Michel Chikwanine

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Former Child Soldier
Author | Humanitarian and Motivational Speaker

Michel Chikwanine Expertise PTSD & Trauma, Adaptability & Agility, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Psychological Safety, Health & Wellness, Stress Management, Racial Justice and Mental Health.

Michel Chikwanine

About Michel Chikwanine

Michel Chikwanine has experienced the savagery of war first hand and has undergone unimaginable suffering. His strength and belief that ordinary people can make a difference inspire audiences around the world, making Michel an incredibly in-demand motivational speaker.

Michel Chikwanine Videos

#LCICon2022: Keynote Michel Chikwanine Excerpt

Former Child Soldier Michel Chikwanine Tells His Story for Young Reade

Former Child Soldier, Author Visits Old High School

Child Soldier by Michel Chikwanine & Jessica Dee Humphreys | Book Trai

Michel Chikwanine | Child Soldier to Keynote Speaker | Well off Podcas

Michel Chikwanine Interviews & Podcasts

MICHEL CHIKWANINE BIOGRAPHY

Michel Chikwanine is a former child soldier, and has already endured and overcome unimaginable pain and struggles. His passion and belief in the possibility of change make him a truly remarkable individual and humanitarian.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel Chikwanine grew up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa. He witnessed the torture of his father, who was singled out for his political beliefs, and the rape of his mother and endured the torture of his own. Much of Michel’s childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 6 million people, his father included.

Forced to leave his home as a refugee at the age of 11, Michel Chikwanine has since travelled to many African countries, witnessing firsthand the problems facing the developing world, but also the beauty of the communities and people who live there. Michel now inspires people to believe in their ability to make a difference and leaves audiences with a new perspective on life, a sense of hope through social responsibility and a desire for change.

Michel Chikwanine graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa, where he won the Mousa Abdel-Hussein Memorial Award for supporting multiculturalism. He also won the Spirit of the Capital Youth Award for Personal Courage.

Today, Michel Chikwanine is a United Nations Fellow for People of African Descent, an accomplished motivational speaker and the author of a children’s book entitled Child Soldier: How Boys and Girls are used in war. Addressing audiences across North America. He has spoken to over 800,000 people and was also on Oprah’s O Ambassadors Roots of Action speaking tour, which largely reached students at resource-poor schools.

By sharing his personal story, Michel Chikwanine has captured the attention of national media, including CBC, CTV and major daily newspapers as he inspires people to believe in their ability to create change.

Michel’s speaking topics include A Journey to Hope: From Child Soldier to Activist, How Resiliency Helps Overcome Adversity, How Canadian Diversity Helped Me Succeed, Courage to Overcome Fear, Leadership and The Story of Refugee to Author: My Canadian Journey.

Michel Chikwanine leaves audiences with a new perspective on life, a sense of hope through social responsibility and a desire for change through his positivity in enacting change. His first-hand understanding of the impact of conflict on children and ability to understand social issues from a local and global perspective makes him an ideal speaker to bring across these important issues to global audiences.

Michel Chikwanine Topic Presentations

Michel Chikwanine Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

A Journey to Hope: from Child Soldier to Activist

How Resiliency Helps Overcome Adversity

How Canadian Diversity Helped Me Succeed

Courage to Overcome Fear

Leadership

Refugee to Author: My Canadian Journey

Michel Chikwanine Books & Articles

Child Soldier
Child

Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War

Michel Chikwanine Speaking Testimonials

"Working with Michel Chikwanine and Speaker’s Spotlight has undoubtedly been the best conference keynote experience I have ever had! Speakers Spotlight provided the most efficient, upbeat and exceptionally professional service I have ever experienced. And Michel!! Wow! His presentation is so powerful; any audience would have the experience of their lives. His story, in turns breathtakingly intense, then hilarious and uplifting, makes him the most gifted speaker I have ever heard. Students loved him; adults loved him. On top of all of this, he is genuine, kind and down to earth. It was a real pleasure, and honour, to have him be such an integral part of our conference."

Social Justice Youth Conference

"It was such an honor to have Michel Chikwanine present at the school and made this special day that much more special. It was certainly a full house! His speech really touched a lot of hearts as he spoke eloquently and very much from his own personal perspective and experience. He answered our student’s questions with incredible skill and wisdom, giving them practical, powerful and inspiring advice for their road ahead. He was also very generous in taking photos with the student group and scholarship winners. Michel is such a kind and impressive young man."

Bodwell High School

"Hi, Michel Chikwanine my name is Ricci I had the privilege of meeting you today, I’m not sure if you will remember me as you met so many other people today. I just needed to say how much newfound strength your story gave me, it is something that is truly close to my heart. and that you have an amazing heart and soul and so very much to show and teach the world. It is people like you that are keeping this generation empowered and inspired. I hope dearly that I get to see you again. 🙂"

Ricci Kaplan

"Your presentation at the Faith Meets Pedagogy was so inspiring! I have watched you online before, but seeing you in person was a completely different experience! Your story is so courageous and I know today you inspired me and so many other kids! Thank you so much for coming! ♥ 🙂"

Grace Enns

"Michel Chikwanine, thank you so much for coming to Minot State and sharing your story with us. I was moved and inspired by your courage and faithfulness to carry on your father’s legacy. God bless you as you continue your journey and I’m so happy that you and your family have been reunited."

Ann Mason Rivera

"Michel Chikwanine, I heard you speaking at Friends University in Wichita, Ks. Tuesday evening and want to thank you and encourage you to continue with your speaking engagements. Not only is your story heartbreaking, but it is also a reality that needs to change. God Bless you and your family Michel."

Terri Lee Fikes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michel Chikwanine known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Michel Chikwanine speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

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Michel Chikwanine is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Michel Chikwanine from and where do they speak across Canada?

Michel Chikwanine is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Michel Chikwanine available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Michel Chikwanine deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Michel Chikwanine may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Michel Chikwanine to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Michel Chikwanine for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Michel Chikwanine as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Michel Chikwanine for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Michel Chikwanine may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Michel Chikwanine for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Michel Chikwanine should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Michel Chikwanine represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Michel Chikwanine is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More