Straight Up & Heartfelt

Michael’s first opportunity to speak to an engaged audience was in a room filled with community leaders who were speaking about homelessness. Michael was in the audience as someone with lived experience. He didn’t agree with what was being said from the stage, so he raised his hand spoke his truth for the first time publicly – effectively altering the course of the conversation. He was 10 years old at the time. Growing up in and around the child and family services system, Michael lived through the suicides of many people he cared about, gang violence directed at himself and his peers, and the lack of opportunity for youth growing up in similar circumstances.

Michael is a dynamic speaker and writer who is comfortable in many environments from formal galas, panels, conferences and classrooms. More recently he has found a number of fun and creative ways to engage learners in video and online presentations and workshops. Michael shares his story and weaves his personal experiences into every presentation and can speak on many topics including youth mentorship, leadership and community engagement. He has travelled nationally and internationally speaking to students and educators at all levels, businesses, grassroots groups and communities who are looking to create opportunities for youth leadership, community voice and of course, take action. This passion led to the founding of numerous grassroots groups, organizational projects and Fearless R2W Inc. in 2020.

Michael’s involvement in many grassroots initiatives through what many call “the village” in Winnipeg’s inner city continues to this day.