"Tareq Hadhad’s keynote presentation at the 2024 CCAE National Conference, was truly inspiring. His story and experiences connected with our audience and left a lasting optimistic impression. It was a stellar start to the conference, and his humbleness, resilience and determination will remain reflected upon by all of our attendees."

Kara Perz, Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education/Le Conseil canadien pour l'avancement de l'éducation

"Tareq’s storytelling was phenomenal as he took the audience through his journey of life while providing a unique and positive outlook. The audience walked away feeling inspired and moved by Tareq’s talk."

Sumner Frizzell, BC Food and Beverage

"The keynote went over extremely well. As you well know, Tareq has a captivating message. His themes of perseverance, resiliency, positivity in the face of hardship, and the importance of showing kindness towards others resonated with our participants, on multiple levels.

Thank you for coordinating his attendance. Your support throughout the process was greatly appreciated."

Dominique Chouinard, Workers Compensation Board of PEI

"The discussion that we had was fascinating, inspiring and laid the ground for a fruitful dialogue among the students. His story, his insights and his perspective were truly valuable and benefited our students tremendously. It was a pleasure and honor to have him with us. Please continue the work that you are all doing because it is invaluable."

Vasileia Digidiki, Ph.D.
Harvard University, FXB Center for Health and Human Rights

"Wow!! Tareq was absolutely incredible. He inspired us and exceeded our expectations. I cannot say enough good things about his professionalism and ability to speak to the audience and theme of the event."

Nicole Imgrund, Rivers Edge Counselling Centre

"I want to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join me at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles last week. It was a pleasure to share the stage with you for our panel discussion and to hear your inspiring story. I’ve always believed technology is a powerful enabler for businesses and communities to thrive, and the insights you shared about how you are using digital tools to support and grow Peace by Chocolate, particularly during the pandemic, was an inspiration and example. On behalf of our teams at Google, thank you for your partnership, and best wishes for continued success in your entrepreneurial journey."

Sundar Pichai, GOOGLE

"On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we thank you for your remarks and participation in the session n Entrepreneurial Growth and Digital Transformation in the Americas during the IV CEO Summit of the Americas. With the participation of heads of state, government officials, and business leaders from across the hemisphere, we believe that the CEO Summit contributed to strengthening cooperation to energize trade and investment, expand economic opportunity and innovation, enhance the rule of law, and build a sustainable and resilient future. Thank you again for your contributions to the CEO Summit. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership as we advance the implementation of the recommendations and commitments that were laid out in Los Angeles."

Remata Brandão Vasconcellos, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

"On behalf of BLG, I would like to thank you for sharing the incredibly inspiring story of your family and Peace by Chocolate at our Firm Retreat in Halifax. I personally enjoyed your presentation a great deal and have heard from many Firm members that they did as well.

We truly appreciate the time you took to be with us in person. Hearing your uplifting story motivated us all to continue our proud tradition at BLG of giving back to the community."

John G. Murphy - National Managing Partner and CEO
BLG

"On behalf of The Globe and Mail, I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to Tareq for speaking at our event last week. His talk was inspiring and informative - the perfect way to set the stage for the day's discussions. He (and you both) are truly great to work with! It was a pleasure hosting him and the audience really connected with his keynote."

Lisa Wichmann, The Globe and Mail

"Tareq was the hit of our keynote series. I should have had him at the end instead of the beginning. Many older Amiccus members said he was the best keynote they have seen in years. Some have been coming to these conferences for over 25 years so to me that is the best feedback I can offer.

I am very proud to live in the town that Tareq and his family immigrated to, his story is powerful and full of hope and that’s exactly what we continue to need in this covid and crazy world.

Thanks again, it was an absolute pleasure to work with you. Your diligence and professionalism were greatly appreciated by me."

Sean Ryan - General Manager at St. Francis Xavier, AMICCUS-C National Conference

"It was an absolute pleasure having Tareq present at the panel, as the keynote and visit newcomer families. He was such a trooper having to do so much in just one day. There was an absolute wonderful turnout (300+ people) and they all wanted to chat with him afterwards. From our steering committee I heard members say that he is a charismatic speaker and that he is likable, caring and considerate. Tareq was also very patient and flexible when we encountered hiccups.

It was our absolute pleasure having him, please pass along our warm thanks. Also, I appreciate the communication we had with you Danielle. You were very clear about expectations and were responsive to all of our questions."

Arevik Tokmajyan, Calgary Neighbourhoods, The City of Calgary

"Tareq’s keynote at our CAGP Conference last week was wonderful. Our delegates found his story inspiring and meaningful. It was really wonderful that he lives locally and could speak to being a local to Nova Scotia. Tareq was the utmost professional and a pleasure to work with! So was everyone on the Vox team, thank you for always being quick to respond to emails and being so accommodating with our date change and requests."

Caralen Law, Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP)

"Thank you very much for providing an amazing keynote presentation yesterday, it was a great start to our conference. We had plenty of positive feedback from all our audience!

And thank you Danielle for your help with the logistics, we look forward to working with your company for future events, you have wonderful speakers!"

Stephanie Santos, YMCA

“First, let me say a huge “Thank you!” I am so happy with the response of the team from Tareq’s time with us yesterday. I had 100% participation and every employee reached out to me afterwards to let me know how impactful his story was and how delicious all of the “Peace by Chocolate” bars were from the chocolate tasting. There were so many messages that we took away from the event from the explanation on the “why” people buy, the power of uniqueness and being remarkable, the story on resiliency and the impact of giving back/community/family/love. I have been recommending this event with my colleagues and there is a lot of interest."

