Speaker Slam® Announces Speaker Lineup for the 2025 Theme "The Underdog"
Jun 17, 2025Rising as the Underdog: Turning Setbacks into Triumph
Every great story has an underdog—someone underestimated, overlooked, or counted out—who rises against the odds to create a life of impact, purpose, and meaning. The Underdog is about defying expectations, breaking through barriers, and proving that resilience, determination, and grit can change the game.
At Speaker Slam®, you’ll witness individuals who have faced rejection, failure, and doubt—but refused to let their circumstances define them. Instead, they rose stronger, bolder, and more unstoppable than ever before. Their stories will ignite the part of you that’s ready to fight for your dreams—even when no one else believes.
“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain
Join us on July 15th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®, an unforgettable evening of resilience, grit, and unexpected triumph. Watch as 10 remarkable speakers step into the spotlight to share their underdog stories—true tales of defying expectations and turning adversity into victory. Let their courage fuel your own comeback.
What is Speaker Slam?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to elevating voices, sparking change, and empowering thought leaders. We create the space for individuals to share powerful, life-changing stories that inspire their communities to take action.
Each year, we host five competitions, featuring 10 speakers who deliver 5-minute inspirational speeches around a central theme. Winners receive a prize package valued at up to $10,000—including $2,000 cash—and earn a coveted spot at the prestigious Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year against the top finalists of the season.
Meet Your Underdog Speakers:
Patrick Morrison
Motivational Speaker, Mindset Coach and Ironman Triathlete
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Patrick Morrison is an Ironman triathlete, mindset coach, and motivational speaker who believes that true transformation begins with one simple act: showing up. As a father, coach, and everyday underdog, Patrick uses his journey—from panic attacks in open water to crossing finish lines—to inspire others to believe in themselves and take action.
His message is clear: if you have the courage to keep showing up, you’re already on the path to becoming who you were meant to be.
"For me, Speaker Slam isn’t just a stage—it’s a chance to turn pain into purpose, doubt into belief, and show others what’s possible when you just keep showing up."
Bethelene Hart
Parenting & Childcare Expert, Early Childhood Educator, Family Behavior Specialist
Markdale, Ontario, Canada
Founder of Parenting By Hart. A speaker and workshop facilitator. Bethelene is a Parenting & Childcare Expert with over 30 years of experience supporting families, educators, and schools. Ms. Hart is a Child and Family Behaviour Specialist and Author of 2 Children's Books that teach emotional literacy.
Beth helps raise confident emotionally healthy kids-by showing up with heart. She empower educators, caregivers and parents by providing the tools required to foster meaningful interactions with children which helps them thrive.
Bethelene is the mother of 4 grown children.
"Speaker Slam is the most uplifting community that truly prepares their speakers on how to craft their story. I am honored to share the stage where other inspirational speakers have stood. I am so excited to be a part of this competition and share my story."
Victor Lopez
Inspirational Speaker
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Victor Lopez is an inspirational speaker who has finally embraced his calling to let his voice be heard. Driven by a deep purpose to foster greater peace and unity among people, Victor is on a mission to help others reclaim control of their mindset—especially in today’s fast-paced and challenging world.
He encourages individuals to “think in a victorious way,” empowering them to overcome self-doubt and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Victor believes that no one needs permission or approval to chase their aspirations; the only requirement is to believe in oneself and go all in.
Through his message, Victor inspires others to step into their potential and create a life of purpose, courage, and fulfillment.
"Some people may think I have no business speaking at speaker slam. It's time to turn my non-believers into my biggest believers".
Tania Chomyk
Life Transition Expert, Grief Educator, Resilience Speaker
Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada
Tania Chomyk is a life transition expert, award-winning resilience speaker, and grief educator who leads with heart and lives with purpose. With over 30 years of experience spanning higher education, career development, and personal growth, she empowers individuals to navigate life’s most difficult moments with clarity, courage, and compassion. Tania’s work is deeply rooted in both personal experience and professional expertise. After the unexpected loss of her infant son, she transformed her grief into a purposeful mission to support others through loss, major life transitions, and the journey of rediscovery.
Her debut book, Bringing Light to Loss, is a heartfelt reflection on grief, love, and the resilience required to rebuild one’s life. A portion of the book’s proceeds supports the Child Life Program at Montreal Children’s Hospital, honoring her son’s legacy by bringing joy to children in need. Tania holds a B.Ed. and M.Ed. in Education (Human Relations & Family Life) and is a certified professional coach (PPCC). Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions at McGill and Concordia Universities, worked with hundreds of individuals in transition, and developed transformative programs focused on wellness, leadership, and purpose-driven career growth.
