Top-three finish in Speaker Slam ‘Inspirational Speaker of the Year’ for Ajax entrepreneur

Ajax native and “serial entrepreneur” Val Vee took home the bronze medal for Inspirational Speaker of the Year at Speaker Slam’s 8th Annual Grand Slam finals, held last Saturday in Toronto.

Vee’s very personal speech, titled Unbroken, detailed her decade-long struggle with infertility, a journey filled with personal trials and medical challenges. Her speech highlighted her resilience in facing numerous IVF treatments, miscarriages, and a heart-wrenching failed adoption, underscoring her determination and bravery amidst life’s uncertainties.

“True bravery is found in the quiet battles we fight, often unseen by the world,” she said during her address at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio. “It’s about standing up after each fall, ready to face whatever comes next, without knowing the outcome.”

Her powerful story highlighted the strength found in vulnerability and the courage to pursue hope against all odds and was a win in her books.

“Taking 3rd place was an incredible experience, but more than that, it was about standing in my truth and connecting with others who may have walked similar paths. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me along the way – this one’s for you.”

The Grand Slam event showcased 14 of North America’s top speakers, who shared their unique interpretations of bravery. They competed not just for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year, but for a share in a $5,000 cash prize and a prize package valued at up to $50,000, meant to support their speaking and career endeavors.

Grand Final winner Danielle Campo of Windsor

Taking home the top prize was Danielle Campo of Windsor, a celebrated Paralympian and recipient of the Order of Ontario and numerous other awards and medals for humanitarian work.

Campo, who was diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy before setting world records and winning multiple gold medals at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, has made it her mission to advocate for disability rights and empower individuals to discover their own ‘gold medal moments’ and uncover their strengths to achieve personal success.

Second place went to Alana Moor of Coquitlam, who turned a four-and-a-half-year stint in a Panamanian prison into a life as a beacon of inspiration. With the mantra “You’re going to lose the time, don’t waste the time,” she turned adversity into opportunity, using her prison experience as a catalyst. Moor is now a renowned life coach, entrepreneur, and award-winning speaker who dedicated to empowering others to overcome challenges and embrace their potential.

Second place Alana Moor of Coquitlam, B.C.

Vee (full name Val Vagopoulos), an entrepreneur, a powerhouse in women’s empowerment and the founder of Ladies Who Dine, earned her golden ticket into the Grand Slam at the second Speaker Slam event in March with a powerful speech on ‘Human Connection’ in front of 200 people in her first shot at glory in front of a packed crowd.

“Winning Speaker Slam means everything to me. I stepped out of my comfort zone and onto the stage, using my vulnerability as power,” said Vee. “I turned the negativity from the last few years into a shining example of human connection. This victory is not just for me but for anyone who’s felt misunderstood or sidelined.”

Vee said the only reason she entered was because a friend had put her name in at the January event. “I said my speech and people liked it,” she remembered. “So I just put both feet in.”

Known for her unapologetic authenticity, Vee shared her intense personal journey in her speech ‘Unfriend Me If.’ She recounted experiences of isolation and public criticism during the pandemic for her inability to wear a mask due to medical reasons, turning her story into a powerful message about the importance of understanding and empathy in human connections.

“I really tried to bring my pain and vulnerability and turned it into a great speech and took the whole thing home.”

Vee, with more than three decades of experience, has launched ten businesses, including one exceeding $1 million in revenue in its first year. Her journey spans from her family’s restaurant to franchising Tim Hortons and founding Olive That Tasting Bar. She now leads Ladies Who Dine, where she champions women’s empowerment and business innovation.

Val Vee of Ajax

“Speaker Slam isn’t just a stage; it’s where my voice becomes a force,” she said in the spring. “I’m diving headfirst into the spotlight, ready to share my story and inspire others. Stepping out of my comfort zone is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but I’m committed to embracing the challenge and making a meaningful impact.”

The Inspirational Speaker of the Year title is Speaker Slam’s highest honor, awarded annually to a speaker who embodies courage, resilience, and the power to inspire change through authentic storytelling. This title is the result of a year-long competition series that brings together the top inspirational speakers across North America, culminating in the Grand Slam finals. The title signifies not just recognition, but a profound achievement in storytelling and personal impact, as the speaker’s message resonates deeply with audiences, judges, and the broader community.

Fourteen speakers in all gave it their best shot at the finals, with representatives from across the country as well as the USA and Japan.

“Val delivered a profoundly moving speech that touched everyone in the room,” says Speaker Slam co-founder Dan Shaikh. “Her ability to transform personal pain into a powerful story of strength and survival is nothing short of inspirational. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects her incredible impact as a speaker.”

Since its inception in 2016, Speaker Slam, has become a cornerstone for inspirational speaking, fostering a community where powerful stories spark change and connection. Speakers fly in to compete in Toronto in what is North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition.

The event winner in 2019 was Whitby paddleboarder turned inspirational speaker and mental health advocate Mike Shoreman.

Speakers Slam Grand Slam participants