Project Five's Story!
Hi! My name is Carmen Leibel, I spent 17+ years in broadcast journalism with CTV as an anchor, reporter, and producer and am now the Founder and CEO of Project Five, Communicate with Confidence!
I strongly believe in the power of using your voice.
Public speaking is a crucial skill to learn and work on, which is why I created Project Five with five simple steps to help people of all ages.
To date Project Five has worked with 5,000+ youth, helping them build skills to present, deliver a speech, share ideas and opinions, eventually nail that job interview, and become a successful employee or entrepreneur.
Project Five offers curriculum-linked in-school programs, in Alberta and Saskatchewan, with engaging public speaking activities for students in grades 4-12. *New* video modules also available for students in grades 4, 5, 6. Created for classrooms across Canada and beyond!
Project Five also offers sessions for professionals, delivering interactive team workshops and 1:1 sessions. Check out the corporate tab!
PROJECT FIVE TEAM - CARMEN LEIBEL - FOUNDER
- Owner and creator of Project Five. Carmen delivers her public speaking programs and workshops in communities, businesses, and schools across Alberta and beyond. Carmen recently worked internationally, running programs in Colorado!
- Carmen brings an extensive broadcasting background, having worked in television news for 17+ years with CTV as an anchor, reporter, producer, writer, editor and video journalist.
- As an emcee and host for many organizations, Carmen brings professionalism and energy to fundraisers, galas and events. Having worked with groups such as Connect Society, NAIT, Lois Hole Hospital, St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association, Canadian Breast Cancer Society, Wellspring Edmonton, Edmonton Down Syndrome Society and Autism Speaks.
- Carmen also delivers keynote speeches on topics such as her bold pivot from journalism to becoming an entrepreneur or helping audiences learn how to transform public speaking nerves into power, opportunities, and career-defining moments.
- When she's not busy in a classroom or boardroom Carmen also brings communications expertise and media strategy to Canadian organizations and events such as Sensory Canada, Glow Edmonton, Alberta Music and Holiday Wonder.
- For three years, Carmen worked in media relations and communications with the University of Alberta as a Public Affairs Officer. This role included media relations and public speaking/media interview training for students, professors and researchers.
- Carmen was honoured to receive the Excellence in Media award by the University of Alberta.
DANIELLE FORCADe
- Danielle is an Independent Contractor with Project Five as a Public Speaking Instructor. Danielle leads and facilitates curriculum-based public speaking workshops for elementary, junior high and high school students. With Danielle's extensive education background she's a natural fit for this role and in these environments!
- Also an active Project Five Ambassador, Danielle promotes its core values, programs, and initiatives while helping build relationships, and raising awareness about our mission and activities!
- As a passionate educator, Danielle has also taught for 10 years in grade 1-9 classrooms. Highlights include developing a public speaking option for elementary students, creating a Fine Arts Academy for junior high students, and attending educational conferences in Canada and the U.S. Danielle also has a Master's in Educational Policy Studies.
- Danielle says her favourite part of public speaking is making people laugh, she always tries to incorporate humour. Danielle believes speaking in front of groups is enjoyable because she gets to share stories and teach others.
- Danielle has been asked to speak at many events such as fashion shows, weddings, special assemblies, and holiday parties. She has been the Program Director for the Edmonton Twin and Triplet Club where she taught expectant parents of multiples. She has also spoken internationally while in Japan on an exchange.
- As an entrepreneur as well, Danielle lives on a grain farm with her husband and twin daughters and started a flower business. Last summer she grew and sold 1,000+ peony plants. Wow!
stacey commer
- Stacey is an Independent Contractor with Project Five as a Public Speaking Instructor. Stacey leads and facilitates public speaking workshops for professionals and youth in the Lloydminster area. Saskatchewan and Alberta! With her extensive background in communication, storytelling, writing, and hosting Stacey is a perfect fit to mentor people of all ages.
- Also an active Project Five Ambassador, Stacey promotes its core values, programs, and initiatives while helping build relationships, and raising awareness about our mission and activities!
- Stacey has experience in public speaking through her impressive 36+ year career in radio and television news. She spent 27 years running newsrooms as a News Director, a role that included managing the news and creative departments, producing the main newscasts daily, approving scripts, developing story ideas and conducting interviews.
- Stacey has recently joined The Weekly Bean in Lloydminster as their Media Specialist. She's helping the publication expand into a "Reader's Digest" style magazine format. The Bean features community stories and has over 5,000 weekly readers.
- For many years, Stacey was as a proud member of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Board of Directors for the Radio and Television broadcast program. As a member, she helped determine the curriculum and arrange for students to complete their practicums.
- A big honour, Stacey was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to broadcasting and her community. Congratulations!
- Fun fact, she once flew to every state in the U.S. as part of a youth aviation charity, giving kids their first-ever flight experience! This was in a volunteer capacity as the Media/Sponsorships coordinator.