This spring, I had the honor of speaking at WE Believe 2025, an incredible event that gathered over 8,000 youth from across Canada and the U.S. to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Held in Saint John, Ottawa and livestreamed to more than 1.5M viewers worldwide. WE Believe brings together students, educators, speakers, and performers to encourage young people to “be the change.”
At WE Believe, students don’t buy tickets. They earn their way in through acts of kindness, volunteering, and positive impact in their communities. The event is more than a conference—it’s a movement that empowers young people to believe in themselves and their ability to make the world better.
In my keynote, I shared my own story of resilience: overcoming violence, illness, and setbacks, and discovering the power of persistence, positivity, and courage. I talked with students about the Three Rs of Resilience:
Recognize challenges — be honest about what you’re facing.
Respond with positivity — choose growth over defeat.
Rise stronger — each challenge makes you more capable for the next.
We also laughed together about childhood dreams (yes, I once tried to ride a goat like a horse!) and practiced one powerful affirmation: “Who is awesome?” — “I’m awesome!”
WE Believe is about reminding young people that they already have what it takes to thrive. Every small act of courage, kindness, and self-belief matters.
I’m grateful to have shared the stage with so many inspiring voices and to have been part of this movement of hope and change.
