Orene “DJ O Show” Askew

Afro-Indigenous Popular Media Personality | Intersectionality Expert

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Black Voices Diverse Voices Female Speakers

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Topics

Indigenous History & Affairs Leadership Motivation & Inspiration Resilience Social Justice & Human Rights

Types

Indigenous Speakers LGBTQ2+ Media Personalities Motivational Speakers

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About This Speaker

Orene “DJ O Show” Askew is an Afro-Indigenous and 2Spirit award-winning DJ from BC’s west coast. Orene was born and raised on X̱wemelch’stn (Capilano) Reserve in North Vancouver, BC and is a proud member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

With representation as her foundation, Orene shares her story with an inspired approach, focusing on intersectionality and how her unique background shaped her story.

Music is the beat of her heart. From a young age, Orene surrounded herself with music; she turned that lifelong passion into her profession by building a successful DJ business. She graduated from BCIT’s Radio Broadcasting program and launched her career on some of Vancouver and Washinton’s premiere radio stations.

Today, she is the recipient of a BC Indigenous Business Award, a Stand Out Award from the Vancouver Pride Society, an Alumni of Excellence Award from Capilano University, and an International Indigenous Hip Hop Award for DJ of the Year.

Orene’s journey wasn’t without challenges, but she found strength in vulnerability as she navigated difficult days. She turned it into motivation to drive her career to the next level.

Orene’s entrepreneurial spirit expanded from DJ to host, MC, and Motivational Speaker. She plays for the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, and recently opened for Kevin Hart and Russell Peters at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival.

Videos

Speaking Topics: Orene “DJ O Show” Askew

The Intersectional Traffic Light

Orene “DJ O Show” Askew knows first-hand what it’s like to stand out from the crowd. As an Afro-Indigenous, 2-Spirited person, she has been the centre of attention many times — good and bad. In this emotional keynote, Orene reflects on her life journey and triumphant story to inspire audiences to take their challenges and turn them into motivations. Your audience will be left captivated by her beautiful storytelling and unforgettable smile.   Learning Outcomes - Turning your adversities into strengths - Embracing all the parts of yourself - The value and importance of diversity in the workplace - The importance of representation

Turn Your Passion Into A Profession

Orene (DJ O Show) has created a prominent presence in the West Coast music scene, but it didn’t happen overnight. From an early age, Orene was driven by music, audiences will be taken on a journey of exploration and discover how Orene worked through challenges in a male-dominated industry. Learn how to turn your passion into a profession, build a business by setting attainable goals, and lean into your community. Start small. Think Big. Be Ambitious. Attendees will: - Gain insights into the entrepreneurial mindset - Learn how to navigate a business strategy - Understand the importance of goals (and how to achieve them faster!) - Implement learning into their personal plan

Building Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

In this compelling and emotional keynote, learn how Orene navigated the unexpected. Orene woke to her house on fire, and in that split second, she grabbed her livelihood — a laptop and turntables and got out the door. Though her quick thinking saved her few business assets at the time, Orene lost most of her belongings due to smoke damage. Learn how she navigated the days through vulnerability and perseverance and how her community rose around her to motivate her to continue her business and support the people around her every step of the way. Learning Outcomes: - Moving through traumatic events - Being open to vulnerability - Sharing from your authenticity - Trusting your community

Diversity Makes Beautiful Music

Music has the power to bring people together, it can be a bridge connecting across nations. In this keynote, learn how DJ O Show emerged and explore the music industry through Orene’s worldview as an Afro-Indigenous, 2-Spirit person. Audiences will learn how Orene never gave up, and worked 10x as hard through the challenges and lessons she learned within an industry that didn't always take her seriously. Just as music needs to reflect what the world looks like, Orene stays authentic to representing all aspects of her life — learn how music stayed with her every step of the way. From attending school for radio broadcasting to local, provincial, and national events, Orene DJs for professional sports teams, red carpets, and comedy festivals — her love for music stays at the heart of everything she does. Learning Outcomes: - What it takes to navigate the music industry - How DJ’s are the emotional connectors of an event - Protecting your dream by never giving up - Diversity as a driving force in music