Michelle Dagnino’s (MA, LLB) expertise in the areas of civic engagement, youth empowerment
and innovative capacity-building has made Michelle one of Canada’s most well-known youth
advocates and social entrepreneurs. As a speaker, author, social justice activist, and
consultant, she inspires individuals to take action to change their lives for the better and
teaches audiences to create community-based solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and
focused on positive change. As the Executive Director of Youth Action Network, Michelle has
spent the last 7 years at the helm of one of the most well-known for youth, by-youth national
charitable organizations in the world. Her inspirational message on achieving your dreams, her
examples of leadership in action, and her ability to connect with all types of audiences from
CEOs to elementary students has garnered her the attention of peoples and governments
around the world and has made her a sought-after speaker and facilitator in hundreds of
conferences globally.
Youth Culture Expert
Michelle's Profile
Michelle’s history as an award-winning youth activist began when she was still in high
school, as the founder of the mentorship organization Aspire, which teams up young girls in
high schools with female community leaders. Since then, she went on to found Where is the
Love, a hip hop media literacy project and YouthActivism.ca, a portal linking young people with
project and program opportunities around the world. She was the founding coordinator of
Ruckus, an anti-racism conference and series of events for youth of colour.
She sits on the boards of the Ontario Association of the Chiefs of Police Youth Committee;
the Law Society of Upper Canada Equity Advisory Group; the programming committee for Girl
Guides of Canada; and is an assessor for the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation and Top
20 Under 20.
Michelle’s innovative and thought-provoking work has garnered her over a dozen awards
including the 2004 YWCA Woman of Distinction award and the Rotary Youth Impact Award. Her
high profile work also lead to Maclean's calling her "one of the Top 25 Leaders under 30" in
Canada, featuring her on their cover. The City of Toronto honoured her with the Person’s Day
Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the community. In November 2006
Michelle was named by the Globe and Mail and the Women’s Executive Network as one of
Canada’s Top 100: Most Powerful Women.
Michelle has been the frequent subject of various newspaper and magazine articles,
including cover stories in magazines across Canada, and has been featured on CBC Metro
Morning, CHRY, CHIN, CityTV, the Liveable City, VOX, amongst dozens of other media. She
has been the subject of two documentaries. The Toronto Star named Michelle “a woman to
buoy the soul”
At the tender age of 19, Michelle became the Child Labour Coordinator for an international
labour organization, in a position that took her around the globe teaching businesses,
community groups and unions how to combat child labour in their communities. From Thailand
to Venezuela, from local NGOs to the UN General Assembly, Michelle spoke to thousands of
people in her fight to end child labour worldwide.
Michelle is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a Master’s degree in Political
Science. Her first book on hip hop activism was published in the Fall of 2006, and her second
book will come out in 2008.
Topic Categories
Education, Learning Issues
Social, Political
Youth, Girls Esteem
Presentation Titles
Connecting With Youth
Connecting with youth on a meaningful level will help ensure the future health and success of
our country. Michelle lays out a plan to inspire, engage and encourage young people.
Developing Creativity and Innovation in the Workforce
Michelle outlines the importance of engaging young employees and nurturing leadership
through creativity and innovation at work.
No More Waiting on the World to Change: Creating Leadership Now!
Michelle discusses the need for youth to become involved in affecting social change - but
argues it can't happen without making important changes in their own lives first.
Finding and Being a Mentor
This presentation looks at why mentorship is important to the success of any organization and
illustrates how it can help both the mentor and mentee achieve their personal and professional
goals.
Hip Hop Culture: Why it Matters
Michelle talks about the rise of hip hop and its unprecedented influence on youth. She sets out
strategies for engaging young people through hip hop, pop culture and the media.
Girls Speak Out:
How do Young Women Navigate Self-Esteem Issues in Today's Pop Culture.
Audience Testimonials
Your speech couldn't have been more perfectly suited to the audience. Students are still
talking about today and there has been nothing but positive feedback.
- University of Ottawa
Thank you for your energy. Your presentation was targeted, enlightening, and provided
information that was both eye-opening and inspiring.
- York Region District School Board
Your words were very inspiring and undoubtedly touched many students hoping to make a
difference in our community and the way things work in our world!
- Pro Bono Students Canada
Thank you for your speech this past Saturday. Your words reaffirmed my commitment to
sustainability, youth leadership, and my own ability to change the world.
- UBC Student Leadership Conference
It was such a pleasure to meet you and to hear your inspirational presentation today. Your
achievements are truly amazing. I also appreciated your stories, which were very down-to-earth
and approachable.
- Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
In Her Own Words
"Each of us has been put on earth with the ability to do something well. We cheat ourselves
and the world if we don't use that ability as best we can." -- Gracie Allen
