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Speakers Bureau
Speakers Bureau
Abilities Manitoba is proud to present a group of professional, polished speakers that you may wish to hire for your next event. Scroll down to find a group of experienced, practiced presenters who can speak on a variety of topics that may be of interest.
Jessica Croy
Jessica is an experienced speaker who lives in Selkirk, Manitoba. Jessica is the current President of People First of Selkirk and the First Vice President of People First of Manitoba. As the former Special Advisor to the Minister Squires when she was the Minister of Families, she worked to advocate for those who may not have been able to speak for themselves. Jessica works at Camp Arnes and loves to draw, watch movies and bowl in her spare time.
Speech Topics:
Jess can speak on a variety of topics related to disability and advocacy. Speech titles include "Believe In Yourself" and "The Importance of Good Support".
Contact Information:
You can contact Jessica via email at jessicacroy05@gmail.com or text or phone at 204-485-5589.
Requirements:
- Require one week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Attachments to emails should be sent as a Word document (.docx) with a font size of 22 or more
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Selkirk, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Prefers working in buildings without stairs.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Ivan Ross
Ivan was born and raised in Cross Lake First Nations and currently lives in Petersfield, Manitoba. Ivan loves to share his powerful story of overcoming addictions and mental health challenges with the hope that it inspires and motivates others. Ivan has a great sense of humour and dreams of one day being a comedian or an actor. Ivan loves to listen to and make music and go for walks.
Speech Topics:
The Trick is to Stay Hopeful - a powerful story on how Ivan overcame addictions and mental health problems.
Contact Information:
You can contact Ivan by emailing either Jordan Goetting at j.goetting@lifesjourneyinc.ca or Leanne Fenez at leanne@abilitiesmanitoba.org
Requirements:
- Require two week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for in-person presentations only.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Petersfield, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Amanda Johnson
Amanda is a strong advocate who lives with FASD and ADHD. She works hard to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She is the current secretary of People First of Winnipeg and an active member of Talk it UP, a self-advocacy group through EPIC Opportunities. Amanda lives in Winnipeg and likes to read and bowl in her spare time!
Speech Topics:
"Bullying Can be Stopped" - Amanda shares her thoughts, perspectives and experiences surrounding bullying and how it can be stopped in its tracks.
Contact Information:
You can contact Amanda via email at dad33973@gmail.com or phone at 431-323-7921. Alternatively, you can contact Julie Griffin via email at julieg@epicmb.ca
Requirements:
- Require one week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations. (in-person preferred)
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requests a podium or table for notes and water.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba and travel costs for required -overnight travel.
- Prefers working in buildings without stairs.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Becky Eckert
Becky was born and raised in Winnipeg and believes that everyone can work! She joined the Speakers Bureau to connect with others and gain friends and experience. Becky enjoys spending time with friends and family and travelling.
Speech Topics:
"Real -Work for Real Pay" - Becky shares her experience and passion about employment for everyone.
Contact Information:
You can contact Becky via email at Eckertbecky@gmail.com or text or phone at (204) 227-1268.
Requirements:
- Require two week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations. (in-person preferred)
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Nathan Ritchie
Nathan lives in Portage La Prairie and loves football and watching horror movies and wrestling. As a childhood cancer survivor who has been left with some disabilities, Nathan is passionate about educating others on how to treat people as they fight the disease. His quick sense of humour is inspired by Robin Williams.
Speech Topics:
Nathan shares his experience and learning as he went through cancer as young child. He hopes to share his perspective so that others are more comfortable interacting with people who are on that same journey.
Contact Information:
You can reach out to Leanne at leanne@abilitiesmanitoba.org who will help you connect.
Requirements:
- Require one month's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Kaelyn Regehr
Kaelyn lives in Winnipeg and loves to learn new things. Kaelyn is an athlete and loves to swim, run, bowl, bike, hike and wall climb. She is close with her large family and volunteers at a K-8 school every day. Kaelyn joined the Speakers Bureau to gain confidence and learn how to be a speaker. She is inspired by Dwayne Johnson and Roman Reign.
Speech Topics:
In development
Contact Information:
You can contact Kaelyn by phone at 204-218-7612.
Requirements:
- Require four week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires podium and a step stool.
- Prefers bookings in locations that are on a bus route.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $300 flat fee
Terry Linn Johnson
Terry Linn is a lifelong athlete and competes in speedskating and track and field. She joined the Speakers Bureau to learn new things and connect with others. Terry Linn is passionate about the rights of people with disabilities. She loves to walk and listen to sports on the radio.
Speech Topics:
In development
Contact Information:
You can contact Terry Linn by contacting Leanne at leanne@abilitiesmanitoba.org
Requirements:
- Require two week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for in-person presentations only.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Niverville, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Event location must be on one level - no stairs.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Heidi Hutchison
Heidi is an experienced speaker who is very active in the disability community. Heidi works at the University of Manitoba and volunteers with People First of Winnipeg. She uses her skills to advocate for others who may not have the same opportunities.
Speech Topics:
Heidi can speak on a variety of topics related to disability and advocacy. Heidi uses her personal experience to talk about disability and the many systemic issues involved in education, health care, income support and even transportation systems. Call Heidi to discuss if you are interested in a certain topic.
Contact Information:
You can contact Heidi via email at blondegal88@hotmail.com or text or phone at 204-797-2921.
Requirements:
- Require two week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel to and from the event and all travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $160/day or prorated equivalent.
Julian Huppe
Julian lives in Steinbach, Manitoba and is the President of People First of Steinbach. He likes to bike, walk, bowl and play pool and Skip Bo. Julian joined the Speakers Bureau to meet new people and learn how to speak in front of people.
Speech Topics:
"I Just Want a Ride" - Julian will share why getting around is so important in his life and explore some of the barriers that he experiences living in rural Manitoba.
Contact Information:
You can contact Julian by reaching out to Leanne at leanne@abilitiesmanitoba.org
Requirements:
- Require four week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for in-person bookings only.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Steinbach, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Kelsey Sobiak 
Kelsey is an experienced speaker having presented to organizations such as Red River College and Abilities Manitoba. She advocates for the rights of others through co-facilitating rights training and as a member of Talk It UP and People First of Manitoba. Kelsey brings her unique perspective of both receiving and providing support to her presentations. Kelsey works as a support worker through the Independent Living Resource Centre after successfully completing the PACE program.
Speech Topics:
Kelsey can speak on a variety of topics related to disability and advocacy. Speech topics include Internet Safety, Bullying, Abuse Prevention, Manitoba Supports. Call Kelsey directly to discuss a tailored presentation for your event.
Contact Information:
You can contact Kelsey via email at kesobiak7@gmail.com or text or phone at 431-556-5292.
Requirements:
- Require one week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person or virtual presentations.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Request a podium and water be available when speaking.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)
Samantha Chabot
Samantha lives in Steinbach, Manitoba and is a member of People First of Manitoba. A proud mom and grandma, she loves diamond painting, dancing, country music & movies. Samantha joined Speakers Bureau to get to know new people and practice speaking in front of people.
Speech Topics:
In development
Contact Information:
You can contact Samantha by reaching out to Leanne at leanne@abilitiesmanitoba.org
Requirements:
- Require three week's notice minimum for dates.
- Is available for either in-person presentations only.
- Please utilize plain language in all communication.
- Requires mileage allowance for travel outside of Steinbach, Manitoba and travel costs for required overnight travel.
- Requires 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Payment:
Cash or cheque payable on the day of the event. $50/hour. (1 hour minimum booking)