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Welcome to
THE EVENT LINEUP
CRAIG KIELBURGER
2022 Speaker / Public Figure
NY Times best-selling Author, Humanitarian, Social Entrepreneur
Craig’s incredible journey started in his parents’ living room. From visiting the most poverty-stricken and war-torn parts of the world to sitting on Oprah’s couch to building a global organization, Craig has helped change millions of lives and inspired millions of others to make a difference.
Over the past two decades, he and his brother, Marc—fellow WE co-founder—have grown the WE global community to engage over 4 million people in service, including 250,000 students who volunteer to earn their ticket to WE Day, the greatest celebration for social good in the world.
Their innovative social enterprise model, ME to WE, sustains the work of their charitable mission with socially conscious products and experiences. Their work has resulted in a holistic development model, WE Villages, to empower more than one million people in developing communities.
Craig is also the youngest-ever graduate of the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA program and has received 16 honorary doctorates and degrees for his work in education and human rights. He is a social entrepreneur, a powerful and internationally acclaimed speaker, and has authored 12 books, including his newest, WEconomy: You can find meaning, make a living, and change the world.
Today, he continues to inspire and empower people of all ages to take steps toward making a meaningful difference.
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Melissa Marshall
Musical Performer
Canadian East Coast country/pop/rock artist Melissa Marshall is forging a path into the country music scene. She has opened for Aaron Goodvin, Chris Cummings, Frankie Ballard, Brooke Eden, performed alongside Chris Buck Band and more. She has been a Music NB award nominee, recognized for her previous releases including 'Highway 83' charting on the Canadian Country Billboard chart.
Following her further delve into the craft of song writing and artist development, Melissa is ready to debut her fresh new sound and single, 'Missin’ U', releasing June 16th to all country radio and streaming platforms. This edgy, fun and upbeat song is the first release from her illuminating debut EP album, 'Phoenix In The Fire', set to release this upcoming Fall.
'Missin’ U' tells a story of being single, happy, confident and not looking for love and then that special person walks into your life when you least expect it. “I wasn’t looking for anything when he walked into my life, but we hit it off right away. We fell in love and became best friends; my ride or die. It didn’t take long for me to realize that he was that missing puzzle piece I didn’t know I didn’t have until we met.”
Melissa can be heard this summer on her East Coast radio tour, performing ticketed live shows campaigning 'Missin’ U' where you will hear her talk about her current single, what to expect from her next and when as well as the making of 'Phoenix In The Fire' and more.
Melissa is honored to be on the We Believe stage, along with many other speakers and performers impacting our youth to Be The Change.
EMMA JEAPES
Highlighted Speaker
Emma Jeapes is a 21-year-old Carleton University student who is double majoring in French and History. Emma loves sports and working out. She has participated in several varsity teams in high school including Cross Country Running, Track and Field, Downhill and Nordic Skiing, and swimming.
Emma is passionate about her community and giving back. She continues to spend much of her free time volunteering with any activity that involves her passion, children. Once completed school, Emma plans to teach children in less fortunate communities giving them opportunities that they may not otherwise have!
ALEXA ARNOLD
O-Canada Opening
Alexa Arnold is a 13-year-old, grade 7 student at Sussex Middle School. A performer since the age of 5, Alexa has acted in many plays and showcased her voice in many concerts and Jamborees over the years. Alexa enjoys school, basketball, softball, singing and playing the ukulele. Alexa loves her friends, giving back to her community and is excited to be involved in We Believe – Saint John.
ANTHONY IANNI
Event Speaker
At the age of four, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Specialists told his parents that he would barely graduate high school, would never finish college, would never have a shot at being an athlete, and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life.
Despite adversity, bullies, and numerous personal challenges Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology he is the first known athlete with autism to play NCAA Division One College Basketball. Today, Anthony is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country.
KINSLEY STOODLEY
Event Speaker
Kinsley is a grade 8 student at Harry Miller Middle School. She enjoys playing softball and piano, going to youth group and hanging out with her friends.
Kinsley is passionate about helping others and finding ways to make their lives better. She has found a creative way to help change the quality of another girl’s life and looks forward to sharing that with you!
We are excited to welcome Kinsley to the We Believe stage and hear how she is empowering other people around the world through her volunteer efforts right here in Atlantic Canada.
MADDISON TORY
Event Speaker
Maddison is an international motivational speaker, health advocate and change maker.
She advocates for youth to help them find their voices and works with advisory boards and advocacy platforms to push for a healthcare system that looks past diagnosis and symptoms and treats the whole person. Maddison jokes that her biggest accomplishment to date is becoming a HUG dealer and founder of her own social enterprise called HUGS, a program committed to improving kids mental health and quality of life during their hospital stays through experiences, funds and support. She is determined to make a difference through volunteering, fundraising and spreading positivity one HUG at a time.
She is the author of the charity children’s empowerment book called “Your Secret Superpower: Ignite your SPARK”, inspiring youth to take action. In addition, she is a Special Olympics Coach, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house, and board member on the Alberta Children’s Hospital Child and Youth Advisory Council, the Alberta Children's Hospital Youth Philanthropy Council, and the Transition Youth Advisory Council.
Maddison is continuing her work in health sciences by studying at the University of Calgary, focussing on a career as a medical researcher, physician/ cardiologist, and hospital administrator.
SARAH PENNINGTON
Event Speaker
Sarah M. Pennington is a 21-year-old college student attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. She is pursuing a BFA in Film & TV with a minor in Business Management and Entrepreneurship with the hopes of becoming a film director. In addition to her academic endeavours, Sarah spends much of her time involved with motivational speaking.
She is a passionate advocate on behalf of mental health and invisible disabilities and enjoys sharing her story of courage and self-love with the hope of inspiring others. Sarah loves to travel with her service dog, Daisy, across the United States and Canada as she speaks to groups of all ages and sizes. One of the highlights of Sarah’s career thus far has been her appearance on the Megyn Kelly Today Show where she discussed breaking barriers as a pageant girl.
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ANASTACIA BRADTREET
Event Dancer
Anastacia is an Indigenous post-secondary student from the Mi’Gmaq community of Listuguj, Quebec. She is twenty years old, and currently in her third year at the University of New Brunswick, Bachelor of Nursing program.
Sports are a very important part of Anastacia’s life. She is on the UNB Reds Cheerleading team, and also enjoys weight lifting.
Anastacia is very proud of her Mi’Gmaq culture, and traditional dances at powwows over the summer months. She provides dancing instruction to younger youth. She feels that it is important to pass on the art of jingle and fancy shawl dance, to the next generation.
Anastacia’s future goal is to work at a health center, in a First Nation’s community. She also hopes to be a role model for youth and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
SARAH WELLS
Event Speaker
Obstacles don’t scare Sarah Wells. As a 400m hurdler, this Olympian’s reputation was forged through overcoming challenges and achieving the incredible. Take her debut at the London Olympics in 2012, which came despite an injury that had sidelined her for months just the year before. Outside of competitive sports, this athlete is coaching people to pursue their goals through the Believe Initiative, an organization founded on—fittingly—a message of resilience.
Most recently you would have seen Sarah pushing her limits on the latest season of the Amazing Race Canada, where she got to push her boundaries in a whole new kind of way! Evidently, someone who understands the importance of self-belief and the power of purpose, you'll want to listen up when this Olympic semi-finalist and Pan Am Games silver medallist takes the stage. We welcome Sarah to the We Believe stage on May 26, 2022, at TD Station in Saint John, New Brunswick.