy was a key to building stability for its people, Stegemann created The 7 Virtues Beauty—a company that sources organic oils from countries experiencing turmoil (such as Afghanistan, Haiti and the Middle East) to encourage change and to reverse the effects of war and poverty. Despite addressing complex global matters in her talks, she uses humour to explain how individuals can effect change both at home and worlds away. Learn more…

Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Environmental and Human Rights Activist | Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier is in the business of transforming public opinion into public policy. Experienced in working with global decision makers for over a decade, Watt-Cloutier offers a new model for 21st century leadership. She speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today—the environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health, and sustainability—not as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole.  At a time when people are seeking solutions, direction, and a sense of hope, this global leader provides a big picture of where we are and where we’re headed. Learn more…

Hayley Wickenheiser
Canadian Women’s Hockey Team | Flag Bearer, 2014 Winter Olympic Games

Hayley Wickenheiser is regarded as the best female hockey player in the world. With an uncompromised determination and dedication to her sport, Hayley was twice named the most valuable player of the gold medal winning Canadian Women’s Hockey Team; is a four-time Olympic gold medalist; and was selected as the Flag Bearer for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Not just an athlete, Hayley is also a community leader and an accomplished student and business woman who inspires audiences to give their best in everything they undertake. Learn more...

Margaret Trudeau
Celebrated Canadian| Mental Health Advocate

Margaret Trudeau has garnered more publicity than any woman in Canadian history, enduring both the highs and lows of being in the spotlight for so long. Sharing her personal life story, from becoming a prime minister’s wife at a young age, to the loss of both her son and her former husband, to her journey of acceptance and recovery from bipolar disorder, she reminds others of the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Learn more….

To see more of our amazing Women of Influence speakers, click here.