Speaker Slam® Announces Speaker Lineup for the 2025 Theme "The Power of No"
Apr 08, 2025Harnessing the Power of No: Setting Boundaries to Unlock Your Potential
Life's most profound transformations often begin with a simple, yet powerful word: "No." The Power of No is about reclaiming your voice, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor your true self. At Speaker Slam, you'll hear from individuals who have courageously said "no" to what no longer served them, paving the way for growth, authenticity, and fulfillment.
"The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes." – Tony Blair
Join us on May 27th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®, an electrifying evening of inspiration, transformation, and personal breakthroughs. Witness 10 extraordinary speakers share their compelling stories of boundaries set and lives reclaimed—narratives that will empower you to embrace the power of "no" in your own journey.
What is Speaker Slam?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to cultivating influential speakers, changemakers, and thought leaders. We provide a platform for individuals to share their life stories and inspire their communities to take action. Each year, we hold five competitions, each featuring 10 speakers delivering 5-minute inspirational speeches around a specific theme. Winners receive prizes valued up to $10,000, including $2,000 cash, and move on to the prestigious Grand Slam—The Inspirational Speaking Finals in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year against the best speakers of the year.
Meet Your Power of No Speakers:
Lacey Artemis
Event Host & Producer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lacey Artemis (she/they) is a versatile and multi-passionate speaker, performer, creative producer, and more. She was a socially awkward introvert in her youth and has blossomed into a dynamic and engaging voice at any event.
Lacey is a published author, filmmaker, podcaster, musician, graphic designer, comedian, and storyteller. Lacey has the unique distinction of being an accountant turned performer, and is also a member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
"I am extremely excited to share my story and inspire the crowd. I pride myself in knowing I can deliver both earnestness and humour as the situation calls for them."
Vivian Meraki
Parenting Expert, Human Connection Speaker, Founder of Unshakable Parenting
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vivian Meraki helps parents step into their power, break generational cycles, and build unshakable bonds—with themselves and their children. As the author of Parenting Through Divorce and the founder of Unshakable Motherhood, she teaches parents how to raise emotionally secure kids while navigating life’s toughest transitions.
For over 20 years, Vivian worked in corporate leadership, leading marketing and brand strategies for organizations like the United Nations in Afghanistan and health-tech pioneers like PurposeMed and Field Trip Health—one of North America’s first psychedelic therapy companies. But after years of burnout, self-sacrifice, and putting everyone else first, she realized something: She was living as a side character in her own life. That wake-up call led her to walk away from a marriage and career that no longer aligned and to step into coaching, speaking, and helping others take back their lives.
Now, as a certified Life & Wellness Coach specializing in Somatics and Trauma-Informed Practices, she helps parents rebuild their confidence, set boundaries without guilt, and prioritize their own well-being—without burning out. Her message has resonated far and wide, and she’s built a thriving online community of over 30,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares real, practical insights on parenting, emotional resilience, and personal transformation. Vivian believes every parent deserves to be the main character of their own life. Whether she’s speaking on stage, coaching one-on-one, or helping parents navigate parenthood, career shifts, and major life transitions, her mission is simple: Say YES to yourself and NO to what no longer serves you.
"To me, Speaker Slam is about taking a step and answering the call. Every one of us has a story to tell and gifts to share. The question is whether we will share them. If I can inspire one person to take their step towards the future waiting for them, it will be worth it."
Patti Bevilacqua
Speaker, Storyteller, MS Warrior
Grand Forks, British Colombia, Canada
Dr. Patti Bevilacqua is a two-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the unstoppable force behind fearLESS with MS. In 1989, she was a passionate high school PE teacher with big dreams, loving every moment in the classroom. But in 1990, an MS diagnosis changed everything, cutting her teaching career short after just 10 years. What followed was 15 years of uncertainty, searching for what was next. But resilience is in her DNA. Rather than letting adversity define her, she chose to rise—reinventing herself with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of humour.
She became a dynamic speaker, workshop facilitator, and storyteller, transforming her personal struggles into powerful lessons that inspire and empower others. With a PhD in hand, Dr. Bevilacqua founded the Facebook group The Hidden Illness Collective and launched her newsletter, The Hidden Illness Advocate.
