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.
Inuk singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada's most unique artists and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut, Indigenous and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her fellow people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada and her fellow Indigenous groups. Susan is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a Juno, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement, and she is an officer of the Order of Canada. Susan holds several Honourary Doctorate degrees and has held command performances. During a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Susan’s journey as a singer-songwriter has led her to reflect on who she is, where she comes from and the importance of discovery – discovery of history, culture and self. This time of reflection, writing and songwriting has Susan coming back to one area of profound knowing: the Inuit are an extraordinary people deeply grounded in a culture forged by their ancestors; their journey is what shaped them.