We’re bringing you an exciting line-up of keynotes to share their knowledge and experiences at Cannexus26!
Sonny Wong is a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, Canada – who practises career-focused positive counselling. With over 25 years of progressive experience as a CDP, he started his career as a community researcher identifying the needs of marginalized-displaced workers, served as program developer for matured workers/newcomers, and eventually a career/employment consultant for clients on provincial financial assistance. Sonny’s grassroots lived experience has fostered his keen awareness of professional/ethical service delivery practices. During the last 16 years, Sonny has been a psychotherapist working in post-secondary institutions assisting clients to reconcile their intersectionality identities with their career identity. The passion in his work spans beyond his psychotherapist role; he is a lecturer, writer, trainer and clinical supervisor for CDPs. Sonny’s professional contributions have been constantly recognized by numerous national and provincial service awards.
The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumphs. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate a world set against those with disabilities. His many accomplishments, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, and the lessons learned along the way, led him to discover the techniques business leaders, professionals, educators and young people can use to redefine possible in their own lives and careers. As a globally renowned speaker, West infuses his talks with humour and humility. His words and actions have encouraged millions to stand up, face challenges, and embrace change, all while instilling hope and empowering leaders to motivate others to create positive change. He has shared the stage with luminaries and performers such as former US Vice President Al Gore, Mia Farrow, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Hudson and Natalie Portman. West is the author of the bestselling book Standing Tall: My Journey and star of the documentary film Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. He is also known for his character role, The Window Washer, on Murdoch Mysteries, and as a social media influencer with more than 4 million TikTok followers.