Spoken Sparks

Welcome to Spoken Sparks! Join us for an evening filled with captivating storytelling and poetry at Kemptville Campus. Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, inspiration, and heart-centered storytelling.
Hosted by comedian and changemaker Jenn Hayward, this event brings together a powerhouse lineup of speakers who share real stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and compassion. Together, they remind us that even in challenging times, community and kindness remain our strongest tools for change.

This evening blends humour, honesty, and hope, with each speaker offering a unique lens on how we rise, reconnect, and rebuild. Expect to laugh, reflect, and leave feeling re-energized about what is possible when people come together with courage and care. Door prizes and networking as well!

Talk: “Don’t Snooze Your Dreams – Lessons from Life with Narcolepsy”
Michelle Weger is a Productivity Expert, Resilience Speaker, and AI and Business Automation Strategist with over 14 years of success. After being diagnosed with narcolepsy in her early twenties, she turned adversity into innovation, building systems that help people thrive despite limitations.
Founder of Venture Creative Collective, Michelle has helped hundreds of clients generate millions in revenue and has shared her journey on CTV, CBC Marketplace, and You Can’t Ask That. Her talk explores how mindset, adaptability, and purpose can transform obstacles into opportunity.
Learn more at www.michelleweger.com

Jenn Hayward is a celebrated comedian, writer, and social entrepreneur who brings heart, humour, and humanity to every stage. As host and MC, Jenn weaves together stories that are funny, real, and deeply connective, reminding audiences that laughter and vulnerability are powerful tools for healing and community.
With over 30 years in stand-up comedy and a career in reconciliation and social enterprise, Jenn blends wit and warmth, ensuring every guest leaves inspired and uplifted. Expect audience interaction!

Talk: “Sustainability, Sovereignty and the Future of Environmental Justice”
A member of the Serpent River First Nation, Lorraine Rekmans has spent over 30 years advancing Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Former Executive Director of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association and past President of the Green Party of Canada, Lorraine brings deep insight into the intersections of governance, resource stewardship, and reconciliation.
Her talk explores how Indigenous leadership and sustainable resource management must move forward together to protect the planet for future generations.

Talk: “From Failure to Fuel: Turning Setbacks into Empowerment”
Talia Hreljac is a community builder, connector, and Executive Director of the Downtown Kemptville BIA. She is also the co-creator of Let’s Network and a writer for the North Grenville Times.
Talia’s talk shares how personal failure became a catalyst for resilience and self-discovery, offering an honest and empowering look at how courage and curiosity can transform life’s hardest moments into growth and strength.

Talk: “Connection, Collaboration, Community: How Kindness and Art Can Heal a Hurting Society”
Sarah Stewart is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, and community builder whose work weaves together creativity, parenting, and connection. As a homeschooling mother of six, she brings a lived understanding of collaboration, kindness, and resilience into both her art and her community initiatives.
Her projects include community exhibits and creative collaborations that transform everyday spaces into places of beauty and belonging. Sarah’s talk reflects on how creativity and compassion can help repair the divisions in our world, and how choosing kindness can bring people together to nurture belonging, resilience, and hope.

Rose Reid is a 14-year-old award-winning actress from Embrum, recognized as one of Canada’s rising young talents. Representing the next generation of artists and changemakers, Rose brings a fresh voice and perspective to the stage, reminding us that leadership, creativity, and courage have no age limit.
Through her words and presence, Rose inspires both youth and adults alike to find strength in their stories and to use their voices to make a difference.

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Host or Publisher Jenn Hayward