3i Summit 2009: Reviews and Recaps
“The success of the 3i Summit came down to, in my opinion, impassioned people. It was a theme common to the presentations that I saw, the attendees whom I met, and the people involved in organizing the event. The first presentation that I saw, on Friday afternoon, exemplifies the type of passion that I’m referring to. Penny LeClair, who jokingly dubbed herself Canada’s Helen Keller, brought an immense presence to the stage even before speaking a word. With the help of two people who were with her throughout her presentation, she sat on the couch on stage and began her story of advocacy for improved accessibility in the city. Although she had some brail cards, her words were far from scripted and poured straight from the heart. It seemed to me that she had the audience captivated as she presented. There were plenty of impassioned presentations on the second day too, including Geoff Greene‘s, founder of Students on Ice. He began his presentation by describing the accidental discovery of his career path. As he continued, it was clear that that discovery had led him towards a career that combines both his work and passion. He told some intriguing stories from his many trips to the arctic intertwined with insight into empowering youth for environmental causes. Much like Penny, the audience seemed very engaged in what he had to say. In addition to the presentations, there were some great performances highlighting local talent including a hip-hop dance troop (they added a serious dose of energy to the day with their routine) and Sanitas Playback Theatre (a fascinating way to recapture and bring closure to the Summit).” Jab Saad, Talent Bridge
“I had no idea that what I would ultimately receive from this Summit would begin to lay the foundation for amazing possibilities that began to emerge and take shape less than two days after the Summit ended. The diversity of people, the talent and brilliance expressed, and the format all have caused me to conclude that the 3i Summit is one of the best conferences I have ever attended, and I have attended several, from Orlando Florida to Dallas Texas to Las Vegas Nevada.” Tim Gauthier
“I needed the 3i Summit. Do you know that feeling? Searching for something, not really knowing what that something is, and upon experiencing it, it lifts you up, shakes you up, leaves you speechless, leaves you wanting, and it becomes the driving force towards how you want to lead and live your life. That’s the impact it had on me, and as I am writing this I cannot help but smile because I can still feel the energy.” Khadeejat Momoh
All my life, I’ve adapted to situations and never felt like I, “belonged” when I arrived to the 3i Summit, I knew this is where I belonged. I knew I needed to be a part of this. I watched and listened to the presenters and knew that next year I would be one of those people- telling my story and inspiring others to do something different, to dream big and to go for it! I couldn’t stop writing in my journal. The presenters kept inspiring me to think bigger and bigger, my mind was overflowing with ideas. With love and gratitude, Sharon McLean