As the founder of Be the CEO of Your Career.Life and creator of the EmpowerHer Summit 2025, Tania is a sought-after speaker on emotional resilience and healing-centered living. She believes resilience is not innate but something that can be intentionally cultivated.Tania has spoken on stages across North America, contributed to a bestselling anthology, and continues to guide people through life’s hardest chapters—one hopeful step at a time.
"Returning to the Speaker Slam stage after a few years feels like coming home—but this time, I arrive with a clearer purpose, a stronger voice, and a message I’m proud to stand behind. The Light Within the Underdog isn’t just a speech—it’s a tribute to resilience and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a light within us all, waiting to rise."
Michelle Weger
Resilience Expert, Tech CEO, and Bestselling Author
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Michelle Weger is a Resilience Expert, Tech CEO, and Bestselling Author who runs a multimillion-dollar company while managing a rare sleep disability.
She’s the founder of Venture Creative Collective and the creator of its signature “Website in a Day” model—proving that big results don’t have to take forever when you work with real experts.
Her bestselling book, Don’t Snooze Your Dreams, shares how she built a thriving business while living with narcolepsy and teaches others how to turn fear into fuel and build bold, ambitious lives—even when the obstacles feel insurmountable.
Featured by CBC, the Ottawa Business Journal, and more, Michelle’s story isn’t just about resilience—it’s about rewriting the rules of success and making space at the table for dreamers who don’t fit the mold.
"As someone who lives with an invisible disability, taking the stage at Speaker Slam is about more than sharing my story—it’s about showing others that your biggest challenges can become your biggest power."
https://michelleweger.com/links/
Samantha Kinoshameg
Educator, Advocate, Executive Director
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
First Nations Ojibway woman, turtle clan, daughter and granddaughter of residential school survivors (dad and his mom both went to those schools). My Dad was the ultimate provider for my brother and I. Demonstrating commitment for many years to reclaiming and bringing back Indigenous Cultural traditions in urban areas. Showing us the daily grind, how taking it one day at a time helps make you successful and also helps others along their journey.
My goal is to elevate the Indigenous cultural knowledge from the original peoples of this land as an example for how relationship and integrated based societies have many of the solutions we are seeking for contemporary problems.
University education BSs in Behavioural Neuroscience, MSc in Biology, diploma of naturopathic medicine.
Over 18 years in the non-profit sector with the last 10 years as an Executive Director in an urban Indigenous community centre that has the goal to improve the lives of urban Indigenous folks. All my education and work experiences has taught me, we need each other, especially the different gifts that each one of us has that makes our circle stronger when we can use our gifts and talents to support each other.
"Excitement and new adventures await. When you take a chance at something new you never really know where you will go next. Speaker Slam is supportive and inspirational for genuine and authentic storytellers and I am looking forward to this experience."
Saurabh Malpani
Entrepreneur, Photographer, Scientist, Father
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Saurabh Malpani is a curious and creative problem solver with a passion for turning complex challenges into practical, evidence-based solutions. With an MBA featuring multiple specializations and two Master of Science degrees, he brings a rare combination of business insight and scientific rigor to every project he undertakes.
His work is grounded in both theory and practice, supported by numerous peer-reviewed publications in respected national and international journals. Whether collaborating with teams or leading initiatives, Saurabh approaches each opportunity with a spirit of innovation, thoughtful analysis, and a drive to make a meaningful impact.
Karen Craggs-Milne
Certified Diversity & Sustainability Expert, Founder of Conscious Equality Inc, Tech Exec
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Karen Craggs-Milne is a leading global go-to expert for organizations who want to get equality work right. A proud Kenyan Canadian, Karen Craggs Milne is a recognized global expert with over 25 years of international experience promoting equity, diversity, anti-racism, gender equality, and inclusion.
Karen Craggs-Milne is an Obama White House recognized Gender Equality Changemaker (2016) and a Global Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals (2018), “LinkedinGlobalSuperHero (2020), a Top 100 Canadian Professional (2020) and a Top 25 HR Innovator (2021). As Founder and CEO of Conscious Equality Inc, Karen has worked globally with 150+ NGOs, Corporations, and Governments to deliver on their equality mandates intentionally and with real impact.
