Victoria Maxwell: Shattering Stigmas with Humour in Mental Health Advocacy
Victoria Maxwell Keynote Speaker Profile
Introduction
Victoria Maxwell is recognized across Canada and internationally as an accomplished keynote speaker, performing artist, and leading mental health educator. With a distinctive approach grounded in personal experience, Victoria Maxwell merges storytelling, theatrical performance, and academic insight to promote mental health awareness and workplace well-being. Her sessions are frequently cited as a catalyst for dynamic, lasting transformations within organizations, helping to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue about mental health at all levels of business and community.
Biography Summary
With over three decades of acting expertise and two decades of mental health advocacy, Victoria Maxwell, BFA, BPP, is one of Canada’s most sought-after keynote speakers on mental health. Victoria Maxwell’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and psychosis forms the foundation of her presentations, allowing her to connect authentic, relatable narratives with practical strategies for personal and organizational change.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has officially recognized Victoria Maxwell’s theatrical keynotes as top anti-stigma interventions, supported by two independent scientific studies demonstrating measurable reductions in negative perceptions around mental health. Victoria Maxwell is also celebrated as one of Canada’s leading mental health advocates by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and has received the National Difference Makers award for her outstanding contributions.
Beyond her speaking, Victoria Maxwell writes extensively on mental health topics for Psychology Today and has appeared in influential media such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Her plays and workshops continue to receive accolades, with more than 14 awards and nominations, including the Entertainment Industries Council PRISM Award and SAMHSA Voice Award. Previously, Victoria Maxwell worked as an actor alongside celebrated names, bringing a unique theatrical touch to every presentation she delivers.
Speaking Topics & Expertise
“That’s Just Crazy Talk”
This presentation blends acting and storytelling to tackle the realities of living with mental illness and loving those who do. Victoria Maxwell’s approach actively dispels stigma, making it a must for organizations seeking to foster genuine inclusivity and empathy at work.
“Funny You Don’t Look Crazy”
Victoria Maxwell uses humour and vulnerability to address myths and truths about mental health, encouraging attendees to confidently share their own experiences and support one another in their personal and professional lives.
Workplace Mental Health: Reducing Stigma and Building Safety
This keynote helps organizations create mentally healthy workplaces by exploring effective anti-stigma programs and workplace accommodations, uniquely providing actionable steps to boost overall productivity and psychological safety.
Harnessing Resilience: Strategies for Recovery and Well-being
Attendees learn resilience techniques and mental health recovery strategies directly drawn from Victoria Maxwell’s own journey, tailored for leaders, teams, and human resources professionals for immediate, practical use.
Building Peer Support Cultures
This topic offers organizations pathways to cultivate supportive environments, empowering employees to become advocates and allies for mental health within their teams.
The Power of Lived Experience in Leadership and Diversity
Victoria Maxwell shares insights from her lived experience to inspire inclusive leadership, helping organizations unlock the strength and creativity that comes from workplace diversity.
Impact & Recognition
Victoria Maxwell is one of the most trusted voices in mental health advocacy. Her unique theatrical keynotes have been officially recognized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and validated through independent scientific research. Organizations consistently report that Victoria Maxwell delivers significant, positive shifts in workplace culture, with reduced stigma and increased openness about mental health. Victoria Maxwell has been honoured as one of Canada’s top mental health leaders, having received multiple national and international awards for her innovative approach to awareness and inclusion.
Her ongoing blog with Psychology Today spans more than 14 years, and her mental health pieces are frequently referenced by healthcare professionals and organizations worldwide. Victoria Maxwell’s recognitions include the National Difference Makers Award, the Entertainment Industries Council PRISM Award, and the SAMHSA Voice Award, among others. Her contributions to performance and education have also been spotlighted at the Moondance International Film Festival and in major media outlets such as CNN, the New York Times, and Women’s Health UK.
Media & Appearances
Victoria Maxwell has been featured in leading national and international media, including CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Women’s Health UK. Her mental health insights and lived experience stories are regularly cited by top journalists and researchers, amplifying her voice as a mental health keynote speaker in Canada and globally. She continues to write for Psychology Today, one of the world’s foremost platforms for mental health education and awareness, and her theatrical performances are widely regarded as game-changing, evidence-based interventions in mental health education.
Related Questions Answered
Books and In Media
Victoria Maxwell’s thought leadership extends to her long-standing blog with Psychology Today, where she has been a trusted voice for over 14 years. Her contributions are frequently cited by workplace wellness professionals, mental health advocates, and the academic community. Victoria Maxwell’s keynote performances have achieved scientific credibility, being recognized as top anti-stigma interventions by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is the recipient of several distinguished honours, including the National Difference Makers award, PRISM Award, and accolades from the Moondance International Film Festival. Victoria Maxwell’s mental health insights have been shared on CNN, The New York Times, and Women’s Health UK, further establishing her credibility and authority as a mental health keynote speaker in Canada and worldwide.
Booking Information
Organizations that are eager to create lasting, positive mental health outcomes within their teams can benefit directly from Victoria Maxwell’s evidence-based and highly engaging keynote presentations. To inquire about availability, event customization, or booking details, connect through the Speakers Bureau of Canada. For all booking, collaboration, and speaking requests, it is recommended to use the official agency booking contact form to ensure responsive assistance and streamlined communication.
For media interviews, research partnerships, or to receive more information on Victoria Maxwell’s presentation topics, visit the Speakers Bureau of Canada contact page.