Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Bean Gill

Inclusion Warrior, Paralysis Recovery Pioneer, Change Maker, Star of CBC docuseries "PUSH"

Bean Gill Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Inclusion Warrior, Paralysis Recovery Pioneer, Change Maker, Star of CBC docuseries "PUSH"

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Bean Gill
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
YEG - Edmonton, CANADA

Primary Topic Category:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) / Social Justice

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Bean Gill Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Bean Gill helps organizations and individuals to break barriers, prioritize inclusivity, and redefine disability, cultivating courage, gratitude, and community support for people with disabilities.

Benveet “Bean” Gill’s story serves up a dose of reality like you’ve never heard before. In her 20s, Gill was working as an X-ray technologist in a cardiac catheterization lab. But, in 2012, when she turned 30, everything changed. She left an abusive relationship, her dad left her family and, during a trip to Las Vegas, a virus paralyzed her from the waist down. While relaxing in a hotel room with close friends, she felt a sudden, stabbing pain in her spine. "The pain lasted only a few minutes, and then I couldn't move my right leg. I was paralyzed within 10 minutes." Multiple neurologists told Gill a virus was likely to blame, and she would regain full use of her legs within weeks. After several months of no progress, Bean was forced to come to grips with her new reality. A once athletic young woman who enjoyed modeling, kickboxing, and weightlifting, she struggled with betrayal by her own body. She couldn't roll over, sit up, or get out of bed without help. She was forced to find her way through an inaccessible society, all the while living with paralysis and learning how to love herself - disability and all. "My life was flipped upside down. I hated everything about me. I hated my life." Bean took her health into her own hands, seeking out the answers and help she needed to confront her challenges head-on. Eventually, Gill found her confidence again. She worked to regain movement in her legs and pushed herself to try sports she never would have attempted before being paralyzed. If it wasn’t for the worst year of her life, Gill wouldn’t be who she is today. Bean’s sudden onset paralysis opened her eyes to the many injustices, inequalities, and challenges that are a part of life for those with disabilities. She went from dealing with a new identity of life in a wheelchair to using her situation as a platform to help others. In 2017 she co-founded ReYu Paralysis Recovery Center - a non-profit she started with her Neuro-Exercise Specialist and zero capital. The wellness center exists to inspire, motivate, and promote recovery with increased function for individuals with spinal cord injuries and associated neurological disorders. "We show them that they can do the things that they were told they were never going to do." Being a woman of color who also has a visible disability, Gill is an example of unwavering strength and resilience. By confronting adversity and sharing her story, Bean Gill breaks down barriers and changes stigmas surrounding people with disabilities. Gill’s work has earned her local and national recognition, including the Top 40 Under 40, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, and Global’s Woman of Vision Award. Bean is the reigning Miss Wheelchair Canada and was recognized by Mattel as one of Canada's top 60 inspiring women as part of Barbie's 60th Anniversary.
“Bean was the star of the show. I laughed, I cried, and I stood on my feet to give a much-deserved standing ovation. Amazing! We got countless positive feedback on how inspirational, joyful, and perfect her talk was. So many people needed to hear her message, and she executed it flawlessly!” - Brooke Berryman, Director of Development, Go Red for Women, American Heart Bean Gill was such a motivational and energetic guest speaker at our event. The audience was inspired and captivated by her message and story's passion and conviction. The presentation was thought-provoking and masterful. She left the team talking about her long after the event. Bean truly helped elevate our discussions regarding DEI and leadership to another level that made the whole event so much more memorable. Aside from being a great speaker, she is also wonderfully fun. She spent time with our team talking, laughing, and dancing! Thank you, Bean! John Wong, Head of Internal Events | HSBC Wealth & Personal Banking “Bean talked to us about diversity, inclusion, equity, and allyship, and I must say that it was a life-changing experience. She brings a unique perspective and insight to the table, and her passion for advocating for inclusivity is truly inspiring.” Ruquia Rubaiet Raka, Program Facilitator at On Site Placement “Bean has really changed the way I see disability. Seeing her push boundaries and succeed made me realize my assumptions about disability were wrong.” Kristen Twa “We were so impressed by Bean Gill's presentation. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude made listening to and learning from her inspiring. The PowerPoint presentation was enjoyable to watch. It made the information easily accessible for all of our students. We particularly enjoyed her personal stories and experiences. They helped us connect to Bean and enabled us to have rich discussions after the presentation. Thank you so much, Bean!” Elementary school in British Columbia, Canada
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