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Celebrating International Women’s Day

Celebrating International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day yesterday,  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 women we are thrilled to represent:

Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark, O.C., LL.B
Award-Winning Inuk Singer/Songwriter

Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists, who blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. Aglukark’s talks emphasize the same themes that her music does – those of hope, spirit, and encouragement that have captivated and inspired listeners around the world. Learn more

Zahra Al-Harazi

Zahra Al-Harazi
Chatelaine’s Top Entrepreneur of the Year (2011)

The road to real leadership is rarely a straight one, and among Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, few have traveled a route with more obstacles overcome than Zahra Al-Harazi. Sharing her no-holds-barred attitude and passion for success, Zahra discusses her unique approach to entrepreneurship and leadership, as well as her personal experience as a pioneering woman and immigrant in the business world. Learn more

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Trey Anthony
Award-Winning Canadian Playwright

Trey Anthony was the first Canadian black woman to have her own program on a prime-time Canadian network. Based on her ground-breaking play of the same name, ‘da Kink in My Hair was a television hit and put her on the map as a mentor and role model. Trey’s infectious energy, humour, and determination inspires audiences to go after―and achieve―their dreams. Learn more

Sally Armstrong

Sally Armstrong
Human Rights Activist | Journalist | Author

Sally Armstrong has covered stories in zones of conflict all over the world. From Bosnia and Somalia to Rwanda and Afghanistan, her eyewitness reports have earned her the Amnesty International Media Award three times over, as well as acclaim all over the world. Armstrong shares her experiences reporting from the front lines and imparts her audiences with the lessons she’s learned from the battlefields surrounding the complexities of “human rights” versus “human wrongs.” Learn more….

Roberta Bondar

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

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

Dr. Shimi Kang
Award-Winning Harvard-Trained Physician |Author of #1 National Bestseller, 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 key 21st century skills needed to flourish both professionally and personally. Learn more...

Katty Kay

Katty Kay
Lead Anchor, BBC World News America | Co-author, Womenomics and The Confidence Code

Katty Kay is the lead anchor for BBC’s World News America where she covers the full gamut of American and global affairs―reporting on US elections, the White House, Congress, Wall Street, global economies, and world trouble spots. Kay also frequently acts as a co-host on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and as a guest commentator on NBC’s Meet the Press. As a speaker, panel moderator, or interviewer, Kay’s global perspective helps audiences cut through complex issues and see them in valuable context. Learn more

Sarah Kay

Sarah Kay
Spoken-Word Poet

Sarah Kay uses the power of spoken word to inspire creativity and self-empowerment in others. In her now-famous TED talk–a talk that inspired two standing ovations and has been seen by over seven million people online–she tells the story of her metamorphosis from a wide-eyed teenager soaking in verse in New York’s iconic Bowery Poetry Club, to becoming a teacher who today connects youth with the power of self-expression through her own non-profit educational organization. A gifted artist and breathtaking performer, Sarah empowers audiences of any age and background to embrace words to find their voice. Learn more...

Laumann_Silken

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 former Specialist in Olympic Athlete Preparation and Mentoring for the Canadian Olympic Committee, McBean prepared athletes emotionally and psychologically to ensure that they performed at the highest level in everything they can. 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

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Nilofer Merchant
Leading In The Social Era | Bestselling Author of 11 Rules for Creating Value in the #Social Era

A bestselling author on innovation and collaboration, a TED speaker, and a business leader with 20 years of experience, Nilofer Merchant challenges audiences to do more than just think differently—she asks them to act differently. Merchant has personally launched more than 100 products that, in total, have netted 18 billion dollars. Her leadership and business models encourage innovation and growth, and she collaborates with teams to create this enduring advantage. Offering prescient guidelines for taking the future into your own hands, Merchant brings her world-class pedigree to any stage. Learn more

Pamela Meyer

Pamela Meyer
Certified Fraud Examiner | Bestselling Author of LieSpotting

Pamela Meyer’s mission is to help people get to the truth. Extensively trained in the use of visual cues and psychology to detect deception, Myer teaches audiences how to go from lie-spotting to truth-seeking to trust-building. Her riveting TED Talk, How to Spot a Liar, has been viewed over nine million times, making it one of the 20 most popular TED talks of all time, while her book, Liespotting: Proven Techniques to Detect Deception, was a huge bestseller. Combining her unique understanding of deception with her honed business acumen, Myer provides audiences with lessons and takeaways that can be immediately put to use. Learn more

Jessica Mulroney

Jessica Mulroney
Lifestyle Expert | Media Personality

Jessica Mulroney is the lifestyle expert to watch—literally. Now a recognized commentator on programs such as Breakfast Television and CityLine, Jessica weighs-in on topics ranging from fashion and home decor to family and parenting. Whether acting as a brand ambassador or co-hosting an event, Jessica’s positivity and poise are palpable.

Samantha Nutt

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

Kary Osmond

Kary Osmond
Celebrity Chef

Kary Osmond became a household name in Canada as the host of the wildly popular CBC cooking program, Best Recipes Ever. Known for her down to earth style in the kitchen, Kary creates and makes recipes that are as simple as they are delicious. With a friendly, relaxed demeanor that puts even the most novice chefs at ease, Kary offers tips, tricks, and recipes that get everyone excited to cook. Learn more

Carol Roth

Carol Roth
Emcee | Host | Business Media Personality

An authoritative voice in business and news media and on-air contributor for CNBC, Carol Roth leverages her experience as a “recovering” investment banker, investor, and entrepreneur when examining the headlines surrounding the economy, politics, and current events. A highly sought after emcee and moderator, Roth combines her candid approach with her trademark humor to ensure that “business is never boring”–making her a time and time again favourite with all audiences. Learn more

Barbara Stegemann

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

Janice Stein

Janice Gross Stein
Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto

Whether it’s economics, geopolitics, or international security and terrorism, few people have a better understanding of global issues than Professor Janice Gross Stein. Her dynamic presentations provide a unique perspective into what’s really happening around the world—from China to Russia to the Middle East and Europe—and what it means to her audiences. Professor Stein’s presentations not only connect the dots regarding key events, but provide a look at where things are headed, and where the potential dangers and opportunities may lie. Both realistic and hopeful, she leaves her audiences with a better understanding of current global issues, and a clear, compelling vision of the future. Learn more…

Sheila Watt-Cloutier

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

Wickenheiser_Hayley

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

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.