GUELPH, ON – New this year, Upper Grand District School Board students in grades 7 and 8 will come together for the Empowerment Series. Unlike previous years, this year we are bringing Empowerment Day to students through a series of four events. Each section of the UGDSB will be getting their own day at a venue in their area.
Empowerment Day was originally initiated and developed by two students from Drayton Heights Public School in 2015. In recent years, Elora Public School continued this annual event by hosting world-renowned motivational speakers, presenters, and performers.
The Empowerment Series will be held over four days in each area of the UGDSB, with different speakers at each event. Empowerment Series events include:
March 5, 2026 – Drayton Festival Theatre, North Wellington
April 22, 2026 – Elora Public School, Centre Wellington
April 23, 2026 – University of Guelph Athletic Centre, Guelph
May 5, 2026 – OAS Event Centre, Dufferin
The motto for the 2026 Empowerment Series is “Kindness Matters.” This year's speakers will be focusing on treating each other with respect and dignity, the importance of loving ourselves, and eliminating hatred while choosing kindness.
Special guests this year include:
Michel Chikwanine – Former child soldier turned inspirational speaker.
Stacey Kay – Motivational speaker and musician. Kay will be joined by some friends this year.
Brian Williams – Motivational speaker.
Patrick Anderson - Wheelchair basketball player, world champion, three-time Paralympic gold medalist, and musician.
Empowerment organizers would like to extend thanks to the 2026 Empowerment Series Sponsors. Sponsoring the event for many years now is Impact Sponsor Skyline. We would like to extend thanks to our Legacy Partners Optimist Clubs of the UGDSB Area, the Upper Grand District School Board and the Specialist High Skills Major program. Without these generous sponsors Empowerment events would not exist.
Media are welcome to attend but are asked to let us know which event(s) they wish to attend.