Karen Craggs-Milne’s passion is to educate and equip others on this work. She offers mastermind groups for leaders, organizational assessments, 1on1 coaching, and training on topics such as workplace sexual harassment and bullying, creating inclusive respectful workplaces, dismantling anti-racism in business, using your privilege to be an effective ally, walking the talk on diversity and inclusion, how to address system discrimination, among others.
Whether it is under a tree in a rural village in Ghana or a boardroom with C-Suite Executives, Karen’s authentic and engaging approach promises to educate, transform and inspire you into meaningful action. Karen Craggs Milne expertise in Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression, Anti-discrimination, Effective Allyship, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Workplace Harassment & Bullying, Resolving Workplace Conflict, Gender Equality & Inclusion, Sexual Harassment, Gender-Based Analysis Plus & Intersectionality, Gender Mainstreaming, and Gender Responsive and Inclusive Programs Inclusive Workplaces.
"I am thrilled and excited to join the Speaker Slam!"
@TheKarenCraggs
Micha Edwards
Filmmaker, Voice actor, Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Micha Edwards, also known as Happie, is a writer, filmmaker, voice actor, and Ontario community change-maker—a Queer Jamaican immigrant-refugee whose story embodies courage, creativity, and transformation. A passionate advocate for youth to embrace their uniqueness and share their brilliance with the world, Micha uses their voice to elevate Queer Afro-Caribbean Canadian narratives through soundscape storytelling, live performance, and cultural gatherings rooted in healing.
A trained personal chef from Ontario’s premier culinary school, Micha now blends art and nourishment—cooking up songs, immersive stories, and soul-stirring experiences. Their debut EP, Jewels of Jamaica, releasing in August 2025, is a tribute to immigrants, identity, and dreaming beyond the boxes we’re placed in.
Micha’s journey is a powerful reminder that when we honour our roots and trust our voice, we become unstoppable. They are on a mission to tour their creative work and inspire others to transform pain into peace and purpose—one story, one song, one soul at a time.
"i feel scared and enthusiastic for the Speaker Slam stage"
Rimshah Ahmed
Speaker, Public Speaking Educator, Mental Health & Neurodiversity Advocate
Milton, Ontario, Canada
Rimshah is a bold and distinctive voice in the world of public speaking, spoken word, and advocacy. As a neurodivergent artist, mother of three, and champion for equity and mental health, she brings raw honesty, resilience, and grace to every stage she steps on.
From the TEDxOntarioPublicService stage to Speaker Slam—where she earned 3rd place in a North America-wide competition—Rimshah’s storytelling cuts through noise and speaks directly to the heart. She’s been featured on CBC Radio and Global News for her work in neurodiversity advocacy, and has performed across Canada at venues such as OCAD University’s Feminist Art Conference and Workman Arts’ Being Heard.
Whether delivering poetry, powerful keynote speeches, or leading transformative programs, Rimshah centres those who are often overlooked—the underdogs, the unseen, the unheard. Her mission is clear: to shift minds, ignite hope, and elevate stories that demand to be told.
In all she does, Rimshah merges vulnerability with vision, proving that lived experience is not a setback—it’s a source of unstoppable strength.
"Speaker Slam is more than a competition—it’s a declaration. A chance to stand in my truth, speak for every underdog who’s been dismissed or doubted, and remind the world that we don’t just survive—we rise and we lead!"
Words of Wisdom Speaker:
Angie Seth
Journalist and Professor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Angie Seth is an award-winning journalist, news anchor, reporter, host, and storyteller with over 25 years of experience in the media industry. Known for her integrity, curiosity, and passion for truth-telling, Angie has built a distinguished career covering stories that inform, inspire, and impact audiences across Canada.
Currently serving as a freelance journalist with the CBC, Angie brings depth and authenticity to every story she tells, connecting with viewers through thoughtful reporting and powerful storytelling. In addition to her work in the field, she is shaping the next generation of journalists as a respected Professor in the Journalism Department at Seneca College, where she mentors aspiring media professionals with her wealth of knowledge and industry insight.
In November 2024, Angie was elected President of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), a prestigious role that reflects her leadership, influence, and unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence in the digital age.
A true leader in her field, Angie continues to champion the values of responsible journalism while inspiring both colleagues and students to raise the bar in media storytelling.
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 July 15th and experience the Underdog – 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?
