Keynote Speakers

Larissa Franklin is the definition of resilience, determination, and excellence. A long-time member of Team 

Canada Softball since 2013, Larissa helped make history as part of the first Canadian softball team to win an Olympic medal—bringing home bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She is also a Guinness World Record Holder, a Pan American Games gold, silver, and bronze medalist, and a 3× World Championship bronze medalist.

Larissa was part of a remarkable generation of women who waited over a decade for softball’s return to the Olympic program after it was removed in 2008. Through burnout, injuries, and an Olympic postponement, she stayed the course—proving what’s possible with commitment, perspective, and heart.

But in early 2025, Larissa faced an even greater challenge: an aggressive lymphoma diagnosis. As she underwent chemotherapy, lost her hair, and battled fatigue, she chose to show up, training with whatever energy she had and giving herself grace to slow down when necessary. Just three days before Team Canada’s training camp, Larissa received the news she was in remission—and returned to the field, stronger than ever.

Today, Larissa shares her story through keynote speaking and workshops, using both her athletic career and cancer journey to inspire others to embrace life’s curveballs and thrive through uncertainty. With a focus on self-compassion, perseverance, and shifting perspective, she challenges audiences to turn obstacles into opportunities and to harness the qualities that make them great—both on and off the field.

Jeff A.D. Martin is a soul-stirring, thought-provoking, highly requested transformational speaker, who has been using his platform to inspire people from around the world.

Much of Jeff’s love for people can be attributed to his years of involvement as a community advocate, a mentor and also to his 15+ years of experience in Law Enforcement. Jeff has worked as a police officer and in various investigative roles. He is a youth communication specialist, with over 1000 forensic interviews with children.

Jeff is also an author of two critically acclaimed books. A City of Toronto best-selling children’s book, “Brothers from the 6/ Sisters from the 6: Role Models in my Community”, and an Amazon best selling personal development book, “KNew Me: 10 Men, 10 Stories of Perseverance”.

Jeff is an award-winning professional speaker, a certified coach, University of Guelph certified leadership professional, Harvard University certificate recipient for public speaking, Diversity & Inclusion Trainer from Ashton College and the curator of Inspire Legacy Company Online Academy, where he teaches the art of public speaking and student character development.

With his career and life experiences, coupled with his benevolence and passion to inspire, Jeff A.D. Martin shares his gift of purpose in efforts to help others find their true potential.