Experience the Magic All Over Again!
Drop the Mic Night was a powerful celebration of community, courage, and connection. Ten incredible speakers took the stage at GE CoCreate. sharing raw, moving, and unforgettable stories centered around the theme of COMMUNITY. The energy in the room was electric—filled with laughter, inspiration, and moments that gave us chills.
Couldn’t make it? We’ve got you covered.
Here's a quick highlight reel of our favorite moments from DTMN October 2025.
All video footage provided by Mark Bellusci.​
Check out the videos of each speaker below — including all our amazing winners — so you can experience the magic for yourself, anytime. Visit our DTMN Video Library to watch, share, and be inspired all over again.
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Where Speakers Find Their Voice
After years of coaching aspiring speakers, SPEAC Success Founder, Shannon, noticed a recurring theme: people craved more opportunities to step onto a stage and put their newfound skills and confidence to the test. That’s where the idea for Drop The Mic Night was born.
Shannon created this platform to offer aspiring speakers a safe space to share their stories, build their confidence and take their first steps toward their speaking goals - whether that’s engaging local audiences or dreaming of larger stages.
Speakers selected for Drop The Mic Night participate for free, and receive complimentary coaching and feedback to help them shine. This event is about nurturing talent, fostering growth and providing the support needed to kickstart their speaking journey in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Experience Mic-Dropping Moments
Our Drop The Mic Night events have been pure magic! Across multiple unforgettable events, aspiring speakers from near and far have lit up the stage, captivating packed houses with their passion, energy and incredible stories.
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Click below to watch the highlights, feel the buzz, and let these moments of courage and connection spark your own idea for a mic-dropping performance!​
A Powerful Partnership
This past October we had the privilege of partnering with:​​
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​At LiveGirl, their mission is to prepare the next generation of diverse, brave female leaders. They equip girls from middle school through high school into college with the skills, mentors, and access they need to thrive and make a positive impact on the world. LiveGirl is dedicated to shaping future leaders and launching ‘career-ready’ young women into the workforce.
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​Even better? Our event landed on October 11th — the International Day of the Girl. A day made for bold voices, big dreams, and unstoppable young women. Talk about cosmic timing!
Learn more about LiveGirl by visiting them online.
Check Out Our DTMN Speakers!
First Place
Second Place
Sunidhi Ajmera
Roots and Wings: The Communities We Inherit and the Ones We Create
Mary Keating
Open Communities by Design
Third Place
Audience Favorite
Luna Muñoz
Birds Aren't Real
Mary Valdovinos
The Power of Second Chances in Community
Daniela Dragomir
Community - From Survival to Choice
Grace Digiacomo
Works in Progress
Asami Green
The Heart of Belonging
Beth Pachas
The Jewel In The Robe
Elizabeth Blanchard
See You In The Room
Nancy Kessler
How To Connect With Our Elder Community
Check Out Our Full Speaker Video Playlist & Photo Gallery in Our DTMN Library
Your DTMN Cheerleaders
Your Expert Evaluators
1st Place
Our First Place Prize is a transformational opportunity to elevate your voice and presence. The winner will receive a STAGE Subscription to the SPEAC Success E-Course—a self-paced, six-module journey built on the proven SPEAC Framework™. This course goes far beyond public speaking; it’s about turning nerves into confidence, scattered thoughts into standout talks, and everyday conversations into powerful connections. Perfect for anyone ready to step into their story and SPEAC Success.
$4,800 VALUE
PRIZES
2nd Place
Our Second Place Prize offers the gift of professional polish with a Photography Session from Hector Pachas Photography. This package includes a 6-image collection, giving you everything you need to elevate your personal brand— from a standout LinkedIn profile photo and polished headshots to versatile images for press, speaking engagements, and social media. A prize designed to help you put your best face forward, wherever your career takes you.
$2,500 VALUE
3rd Place
Our Third Place Prize is all about fueling your personal growth journey! The winner will receive a signed book bundle (Water Yourself by Shannon Malkin Daniels and Confidence Unleashed by Sheri West), plus a FREE ticket to a HAYVN Event of their choice (EWC, Sustainability, POWERUp, or HerStory). A prize package designed to spark confidence, connection, and self-improvement.
$250 VALUE
Meet Our October Champions
Drop The Mic Night wouldn't be possible without our fabulous collaborators and sponsors. Please help us say 'thank you' by showing them some love!
Stamford CoCreate
Stamford CoCreate is a collaborative innovation hub designed to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and growth by connecting startups, corporations, and industry experts. It provides a dynamic environment where businesses can access resources, mentorship, and a network of like-minded professionals to drive sustainable growth and transformative solutions. Thank you to Stamford CoCreate for sponsoring our newest venue for DTMN!
Venue Champion
Donor Champions
Celebrating our DTMN Donor Champions — generous supporters whose contributions help to power LiveGirl’s mission!
Bussani Mobility Team ​
Explore Champion
Bedford Books
Explore Champion
Hopson Consultancy
Explore Champion
Pure Barre Stamford
Explore Champion
In-Kind Champions
Introducing our DTMN In-Kind Food & Beverage Champions — the amazing sponsors serving up the flavors that fuel our event! Click on the logo to learn more.
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Shining a spotlight on our DTMN In-Kind Media Champions — the creative partners capturing every moment and sharing our story with the community!
Previous DTMN Sponsors & Champions
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