Posted on by Deborah Jones
Danielle Campo McLeod Competes In Speaker Competition - Biz X magazine
24
Jun

Windsor’s Danielle Campo McLeod Competes In Speaker Slam’s “Perseverance” Competition July 16, 2024

Danielle Campo McLeod, a celebrated Paralympian and motivational speaker from Windsor, is set to participate in Speaker Slam, North America’s premier inspirational speaking competition.

The event is scheduled for July 16, 2024, at the renowned Lula Lounge in Toronto during Disability Pride Month.

This fourth competition of the Speaker Slam season features 10 speakers from across the continent who have turned adversity into strength, perfectly embodying this year’s theme: “Perseverance”. McLeod, known for her resilience both in and out of the pool, will share her riveting journey through sports and life challenges, aiming to inspire and ignite perseverance in others.

McLeod began her career as a swimmer after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy,

McLeod began her career as a swimmer after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a challenge that introduced her to swimming as a form of therapy and quickly transformed into a platform for international success. Her story of overcoming physical limitations to win multiple Paralympic medals aligns with her ongoing advocacy for disability rights and inclusive sports.

“Competing in Speaker Slam is an incredible opportunity to elevate the conversation on perseverance and showcase the strength it takes to transform challenges into victories,” says McLeod. “It’s also a powerful platform during Disability Pride Month, emphasizing the potential within all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.”

The event promises an evening of powerful narratives aimed at fostering resilience and hope among its audience. Speaker Slam continues to be a pivotal platform for speakers to share their impactful stories, having propelled many past participants to global stages, including TEDx talks and major media features.

McLeod ‘s participation in the competition is not just a personal milestone but also a broader advocacy effort to support and inspire people facing similar battles, proving that perseverance can indeed lead to triumph.

The Speaker Slam competition, based in downtown Toronto, is known for its impact on discovering and nurturing speaking talent. The event not only highlights the power of storytelling but also propels speakers to new heights, including TEDx talks, book deals, and international recognition.

Speaker Slam hosts five yearly qualifier competitions building up to the Grand Slam – The Inspirational Speaking Finals. 10 speakers battle on stage with themed five-minute speeches for prizes up to $10,000, including $2,000 in cash.

The top two speakers will advance to the Grand Slam, scheduled for November 9 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio, where they will compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year and a prize package worth up to $50,000.

For more information about the speakers and the event, click here.

SPEAKERS include . . .

  • Ebi Oginni – Derby, England, United Kingdom
  • Sandra Tadros Guirguis – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
  • Sara “Boz” Boswick – Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
  • Steve Furtado – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • Danielle McLeod – Windsor, Ontario, Canada
  • Maya Woronicz – Timmins, Ontario, Canada
  • Madette Mendoza – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
  • Michael Kim – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
  • CJ Janzen – Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
  • Josie Smith – Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Event Details:

  • Date: July 16, 2024
  • Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1T9
Tickets: Available on Eventbrite [Livestreaming tickets available]

Speaker Slam is a premier speaker development agency renowned for cultivating the next generation of changemakers & thought leaders. The agency is best known for creating North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition, where participants share their life stories to inspire and motivate their communities to take meaningful action. Over its eight-year journey, Speaker Slam has had a global impact with over 500 million views on their speeches through platforms like Goalcast, Power of Positivity, Jay Shetty, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. The event has been featured on CityNews, Breakfast Television, Global News, and OMNI News. Learn more here.

Danielle Campo McLeod is a renowned Paralympian and motivational speaker who is celebrated for her resilience and ability to inspire. Initially diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, Danielle’s subsequent correct diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder has fueled her advocacy for disability rights. She has won multiple gold medals and set world records at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Beyond her athletic success, Danielle has significantly impacted her community as the Director of Culture and Engagement at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, raising awareness and funds for neuromuscular diseases. Her efforts have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Order of Ontario and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Danielle’s advocacy and story have been featured in major media outlets such as CBC, Global News, and CTV News, enhancing her profile as a credible voice in health, wellness, and motivational speaking.

Deborah Jones

Deborah Jones – Publisher of Biz X Magazine Deborah Jones graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Degree in Communication Studies and was employed at two other local magazines shortly after for a few years learning all she could about writing, advertising, public relations and more. She made the jump in 1998 to go out on her own to publish Biz X magazine and has worked in the publishing industry since 1990. In 2007, she earned the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce. To date, she is the ONLY woman so far to receive this award. In 2013, she received one of the first “Windsor Women of the Year” awards from the Ladies Exclusive Alliance. Her most recent achievement is the 2023 Media Award from the Windsor Essex Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Deborah is proud to live in Windsor and truly cares about each and every business and strives to make Windsor Essex the best place to live, work and play.