Her story has been featured on over 20 podcasts, including The Hero Within, Chronically Living, and disSOLVING fear. As a fierce advocate for disability awareness and inclusion, she is dedicated to helping others shift their mindsets, conquer fear, and discover strength in adversity. Her secret? A blend of unforgettable storytelling and a dash of humour—because life is too short not to laugh, even in the tough moments.
"Speaker Slam is an incredible opportunity to share my message, inspire others, and showcase the power of resilience. I’m all in—focused on impact, and ready to prove that no is just a detour to something greater."
Alessia Di Cecco
Peak Performance Strategist, Workplace Leadership Expert, Human Connection Speaker
North York, Ontario, Canada
Alessia Di Cecco is a dynamic Peak Performance Strategist, Workplace Leadership Expert, and Human Connection Speaker dedicated to helping leaders unlock their full potential. With a passion for fostering intentional leadership, meaningful connections, and sustainable success, Alessia equips individuals and teams with the tools to set boundaries, create balance, and lead with purpose.
Through her work, she empowers leaders to cultivate high-performing, people-first workplaces where innovation thrives and relationships flourish. Whether she’s coaching executives, speaking on stage, or facilitating transformative workshops, Alessia’s mission remains the same: to help leaders master the art of peak performance while staying deeply connected to what truly matters.
"It was by saying no to what didn't serve me that I was able to liberate my time to say yes to what does."
Dzhavhelo Mukwevho
Author, Speaker, Educator
Vuwani, Limpopo, South Africa
Dzhavhelo Mukwevho is a passionate author, motivational speaker, and educator dedicated to inspiring transformation and empowering others to unlock their fullest potential. With a deep commitment to personal growth and development, Dzhavhelo blends her diverse expertise in public speaking, creative writing, and language instruction to motivate and uplift those he encounters.
Armed with a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Dzhavhelo excels in fostering effective communication and building meaningful connections. She is driven by a purpose: to help individuals break through barriers, embrace their inner strength, and achieve lasting change.
Whether speaking on stage, guiding students in language mastery, or writing to inspire, Dzhavhelo is committed to empowering others to live their best, most fulfilling lives. She is excited to share his message with the Speaker Slam audience and connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are also passionate about growth and transformation.
"Empowered voices ignite meaningful change, and I'm honored to be part of this spark at Speaker Slam."
Paula Johnson
Registered Nurse, Story Teller, Survivor, Inspirer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Paula Johnson is a Registered Nurse, Ironman triathlete, and inspiring survivor who embodies transformation, resilience, and the power of determination. Her incredible story is one of courage and unwavering strength—competing in the Ironman triathlon while unknowingly battling both a brain tumor and breast cancer. Through these challenges, Paula has learned that limitations are self-imposed and that true strength lies within each of us.
As a storyteller, Paula shares her journey of overcoming obstacles and defying expectations, motivating others to break free from their perceived limitations and tap into their fullest potential. Her path from former couch potato to Ironman athlete and survivor is a testament to the power of perseverance and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
Now, as a passionate advocate for personal empowerment, Paula is dedicated to helping others unlock their inner strength, embrace their own transformations, and live life to the fullest.
"I'm terrified, but also incredibly excited, to see what I can inspire in people who have any self doubt."
Liz Jakoi
ADHD Leadership Coach, Saboteur Disruptor
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Liz Jakoi is a dynamic Leadership Coach and Saboteur Disruptor, fiercely committed to empowering professional leaders with ADHD to break free from the cycles of procrastination, distraction, and overwhelm. With a powerful blend of neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom, Liz doesn’t just offer surface-level strategies—she dives deep to uncover and dismantle the root causes of self-sabotage.
Through her transformative approach, Liz helps high-achieving leaders reconnect with their authentic selves, align with their inner purpose, and reclaim their intuition. Her clients emerge with renewed clarity, unwavering confidence, and a heart-centered focus that fuels both personal growth and business success.
"I’m stepping onto the Speaker Slam stage to honor the power of No—not as rejection, but as reclamation. Every time I said no to my saboteurs, I said yes to my truth, my voice, and the woman I was always meant to become."
