Spencer West

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Motivational Speaker & Disability Advocate
Inclusion, Accessibility & Resilience Expert

Spencer West Expertise Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gender Equality, Generational Differences, Leadership, Mental Health, Peak Performance, Personal Growth, Public Relations & Media Training and Resilience & Adversity.

Spencer West

About Spencer West

Spencer West is an American motivational speaker, disability advocate, and LGBTQ advocate known for his work on resilience, inclusion, and disability justice. Born with sacral agenesis, he became a double amputee in early childhood and later gained international recognition after climbing and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and a wheelchair. His journey raised more than five hundred thousand dollars to support clean water access in East Africa. His story is documented in the documentary Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and in his memoir Standing Tall: My Journey. He has addressed global audiences across corporate, education, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Spencer West Videos

Spencer West

How to Find Happiness in Life | Monday Motivation

Dealing with Psychological Trauma & Heart Illness | Living Authentical

A Day in the Life | Morning Routine & Other Activities

I Slept in a Dome!

Spencer West Interviews & Podcasts

Spencer West

Spencer West from Thrivals. 5.0 | Connections | Ket

Disabled & Queer Pride

SPENCER WEST BIOGRAPHY

Spencer West is an American motivational speaker, disability advocate, and LGBTQ advocate recognized for his work on resilience, accessibility, and inclusive leadership. His career is defined by translating lived experience into practical insight for organizations navigating change and human centered culture.

Born with sacral agenesis, Spencer West underwent the amputation of both legs in early childhood and learned to navigate the world using his hands and a wheelchair. These early experiences shaped his understanding of systems, bias, and adaptability from a young age.

Spencer West was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and grew up navigating both physical barriers and social exclusion. His experiences with bullying and difference informed his later advocacy and public education work.

He graduated from Rock Springs High School and earned a communications degree from Westminster College. His academic background strengthened his ability to communicate complex personal and social issues with clarity and structure.

Before becoming a full time speaker, Spencer West held leadership and operational roles and volunteered within media environments. These experiences contributed to his professional discipline and understanding of organizational culture.

A defining moment in Spencer West’s public journey occurred in 2012, when he climbed and summited Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and a wheelchair. The expedition raised more than five hundred thousand dollars to fund clean water access for communities in East Africa.

The climb positioned Spencer West as a global voice on redefining possibility and collective responsibility. His story gained international attention for its focus on teamwork, systems support, and sustained effort rather than individual heroism.

Spencer West’s journey is documented in the feature documentary Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. His memoir, Standing Tall: My Journey, further explores identity, disability, and self determination.

As a speaker, Spencer West delivers presentations for corporations, governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and global associations. His work focuses on resilience, inclusive leadership, disability awareness, and meaningful cultural change.

He served as an opening speaker on Demi Lovato’s world tour across North America, addressing tens of thousands of attendees. These large scale engagements expanded his reach to diverse and multigenerational audiences.

Spencer West has shared stages with global leaders and cultural figures including Al Gore, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Hudson, Mia Farrow, and Natalie Portman. His work is grounded in collaboration rather than celebrity.

He has been featured extensively in international media across television, print, and digital platforms. His visibility has positioned him as a trusted voice on disability justice and LGBTQ representation.

Spencer West is also active across digital platforms, where he reaches millions through content focused on accessibility, identity, and lived experience. His online presence supports education and awareness beyond live events.

Based in Toronto, Spencer West continues to engage audiences globally through speaking, writing, and advocacy. His work supports organizations seeking practical understanding of inclusion, adaptability, and human centered leadership.

 

Spencer West Topic Presentations

Spencer West 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.

Redefine Possible: Lessons for Tackling Mountains in Your Personal and Professional World

Leveraging Talent with Disabilities Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (idea)

Diversability: Leveraging Disabled & Lgbtq+ Talent Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (idea)

No Can’t, No Won’t, Only How! Overcoming Obstacles to Make a Difference

Spencer West Books & Articles

Standing Tall
Standing

Standing Tall: My Journey

I'm a Queer and Disabled Activist, and I'm Fighting for a More Inclusive Pride
I'm a Queer and Disabled Activist, and I'm

In this insightful article, a queer and disabled activist shares their personal journey and the challenges they've faced within the LGBTQ+...

Why Asking for Help is a Sign of Courage with Spencer West
Why Asking for Help is a Sign of Courage with

Motivational speaker and activist Spencer West delves into the transformative power of asking for help. Sharing his personal experiences...

Spencer West Speaking Testimonials

"Thank you so much for making the CEO Award nominee breakfast such a special celebration. Your personal story touched everyone and your call to action at the end was perfect! It was exactly the message we wanted to convey to our people to support their colleagues in their volunteerism. I’ve received so much positive feedback following the breakfast; everyone loved meeting you and many have commented that now they feel even more compelled to continue with their volunteer work. Your enthusiasm is infectious!  "

National Director of Community Leadership
KPMG Canada

"Spencer’s dynamic presentations to all grade 4-12 students in our district inspired and motivated each audience to make a difference. Hearing Spencer’s life story, and realizing that any barriers can be overcome with a positive attitude, left a lasting impression. Spencer magically connects with the students he interacts with; he makes each student he talks to feel important and empowered to make their schools and the world a better place. Spencer’s keynotes have had a lasting impact and our students continue to see him as their role model as they bring about positive change both locally and globally. We can’t wait to have him back to work with the elementary students in our..."

"Thank you for being a part of the YPO Nairobi Chapter Event. The ratings have all been terrific and the evaluation excellent! The event got a rating of a fantastic 9.9 out of 10! Thank you for helping to make our educational event an outstanding success.  "

Education Chair
YPO Nairobi

"As Spencer’s vigorous and courageous spirit spread out to us, our eyes opened to the potential possibilities out there. His powerful and defiant attitude toward life proved that anything in this world is possible; if there is anything that stops us from continuing, it is the boundaries that we have created ourselves. Always remember, Redefine Your Possible.  "

International School of Kenya

"Thank you for all your help securing Spencer West for our conference…His keynote was quite fantastic and we’ve heard great feedback.  "

Coordinator, Finance Operations
Oxford Properties Group

"When I approached Spencer I was scared he might not understand my excitement. . . but he welcomed me with open arms and as I sat in the front row tears streamed down my face. . . . I have always been a leader, but on Friday I learnt what it meant to be bigger than myself. . . . I can change the world.  "

Halton Regional Chair

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spencer West known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Spencer West 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

How do I know if Spencer West is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West from and where do they speak across Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Spencer West 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 Spencer West for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Spencer West 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 Spencer West represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Spencer West 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