Our speakers specialize in:
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Experience the transformative impact of our speakers' powerful messages that ignite passion and drive positive change.
Diversity and Inclusion
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Embrace the richness of diverse perspectives as our speakers delve into topics that celebrate inclusivity and equity.
Business Excellence and Leadership
Inspirational and Motivational Speaking
Business Excellence and Leadership
Gain valuable insights from our speakers as they share strategies for achieving excellence and leadership in the business world.
Elevate Your Event
When you choose a CanaSpeaks speaker, you're choosing to elevate your live or virtual event to new heights. Our speakers are renowned for their engaging and dynamic presentations that leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Featured speakers
Gavin Smellie, Canadian two-time Olympian, professional sprinter, community leader and former RBC Olympian, was born and raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica. He migrated to Canada at the age of 14. As a graduate from Dante Alighieri Academy in Toronto, he exploded onto the scene – receiving an athletic scholarship to Western Kentucky University, graduating with a Business Degree.
Gavin was a key member of the 2012 Olympic Bronze medal team – who had their medal taken away due to a lane violation and were disqualified. Hungry for redemption, Gavin persevered by winning a bronze medal at the 2013 IAAF World Championships, and more recently, winning Canada’s first Gold ever at the IAAF 2017 World Relay Championships. Gavin recently made his 2nd Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and he prides himself on sharing his experience of perseverance, discipline and goal setting with Canada’s youth, the corporate sector, and the next generation of Olympic athletes.
Nikkita Holder is a true embodiment of resilience, dedication, and athletic excellence. As a two-time Olympian, she fearlessly represented her country at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, showcasing her remarkable talent and unwavering determination on the world's most prestigious sporting stage. With multiple appearances in the Olympic Games and a strong presence in various World Championships, Holder has consistently showcased her exceptional hurdling skills and passion for the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the global athletics community.
Her journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness and the power of perseverance, making her a revered figure in the world of track and field.
Lisa Meers is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of human behavior and a strong commitment to helping others. After leaving a corporate position to pursue a degree in clinical counseling, Lisa has dedicated herself to expediting her education to effectively support women using personal experiences and professional skills. With an intuitive and empathetic client-centered approach, Lisa has undergone intense training in emotional intelligence, personal growth, somatic conditioning, and various counseling approaches.
With a background in human resources, client services, and professional learning and development, Lisa has a recognized history of applying her skills in diverse roles. She is a certified coach supported by a global body of coaches, ensuring a high ethical standard in her practice. Lisa's personal journey of overcoming challenges has inspired her to help others navigate similar struggles. Her expertise and strong values in integrity have allowed her to successfully lead her clients to success in various areas, including time management, emotional regulation, and financial independence. Lisa's resilience and determination to help others find their path make her a valuable ally for those seeking personal and professional growth.
Shawn Allen is a well-known figure in the Canadian financing landscape. He is the founder of Matrix Mortgage Global, which is Canada's largest brokerage private lending brokerage. Under his leadership, the company has achieved over $2.3B in funded volume and over 610% growth in the past 10 years, earning a spot on the GROWTH 500 list as the fastest-growing mortgage brokerage in Canada. He has been recognized as a 5x Broker of the Year (‘18-‘22 CMP) and a 4x Top 100 Mortgage Global Professional (‘19-‘22 KMI: Aus, Can, UK, US), demonstrating his dedication to the industry.
He is also the current president of the Scarborough Business Association, where he focuses on expanding the Scarborough brand through business events and collaborative programs. In September 2023, Shawn hosted the first Toronto Business Summit with a theme of Innovate, Educate, Empower, which was attended by over 2200 people. Shawn's contributions to the Canadian financing landscape and the Scarborough community have made him a major stakeholder in both areas. Shawn is also a 2022 Scarborough Walk Of Fame inductee.
Elle Patino is the dynamic business owner behind Beauty and Nails by Yaz and the proud founder of her own beauty line. Her remarkable journey as a skilled technician, a devoted family woman, and a trailblazing beauty brand founder, depicts the true embodiment of a modern entrepreneur. She is a testament of unwavering commitment to her craft.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Elle is a passionate advocate for self-care as the key to confidence. She believes that nurturing oneself is the foundation of empowerment and success. Her story is an inspiring narrative of strength, creativity, and the transformative power of self-care. As a business owner, beauty maven, and champion of self-confidence, Elle continues to impact and inspire those around her.
Sue Chambers, an esteemed insurance advisor and the driving force behind Sue Chambers Financial Services, is a beacon of inspiration in the financial world. Hailing from Toronto, her unwavering commitment to financial literacy and education sets her apart. Sue's passion for empowering individuals goes beyond traditional advising, as she fervently advocates for unlocking one's full potential. Her expertise spans life insurance, investments, and group benefits for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Sue's journey is a testament to her belief that with the right mindset, goals and dreams are achievable. Sue's mission extends far beyond selling insurance and investments; it's about inspiring others to take control of their financial well-being and realize their utmost potential.
our leadership
Melissa Heckbert - Founder and President
As a dynamic business professional with over 20 years of experience in the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, Melissa is a leader dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and fostering excellence. Her career has been marked by an innovative spirit and a hands-on approach, having held key positions in the automotive, media, and consulting industries, where she spearheaded the development and launch of numerous transformative initiatives.
A proud alumna of Boise State University, she holds dual bachelor's degrees in international business and human resource management. With specializations in employee benefits, incentives, pension, and savings programs, her multifaceted expertise and global outlook have been instrumental in shaping her professional journey. Drawing inspiration from her extensive human resource background, she was driven to create a platform that would serve as a central point to showcase the diversity of Canadians and share their inspiring stories. CanaSpeaks is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society and is dedicated to providing a stage for a wide range of speakers to share their unique insights, with a focus on celebrating the power of diversity and the wealth of knowledge.