“A goal knows the how. A vision dares you to move forward before the how is even visible.”

-Debbi Sluys

event host & faciliator

Debbi Sluys

As the host of the Dare to Declare™ Conference and Founder and CEO of Dare to Declare™, Debbi Sluys will guide participants through two of her signature Dare to Declare™ Vision Board Workshops, powerful experiences that have transformed thousands of lives since 2018.

Debbi is a mom of four, wife, and proud grandma whose faith and passion for human potential are at the heart of everything she creates. As a global Vision Board expert, coach, trainer, author, and speaker, she helps people expand their brain’s potential to see what’s possible and declare their vision for the future.

A former Child Care Director with over 30 years of experience in personal development, Debbi has facilitated and witnessed the science of visualization at work, guiding thousands of clients both online and in-person to identify and boldly declare their purpose.

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to support individuals to declare their truth and create the life of their dreams.

event host & faciliator

Debbi Sluys

As the host of the Dare to Declare™ Conference and Founder and CEO of Dare to Declare™, Debbi Sluys will guide participants through two of her signature Dare to Declare™ Vision Board Workshops, powerful experiences that have transformed thousands of lives since 2018.

Debbi is a mom of four, wife, and proud grandma whose faith and passion for human potential are at the heart of everything she creates. As a global Vision Board expert, coach, trainer, author, and speaker, she helps people expand their brain’s potential to see what’s possible and declare their vision for the future.

A former Child Care Director with over 30 years of experience in personal development, Debbi has facilitated and witnessed the science of visualization at work, guiding thousands of clients both online and in-person to identify and boldly declare their purpose.

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to support individuals to declare their truth and create the life of their dreams.

“You can’t change the past, but you can absolutely design your future.”

-Brian Proctor

Key note speaker

Brian Proctor

Author of My Father Knew the Secret and 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life: Stop Waiting for That Big Thing!

Brian Proctor grew up surrounded by personal growth and possibility, the same year he was born, his father, legendary teacher Bob Proctor, was handed Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, igniting what would become a 60-year legacy of transformation.

For nearly three decades, Brian worked alongside his father, helping share timeless success principles with audiences around the world. From pioneering early online marketing strategies that shaped The Proctor Company’s global reach to leading joint ventures that empowered new entrepreneurs, Brian has built his own legacy on the foundations of relationship, integrity, and belief.

Today, as an author and speaker, Brian continues to expand that legacy with a modern perspective on personal development, blending classic mindset teachings with relatable, real-world wisdom.

At the Dare to Declare™ Conference, Brian will share insights that will help attendees uncover their potential, strengthen their belief in what’s possible, and take bold steps toward the future they envision.

“You can’t change the past, but you can absolutely design your future.”

-Brian Proctor

event emcee

Bill Schuffenhauer

Bill Schuffenhauer’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born into a life of instability, Bill navigated homelessness, family struggles, and the challenges of growing up in foster care. His life changed when he found an outlet in sports—first excelling in track and field, becoming one of the nation’s top decathletes, and later transitioning to bobsledding, where he earned a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

After retiring from competitive sports, Bill transitioned his focus to executive leadership, team development, and resilience coaching. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), he now helps organizations, athletes, and leaders build mental toughness, drive sustained success, and lead with intention. Bill’s inspiring message resonates with audiences around the world, teaching them how to overcome life’s greatest obstacles and emerge stronger.

Elite diamond sponsor | featured speaker

Mattie Murrey-Tegels

We’re honoured to recognize Mattie Murrey Tegels, professional ghostwriter, editor, book coach, and founder of My Own Ghostwriter, as the Elite Diamond Sponsor of the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Mattie is known for helping people write their brave new chapters both on the page and in life. As a Certified Dare to Declare™ Vision Board Trainer, she brings a unique blend of clarity, creativity, and compassion to every writer she serves. She partners with entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers to turn bold ideas into beautifully written, high-impact books that elevate their message far beyond the page.

Guided by her motto, “Friends don’t let friends write bad books,” Mattie created her signature 5-Step Writing System, a practical, supportive framework that helps authors strategize, structure, write, edit, and prepare to publish with confidence. Her process removes overwhelm, brings order to the creative chaos, and ensures writers feel supported at every stage.

Her teachings, centered around themes like “Stand Out or Stay Invisible” and “Write Your Life”, empower leaders to discover what makes them unforgettable as storytellers. Through her writing programs, her Author Vision Board workshops, and her monthly Facebook mastermind The Author’s Table, Mattie provides accountability, community, and expert guidance for writers committed to bringing their stories to life.

