Slam The Stigma is an initiative to raise both awareness and funding for mental health programs through events in the community. Through a combination of entertainment and information, Slam The Stigma aims to bring families out for a night of family fun while providing resources to families on available services in the region for those going through various struggles.

 

Co-Founders Background

Jeremy Hogel
Co-Founder and Head of Production

Jeremy is a broadcast professional with a love for sports and sports entertainment. Mental Health is a cause that he is incredibly passionate about due to his long battle with depression and anxiety.

In 2018, Jeremy’s sister took her life at just 26 years of age. This unfortunate event was the catalyst for him to commit to following through on a dream he had had for years. That dream was to promote a wrestling show raising money and awareness for mental health services.

Wrestling was the one thing that helped Jeremy throughout his school years during some of the worst bouts of depression. He knows how it can be a safe space for kids and families to bond and grow.

Nick Sahami
Co-Founder and Sponsorships

Nick is a seasoned Media and Sales professional with extensive experience working in many aspects of Media Production and business development. Currently, he is working with the CBC in Sales and Director of Business Development for the leading Indigenous communications network, NationTalk. Some key areas he works on are, establishing key partnerships, providing strategic consulting, brand and product management, as well as, a variety of other PR/Communication services to organizations, while lending expertise and assistance in media production, account management, and development.

Being Indigenous and Persian, Nick has had a very unique upbringing with lots of challenges and success. Mental health advocacy is something he has always worked on in some capacity and as someone who understands firsthand, the long-lasting effects of intergenerational trauma on families and youth, Slam the Stigma is something near and dear to his heart.

Leanne Walker
Co-Founder and On-site Operations Manager

Leanne is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and an avid activist for accessible resources and mental health support for all ages. Mental health has been a huge part of Leanne’s life. In her young teenage years, she was diagnosed with Borderline Bipolar disorder. As an adult, she has been diagnosed with Bipolar type 2 and Anxiety.

Wrestling has always been an outlet for Leanne. Being introduced at the young age of 3, she feels it’s an activity where you can just relax and enjoy the moment. Her hopes are for this show to be a fun and safe place where there is no judgment. A place where information can be easily accessed.

Bryan Renda
Co-Founder and Head of Talent Relations

Bryan has been involved in mental health advocacy for over 20 years. He has also worked in professional wrestling in a multitude of capacities for nearly as long and is a lifelong fan.

Passionate about both, his goal is to combine his experiences in each to raise more awareness of mental health issues. In doing so, he hopes to raise funds for treatment programs and end the stigmatization around mental illnesses, as well as those who battle every day.