We have a great line-up of speakers this year.
Be sure to also check out our Biz Tool Sessions.
TIP: Click on the titles for more information.
SPEAKING UP FOR YOURSELF
So often we want to speak up, say something, but we don’t. We stay quiet, wishing we had spoken up, especially about something important to us.
In this interactive session, Nancy will awaken the voice within us so we are comfortable saying what we think; so we speak up when we need to and so we become vocal and make changes for ourselves.
Nancy Watt
Nancy is a sought after speaker, writer and improviser. A graduate of Second City’s Improv Conservatory and Sketch Writing Programs, this consummate professional delivers dynamic workshops on communications and creativity in unconventional environments. Rated in the top five of the Leadership Workshops at the International Microsoft World Partner Conference and a regular at Huffington Post’s team building events, Nancy delivers powerfully creative and memorable sessions. She delivers her energy, talent and humour to the corporate, education and healthcare sectors.
Nancy’s passion is about connecting through effective communication. She holds a special place in her heart for improv workshops that enlighten women about how we communicate. Often, there are subtle but powerful ways that we diminish our own status. In her highly engaging and camaraderie-filled improv session, you’ll leave laughing while having that “A-ha” moment.
MEET OUR TRAILBLAZING PANEL
Brenda Halloran
Brenda Halloran is a global leader with a local conscience. Often referred to as the people’s Mayor, Brenda successfully held the top job as the Mayor of the City of Waterloo, Canada from 2006-2014. Responsible for leading the City through one of the most dynamic and innovative periods in its history, she focused on economic development, international partnerships and smart city growth.
Today, Halloran is the CEO of ComLinked and the CEO of Brenda Halloran Inc. She is also the Chair of the Board of Startup Canada and the President of the Trillium Innovation Venture Group. Brenda is a member of the Rotary Club of Waterloo, on the Kidsability Foundation Board, and on the board of Supportive Housing of Waterloo . She continues to be involved in the local technology sector and works with new start-up companies.
Toni Morgan
Toni’s passion for social justice began as a homeless high school dropout working in Toronto’s most underserved communities. At the age of 17, she was kicked out of her third school and told she would never get a university degree.
Toni left school vowing to never return and instead immersed herself in activist work, spending most of her days discussing youth issues at Toronto City Hall. She soon became a recognized advocate on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion and marginalization.
Undeterred by these predictions about her education, she crowdfunded $71K in 48 hours to attend Harvard University, where she pursued her Master’s in Education.
Lindsay Rice
Lindsay Rice did not follow the normal path to racing like many other professional drivers did. She began her racing career at a later age, and proved that she was able to pursue her passion for driving competitively at 23 and still be successful without much prior racing experience.
Lindsay showcased that she had the skills to race in the professional racing world right from the start. In her first ever race weekend behind the wheel in Grand Touring, Lindsay took home four podium wins for the four races she competed in. Over the 2016 season, she placed herself on the podium a total of seven times in her Porsche 911.
As a dedicated automotive professional and a brand ambassador, Lindsay Rice continues to put her best foot forward in her industry today as she works towards success in her racing career and in her career at Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd in corporate marketing events.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with Molly Burke
This year our luncheon keynote is Molly Burke, a motivational speaker who happens to be blind. Over the years, as Molly¹s vision deteriorated, her confidence and optimism only strengthened; but not without struggle or adversity. Molly enjoys downhill skiing, horseback riding, crafting lyrics and singing. She practices suspension yoga and Pilates. We know you are going to be inspired by this amazing young woman.
Molly Burke
At just four-years‐old, Molly Burke’s world became a little bit darker: she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare retinal disease causing loss of vision. Despite this, and the ensuing obstacles and hardships she faced, it wasn’t long before she began bringing light into the lives of others. Molly began public speaking at the age of five as an ambassador for The Foundation Fighting Blindness Canada. Since then, she has inspired thousands with her story.
Over the years, as Molly’s vision deteriorated, her confidence and optimism only strengthened; but not without struggle or adversity. As a student she was tormented by bullies, and suffered from depression and anxiety. It wasn’t until she found the strength to face her challenges, and the courage to reach out to others, that she came to see the light and find hope.
As a motivational speaker, Molly has travelled the world sharing her story with youth, families and corporate organizations. She has spoken on We Day stages across North America and the UK in front of audiences as large as 20,000. Molly has shared stages with some of entertainment’s biggest names; Demi Lovato, Macklemore, Martin Sheen and Magic Johnson, to name a few. She has worked with activist like Archbishop Demond Tutu, Malala Yousafzai and the Kielburger brothers.
Molly enjoys downhill skiing, horseback riding, crafting lyrics and singing. She practices suspension yoga and Pilates and is certified in Reiki. Molly is a passionate Guide Dog user and advocate. Alongside her successful career as a motivational speaker, she hosts two television shows on AMI-tv that air nationally in Canada, AMI This Week and ATW: Weekend Edition.
Molly openly shares her experiences of overcoming adversity and embracing diversity, connecting with her audiences at a very personal, emotional, and relatable level. She believes that we all have the strength within us to survive any challenge, and learn how to thrive from those struggles. Molly encourages others to let go of the past and look to the future with bright eyes and a positive outlook. Her goal is to educate, motivate and inspire others to find peace, happiness and achieve their goals, even in the darkest days.
MEET OUR MC
Liz is an integral part of the Journey 2 Success conference. She has been our MC for the past eight years, leading us through the day with her quirky sense of humour and style.
Liz Radzick
Manifest Consulting
Liz is a communications expert and has delivered innovative, engaging workshops and results-oriented coaching to individuals in Canada, US and Italy. With a unique background in classical music, dance and comedy improv, her approach is both creative and bottom-line. She has been a guest lecturer at the Rotman School of Management and has appeared on W network.
BIZ TOOLS
Each participant gets to pre-select which breakout session she wants to attend. At these sessions, along with eight other women you will learn more from the expert on the topic.