At the Dare to Declare™ Conference, Mattie will lead “Stand Out or Stay Invisible: Write the Book That Sets You Apart as a Thought Leader,” a powerful session designed to help attendees understand exactly where they stand as authors, and what it takes to write the book that puts them on the map.

diamond sponsor | featured speaker

Leigh Fowler

We’re proud to recognize Leigh Fowler, strategic content creator, speaker, and community builder, as the Diamond Sponsor of the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

As the Founder of Rise Media + Design Inc. and President of FemCity Hamilton & Burlington, Leigh is on a mission to help women go from suppressed to fully expressed, whether that means launching the book, speaking on the stage, starting the podcast, or building the platform their story deserves. With over 25 years of experience in publishing, content strategy, and visibility, she supports female founders in turning their ideas into impact and their voices into something impossible to ignore.

Through her work as a content strategist and emerging publisher, Leigh empowers women to clarify their message, build momentum, and create content that truly connects, because she knows content that converts is never an accident. From her debut book Ready to Amplify, her soon to be released podcast, signature launch programs and local Dream Big to Shift Big™ magazine, Leigh helps leaders align their message with media that matters. She believes dreaming big isn’t just a vision board moment…it’s a decision to show up, speak out, and lead forward.

Her work is rooted in sisterhood, strategy, and soul, and we’re thrilled to have her join us to inspire the the room to launch what’s next…loudly, proudly, and without apology.

silver vip sponsor

Ann McKitrick

We are honoured to have Ann McKirick as the sponsor of the VIP Dinner at the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Ann McKitrick, MS is a speaker, entrepreneur, educator and leadership coach, and the founder of Momentum Supper Club & Coach Academy.

Ann is passionate about helping women turn their lived experience into lasting impact by building coaching businesses rooted in purpose, excellence, and heart, over a simple, delicious meal and intentional conversations.

Ann equips and mentors Momentum Coaches with the strategy, structure, and confidence to launch, grow, and sustain their work, so they can serve others well while also creating healthy, aligned income and leadership in their communities. With 20+ years in higher education and a deep commitment to legacy leadership, Ann blends practical business guidance with compassionate, values-driven mentorship.

Ann is also the founder of Nurtured Noggins, host of the Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast, and creator of Texas Child Care Training, where she provides online professional development for thousands of child care professionals each year. She lives near Houston, Texas, and loves strong coffee, meaningful conversation, and gathering people around a beautiful back-porch table,because real momentum is built in connection

silver vip sponsor

Linda Walters

We are honoured to have Linda Walters as the sponsor of the VIP Breakfast at the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Linda is the Founder and CEO of LeadTribes, where she has dedicated over five years to connecting incredible entrepreneurs who understand the power of giving and receiving within a network. As a seasoned entrepreneur and Mortgage Broker with over 11 years of experience, Linda creates genuine relationships and utilizes referrals as a strategic way to build and grow businesses.

Through LeadTribes, Linda is making a significant impact with Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners across Canada with its' focus on real referrals, real relationships and real community. She is grateful to be surrounded by genuine, authentic, and like-minded individuals who keep her motivated to expand LeadTribes on a national level.

Key note speaker

Brian Proctor

Author of My Father Knew the Secret and 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life: Stop Waiting for That Big Thing!

Brian Proctor grew up surrounded by personal growth and possibility, the same year he was born, his father, legendary teacher Bob Proctor, was handed Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, igniting what would become a 60-year legacy of transformation.

For nearly three decades, Brian worked alongside his father, helping share timeless success principles with audiences around the world. From pioneering early online marketing strategies that shaped The Proctor Company’s global reach to leading joint ventures that empowered new entrepreneurs, Brian has built his own legacy on the foundations of relationship, integrity, and belief.

Today, as an author and speaker, Brian continues to expand that legacy with a modern perspective on personal development, blending classic mindset teachings with relatable, real-world wisdom.

At the Dare to Declare™ Conference, Brian will share insights that will help attendees uncover their potential, strengthen their belief in what’s possible, and take bold steps toward the future they envision.

event emcee

Bill Schuffenhauer

Bill Schuffenhauer’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born into a life of instability, Bill navigated homelessness, family struggles, and the challenges of growing up in foster care. His life changed when he found an outlet in sports—first excelling in track and field, becoming one of the nation’s top decathletes, and later transitioning to bobsledding, where he earned a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

After retiring from competitive sports, Bill transitioned his focus to executive leadership, team development, and resilience coaching. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), he now helps organizations, athletes, and leaders build mental toughness, drive sustained success, and lead with intention. Bill’s inspiring message resonates with audiences around the world, teaching them how to overcome life’s greatest obstacles and emerge stronger.