Tracy Bentley, MBA | Regional Vice President, Private Banking l RBC Wealth Management l Royal Bank of Canada

“Thank you to Tareq from the whole Here Family for his heartfelt and inspiring words today. It meant a lot to our community and beyond...there were folks from around the world in that space! 'No one is born to become a refugee. No one is born to become an immigrant' strongly resonated with our community."

Fiona Bramble CEO - Here in Canada

“Tareq was spectacular! We were all so thrilled with his presentation, and it received wonderful reviews and comments. It was a pleasure working with Danielle, Stephanie and Tareq, and I hope we have the opportunity to do so once again.”

Muriel O’Doherty, Events Manager – Arrell Food Institute \ University of Guelph

“We could not have asked for a better keynote speaker for our event. Tareq Hadhad spoke sincerely and eloquently about his family’s story, touching on themes of belonging, inclusion and new beginnings. There was an amazing energy in the conference room and attendees told us that they were leaving feeling motivated, energized and inspired. I know that the messages that Tareq delivered will have a long-lasting impact on the work of many people in Cape Breton to better support newcomers here.“

Kailea Pedley, Local Immigration partnership Program Manager – Cape Breton Partnership

“Sending a quick note to thank you so much for all of your help during the process of organizing Tareq’s speaking session today at NSCC Kingstec. He did a wonderful job and the students absolutely adored the presentation and his willingness to meet and chat with them individually. It was a pleasure to have him on campus!”

Daniel Mackinnon, Faculty, School Of Business And Creative Industries - Nssc Kingstec

“Tareq smoked it! He was so great and what a powerful message from so many angles! I would certainly recommend him. Thank you, Stephanie & Danielle, for all your support and recommendations.”

Shain Mergulhao, Supervisor Health Protection - Region Of Peel Health Services

“Every Canadian should hear him speak”

Stephan Duff, Chief Economist -ontario Ministry Of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs

"He was excellent at connecting his personal story to the values and mission of our YMCA. He spoke of the values of openness, compassion, empathy, and welcoming people without judgement or prejudice. Any successful business or organization must strive for excellence with their Purpose, their People, and the Planet."

Jeff Mamer, Manager of Philanthropy and Fund Development - YMCA Peace Week

“Tareq Hadhad was an amazing inspirational keynote speaker! His keynote address on resiliency through diversity really spoke to the Executive community, and it was the perfect way to kick off the Summit. It was a pleasure working with everyone at Vox Agency, and I do hope that our paths will cross again in the near future. You really do book good people.”

Catherine Mathieu, Citizenship And Immigration Canada

“Tareq’s presentation was a big success! J I have never experienced something like it myself, and I watched his presentation twice (in St John’s and Halifax). Also, the chocolates are delicious.”

Raquel Parra, Sales Marketing Coordinator & Investments Administrator- Ppi

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks for attending and speaking at the Operation Syrian Refugees Memory Project event held in conjunction with International Metropolis on Tuesday, June 25th. Your keynote address was very moving and touched many of us deeply. Our colleagues also greatly enjoyed your discussion on Wednesday, June 26th. At both events, you brought it home to us – why we do what we do, and why we are so passionate about it. I look forward to further conversations on how we might be able to collaborate together.”

Dawn Edlund, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Office Of The Deputy Minister - Syrian Refugees Memory Project

“We were honoured to have Tareq Hadhad deliver his 450th speech to the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology. What a powerful presentation as you could have heard a pin drop in the room. Nothing like seeing Canada through the eyes of a new Canadian. Tareq made us all better human beings by just listening to his story.”

Constance Wrigley - Thomas, Cae - Owner/ Ceo, Essentient Association Management

“It was SO wonderful to have Tareq at the event. Everyone from my team loved meeting him. His remarks were perfect and they really complimented the message we were trying to hit home - the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset and learning new digital skills.”

Sarah Pattilo, Public Affairs - Google Canada

“It’s human nature to take things for granted. Tareq reminded us all of how lucky we are to live in Canada. His story touched our hearts on a number of different levels: love of family, mortal danger, human dignity and personal pride in who he and his family are - a family of great character. They were fortunate to find their way to Antigonish but all of NS is even more fortunate to have them to have them live here. It reminded all us of the journey our own ancestors made to come to this land and their desire to live, be free to raise their families, to realize their potential and to contribute to building a country. Tareq’s family story may have started in Syria but it is truly a Canadian story!”

Roger Sinclair, Conference For Advanced Life Underwriting

“Tareq was a very valuable speaker at our event, and the feedback from the people in attendance has been extremely good. It is a real beautiful story, Tareq does so well at telling their story and keeping you captivated on everything he is saying. We thank you for arranging all of this for us and we would love to do future events together”

— Travis Shaw, Local Development Manager - Sobeys Inc.

“Tareq’s message is empowering, high energy, engaging, motivational, thought provoking, inspirational and left everyone in the room with a lasting impact. He has an amazing ability to connect with people. He delivers an amazing presentation and has a very powerful story that was the highlight of our meeting. People will be talking about Tareq and Peace by Chocolate for years to come.”

Sheri Evans, Local Development Manager, Ontario Field Merchandising - Sobeys Inc.

“Thank you for sharing your story, last week. Your candor was impactful and I have no doubt, your interview will remind our viewers of the truth behind the entrepreneurial journey. While that truth is necessary, it is not often pretty. But with your help, and the help of our other guests, I’m hoping viewers gain a much needed perspective on entrepreneurship”

Dr. Sean Wise Ba Llb Mba Phd, Associate Professor Of Entrepreneurship - Ryerson University