Spencer West

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Summary Profile

SPENCER WEST 
Author and Motivational Speaker

Inspirational and charismatic, Spencer West speaks candidly about the struggles he overcame after losing his legs at the age of five. He speaks about overcoming stereotyping and bullying, about finding meaning and happiness in a material world and how he never lost the hope or courage needed to surmount personal obstacles. Infused with humour and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find opportunity in every challenge. With every speech, Spencer leaves an indelible mark on his audiences, instilling hope and strong leadership so that they can inspire others to create positive change.

In 2008, Spencer took part in an international volunteer trip in Kenya, where he helped build a school in a rural community in the Maasai Mara. On this trip, he met and befriended local young people striving to overcome incredible challenges every day. He credits this experience for helping him recognize his true calling-to motivate and inspire people around the world as a voice for social change.

Since he began speaking, Spencer has reached countless audience members including corporate, associations, university and high school students & educators, faith-based groups and families with his inspiring words. Since 2008 he has captivated millions with his keynote addresses, sharing the stage with such influential figures as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Jane Goodall, Rick Hansen, former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore, Mia Farrow, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Betty Williams and Elie Wiesel, and musicians such as Jason Mraz, Hedley, K'naan, Sarah McLachlan, The Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber.

Before joining Me to We Speakers, Spencer was on the Go Global speaking tour for Free The Children. Through a keynote address and leadership workshop, Spencer encouraged youth to overcome their daily challenges, believe in themselves as active change-makers, and find personal strength to fight for the issues they are passionate about. He has also served as an international leadership facilitator in Kenya, India, the Arizona-Mexico border and Saudi Arabia, and is a recipient of the Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal of Bravery from Taiwan's Chou Ta Kuan Foundation. And on November 5, 2011, along with his hero Rick Hansen, Spencer took part in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay as a Man in Motion Medal Bearer.

Whether from conference stages, stadiums, or volunteer camps in the Maasai Mara, Spencer's words have encouraged millions of young people to become more socially involved in their communities and the world. As an author, Spencer shared his incredible story with the world in his memoir, Standing Tall: My Journey.

Summer 2012 will see him tackling his greatest challenge yet when he climbs Mount Kilimanjaro-in his wheelchair-to raise $500,000 to bring sustainable clean water programming to 12,500 people in East Africa.

  Career highlights:

• A We Days 2009 - 2011 each year being featured nationally on CTV and viewed by over 8 million people as well as speaking to stadiums of 20,000 passionate youth.
• Since he began speaking, Spencer has reached over 1.8 million people including students, educators, corporations, college/universities, faith-based groups and families.
• Spencer has shared the stage with such influential people as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mia Farrow, Dr. Jane Goodall, Nobel Laureate, Elie Wiesel and his musical idol Jason Mraz.
• Addressing an audience of over 35,000 people at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American national conference.

Rave Reviews:

"We already knew he would be a great speaker, but our expectations were exceeded. Personally, it was also just really an honour to have the opportunity to meet Spencer. Everyone enjoyed and was inspired, our goal was achieved."

Outreach Program Coordinator, Jewish National Fund of Canada