Elite diamond sponsor | featured speaker

Mattie Murrey-Tegels

We’re honoured to recognize Mattie Murrey Tegels, professional ghostwriter, editor, book coach, and founder of My Own Ghostwriter, as the Elite Diamond Sponsor of the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Mattie is known for helping people write their brave new chapters both on the page and in life. As a Certified Dare to Declare™ Vision Board Trainer, she brings a unique blend of clarity, creativity, and compassion to every writer she serves. She partners with entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers to turn bold ideas into beautifully written, high-impact books that elevate their message far beyond the page.

Guided by her motto, “Friends don’t let friends write bad books,” Mattie created her signature 5-Step Writing System, a practical, supportive framework that helps authors strategize, structure, write, edit, and prepare to publish with confidence. Her process removes overwhelm, brings order to the creative chaos, and ensures writers feel supported at every stage.

Her teachings, centered around themes like “Stand Out or Stay Invisible” and “Write Your Life”, empower leaders to discover what makes them unforgettable as storytellers. Through her writing programs, her Author Vision Board workshops, and her monthly Facebook mastermind The Author’s Table, Mattie provides accountability, community, and expert guidance for writers committed to bringing their stories to life.

At the Dare to Declare™ Conference, Mattie will lead “Stand Out or Stay Invisible: Write the Book That Sets You Apart as a Thought Leader,” a powerful session designed to help attendees understand exactly where they stand as authors, and what it takes to write the book that puts them on the map.

diamond sponsor | featured speaker

Leigh Fowler

We’re proud to recognize Leigh Fowler, strategic content creator, speaker, and community builder, as the Diamond Sponsor of the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

As the Founder of Rise Media + Design Inc. and President of FemCity Hamilton & Burlington, Leigh is on a mission to help women go from suppressed to fully expressed, whether that means launching the book, speaking on the stage, starting the podcast, or building the platform their story deserves. With over 25 years of experience in publishing, content strategy, and visibility, she supports female founders in turning their ideas into impact and their voices into something impossible to ignore.

Through her work as a content strategist and emerging publisher, Leigh empowers women to clarify their message, build momentum, and create content that truly connects, because she knows content that converts is never an accident. From her debut book Ready to Amplify, her soon to be released podcast, signature launch programs and local Dream Big to Shift Big™ magazine, Leigh helps leaders align their message with media that matters. She believes dreaming big isn’t just a vision board moment…it’s a decision to show up, speak out, and lead forward.

Her work is rooted in sisterhood, strategy, and soul, and we’re thrilled to have her join us to inspire the the room to launch what’s next…loudly, proudly, and without apology.

silver vip sponsor

Ann McKitrick

We are honoured to have Ann McKirick as the sponsor of the VIP Dinner at the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Ann McKitrick, MS is a speaker, entrepreneur, educator and leadership coach, and the founder of Momentum Supper Club & Coach Academy.

Ann is passionate about helping women turn their lived experience into lasting impact by building coaching businesses rooted in purpose, excellence, and heart, over a simple, delicious meal and intentional conversations.

Ann equips and mentors Momentum Coaches with the strategy, structure, and confidence to launch, grow, and sustain their work, so they can serve others well while also creating healthy, aligned income and leadership in their communities. With 20+ years in higher education and a deep commitment to legacy leadership, Ann blends practical business guidance with compassionate, values-driven mentorship.

Ann is also the founder of Nurtured Noggins, host of the Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast, and creator of Texas Child Care Training, where she provides online professional development for thousands of child care professionals each year. She lives near Houston, Texas, and loves strong coffee, meaningful conversation, and gathering people around a beautiful back-porch table,because real momentum is built in connection

silver vip sponsor

Linda Walters

We are honoured to have Linda Walters as the sponsor of the VIP Breakfast at the Dare to Declare™ Conference.

Linda is the Founder and CEO of LeadTribes, where she has dedicated over five years to connecting incredible entrepreneurs who understand the power of giving and receiving within a network. As a seasoned entrepreneur and Mortgage Broker with over 11 years of experience, Linda creates genuine relationships and utilizes referrals as a strategic way to build and grow businesses.

Through LeadTribes, Linda is making a significant impact with Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners across Canada with its' focus on real referrals, real relationships and real community. She is grateful to be surrounded by genuine, authentic, and like-minded individuals who keep her motivated to expand LeadTribes on a national level.

© 2026 Debbi Sluys | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

Chatham, ON | debbi@debbisluys.com | +1 548 457-1402

Facebook Disclaimer: This website is not part of the Facebook website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, this site is not endorsed by Facebook in any way.