Dr. Patti Bevilacqua, an educator, author, and advocate for disability awareness from Grand Forks is heading to Toronto to compete at Speaker Slam®, North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition.
Patti will hit the stage on May 27 at Lula Lounge, where ten speakers from across Canada will share personal stories on the theme of Power of No and how saying “no” changed their lives.
For Patti, this moment marks a powerful milestone. Back in 1990, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) just five months into her dream job as a high school PE teacher. Losing her career was heartbreaking, but Patti didn’t let that define her future.
Instead, she charted a new course. Patti went on to earn her PhD, deliver a TEDx talk, write bestselling book chapters, and create a thriving online community for people living with invisible illnesses. Now, she’s passionate about helping others rethink the word “no” as something that can open doors instead of closing them.
“MS took away my teaching career, but it gave me a new path,” Patti says.
“Saying no isn’t always about defeat. It’s about making space for the unexpected opportunities that can change your life.”
For Patti, this moment carries even deeper meaning, arriving just three days before World MS Day on May 30th, a global awareness day dedicated to shining a light on multiple sclerosis and supporting the 2.8 million of people affected by the disease.
“Too many people with MS feel invisible,” she says.
“I want to show them that they are powerful, resilient, and deserving of a life filled with possibility.”
Speaker Slam’s Power of No event is the third competition of the year in a five-part series. Contestants will compete for a $10,000 prize package, including $2,000 in cash, and a spot in the Grand Slam Finals in November where the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year is up for grabs.
“What’s most inspiring about Patti isn’t just that she’s overcome so much, but that she moves forward with such optimism, humor, and heart. Patti is showing the world what’s possible when we rise beyond our challenges.” said Speaker Slam Co-Founder Dan Shaikh.
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