Danielle C. Baker
Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Founder & CEO of Being Connected e-Learning Inc., Author, Podcast and TV host
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Danielle C. Baker is a TV and podcast host, author of Bringing Up the World, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), and the Founder and CEO of Being Connected e-Learning Inc. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a powerful voice to parenting, education, and child development. Danielle helps educators and teachers create inclusive learning spaces by putting the focus back on the child and equipping them with strategies that actually work in real classrooms. Her work supports parents in finding real-life balance while raising confident, emotionally healthy children.
Known for her practical wisdom and inspiring delivery, Danielle challenges audiences to break generational patterns so children don’t have to carry the weight of what we didn’t heal. Whether she's guiding educators, empowering parents, or advocating for the well-being of children, Danielle’s mission is to spark meaningful change - one conversation, one connection, and one courageous step at a time.
"I’ve spent years helping others shine from behind the scenes - this stage is my next step, not just to grow, but to speak up for those still searching for their voice. With Speaker Slam's support, I’m finally ready to step into the spotlight."
Ivan Fredette
Entrepreneur and Coach
Fenwick, Ontario, Canada
Ivan Fredette is the founder of Ironclad Brotherhood, a movement for men who are ready to reclaim their masculinity, forge inner strength, and live lives of excellence. A successful entrepreneur and the owner of Safe Tree Ltd., Ivan knows firsthand the discipline and grit it takes to build something meaningful, from the ground up.
After changing his life through sobriety, Ivan discovered a truth most overlook: sustainable transformation begins with emotional change, not behavior. He now coaches men to do the hard internal work first, because becoming the man you were meant to be starts with who you are, not just what you do.
With raw storytelling, hard-earned wisdom, and unapologetic honesty, Ivan inspires men to lead themselves first, live with purpose, and create a legacy worth passing down.
"Resilience doesn't come factory installed, it comes from leaning into fear and discomfort"
Katie Faloon-Drew
Habit Change Expert, Speaker, Wellness Coach
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Katie Faloon-Drew is a habit change expert who knows exactly why we’re stuck. We all know what we should do to feel healthy and confident, but overwhelm and shame often hold us back.
With a Master’s in Health Psychology, years of wellness coaching experience, and a personal journey of breaking free from the trap of external validation, Katie teaches you how to build and stick to sustainable habits that lead to REAL internal vibrancy. Her approach empowers you to align your goals with your values and take action BECAUSE you love yourself—not to SO THAT you will.
"I can’t wait to share at Speaker Slam how the power of NO is the secrete to creating the space for the simple shifts that help you feel healthy + authentically confident = VIBRANT."
Words of Wisdom Speaker:
Farah Nasser
Global Speaker and Journalist
North York, Ontario, Canada
Farah Nasser is one of Canada’s most trusted and recognizable voices in journalism. With a career spanning two decades, she has served as the anchor for Global National, bringing clarity, empathy, and insight to the nation’s most pressing stories. Farah’s interviews with world leaders, in-depth election coverage, and award-winning reporting have made her a household name.
Beyond her work as a journalist, Farah is a passionate advocate for social change. As an ambassador for Plan International Canada and World Animal Protection, she uses her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard. Her commitment to mentoring young journalists and her work on the board of directors for the Canadian Journalism Foundation reflect her dedication to fostering the next generation of storytellers.
How the Competition Works:
- 10 speakers deliver 5-minute prepared speeches on the theme.
- Judged by 4 industry experts.
- Prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2000 in cash. Top 2: Move on to Grand Slam.
- Speech Rules: Props are allowed, but music requiring technical setup is not permitted. Exceeding 5.30 minutes results in point deductions. 1 point for every 5 seconds.
- Speeches are scored out of 100 points across these categories:
Judging Criteria
- Message Clarity (25 pts): Clear, concise, powerful, and meaningful messages.
- Storytelling (25 pts): Vivid, descriptive, captivating personal stories.
- Transformative (15 pts): Inspiring, impactful, and transformative for both speaker and audience.
- 'IT' Factor (15 pts): Star power, unique identity, and creativity.
- Entertaining (10 pts): Engaging and entertaining through props, humor, or performance.
- Presentation (10 pts): Effective body language, vocal variety, and authenticity.
Join us on May 27th and experience the power of NO – reclaiming your voice, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor your true self.
Who will be the next to spark transformation and create a ripple effect of taking a chance?
