Bean Gill
Inclusion Warrior, Paralysis Recovery Pioneer, Change Maker, Star of CBC docuseries "PUSH"
Bean Gill’s story serves up a dose of reality like you’ve never heard before.
In her 20s, Gill was working as an X-ray technologist in a cardiac catheterization lab. But, in 2012, when she turned 30, everything changed. She left an abusive relationship, her dad left her family and, during a trip to Las Vegas, a virus paralyzed her from the waist down.
While relaxing in a hotel room with close friends, she felt a sudden, stabbing pain in her spine. "The pain lasted only a few minutes, and then I couldn't move my right leg. I was paralyzed within 10 minutes."
Multiple neurologists told Gill a virus was likely to blame, and she would regain full use of her legs within weeks.
After weeks of no movement, Bean's legs and core started to spasm which created different challenges forcing Bean to come to grips with her new reality. A once athletic young woman who enjoyed modeling, kickboxing, and weightlifting, she struggled with betrayal by her own body. She couldn't roll over, sit up, or get out of bed without help. She was forced to find her way through an inaccessible society, all the while living with paralysis and learning how to love herself - disability and all.
"My life was flipped upside down. I hated everything about me. I hated my life."
Bean took her health into her own hands, seeking out the answers and help she needed to confront her challenges head-on. Eventually, Gill found her confidence again. She worked to regain movement in her legs and pushed herself to try sports she never would have attempted before being paralyzed. If it wasn’t for the worst year of her life, Gill wouldn’t be who she is today.
Bean’s sudden onset paralysis opened her eyes to the many injustices, inequalities, and challenges that are a part of life for those with disabilities. She went from dealing with a new identity of life in a wheelchair to using her situation as a platform to help others.
In 2017 she co-founded ReYu Paralysis Recovery Center - a non-profit she started with her Neuro-Exercise Specialist and zero capital. The wellness center exists to inspire, motivate, and promote recovery with increased function for individuals with spinal cord injuries and associated neurological disorders. "We show them that they can do the things that they were told they were never going to do."
Being a woman of color who also has a visible disability, Gill is an example of unwavering strength and resilience. By confronting adversity and sharing her story, Bean Gill breaks down barriers and changes stigmas surrounding people with disabilities.
Bean Gill starred in the CBC Docueseries "Push", a show that challenges how people see those with disabilities. The series is the first major prime time program to feature a leading cast of people with disabilities. Gill’s work has earned her local and national recognition, including the Top 40 Under 40, RBC, Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, and Global’s Woman of Vision Award. Bean is the reigning Miss Wheelchair Canada and was recognized by Mattel as one of Canada's top 60 inspiring women as part of Barbie's 60th Anniversary.
REJECTING IMPOSSIBLE: STANDING STRONG WHEN LIFE GETS FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN
In her presentation “Rejecting Impossible: Standing Strong When Life Gets Flipped Upside Down,” Benveet “Bean” Gill invites you into her world of resilience and recovery. Audiences learn how she navigated change and stood up to adversity, even when it seemed impossible.
Bean shares powerful insights that extend beyond neurorecovery and apply to any industry for sales, leadership, and change management, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional excellence in any field.
Gill’s journey of facing the impossible and her quest to understand "What do you stand for?" is transformative and genuinely unforgettable.
She shares vital questions that will guide anyone through disruption while challenging conventional ideas of momentum and setbacks.
Bean inspires her audiences to reject the impossible and find their motivation. This presentation offers a powerful, emotional journey filled with deep wisdom and practical takeaways.
Key Points:
- Learn to navigate change effectively, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
- Gain insights into building resilience and strength in all aspects of life, from business to personal growth.
- Discover the power of understanding your core values and leveraging them to overcome obstacles.
MODELING DIVERSITY: THE TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT OF UNRELENTING INCLUSION
Bean shares what it was like to grow up in a strict Indian family and a culture that had rigid religious rules. Heavily bullied as a child, her sudden disability was a catalyst that forced her to face trauma head on. Bean took her health into her own hands, got the answers and help she needed, and bravely embraced an 'attitude of gratitude'.
Her vast experience, strong background in human connection and positive thinking strategies makes her perfect for organizations who seek ways to help employees overcome adversity, improve self-awareness, limit self-doubt, and inspire individuals to embrace change within themselves and their communities. She delivers fun, upbeat engaging presentations which leave the audience feeling rejuvenated and ready to change their world.
"I want to rid the world of the stigma surrounding people with disabilities and will continue to speak about racism and discrimination. By educating others we can release bias, anger and hatred."
Bean was the star of the show. I laughed, I cried, and I stood on my feet to give a much-deserved standing ovation. Amazing! We got countless positive feedback on how inspirational, joyful, and perfect her talk was. So many people needed to hear her message, and she executed it flawlessly!
Brooke Berryman, Director of Development, Go Red for Women, American Heart
Bean Gill was such a motivational and energetic guest speaker at our event. The audience was inspired and captivated by her message and story's passion and conviction. The presentation was thought-provoking and masterful. She left the team talking about her long after the event. Bean truly helped elevate our discussions regarding DEI and leadership to another level that made the whole event so much more memorable. Aside from being a great speaker, she is also wonderfully fun. She spent time with our team talking, laughing, and dancing! Thank you, Bean!
John Wong, Head of Internal Events | HSBC Wealth & Personal Banking
Bean talked to us about diversity, inclusion, equity, and allyship, and I must say that it was a life-changing experience. She brings a unique perspective and insight to the table, and her passion for advocating for inclusivity is truly inspiring
Ruquia Rubaiet Raka, Program Facilitator at On Site Placement
Bean has really changed the way I see disability. Seeing her push boundaries and succeed made me realize my assumptions about disability were wrong.
Kristen Twa
We were so impressed by Bean Gill's presentation. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude made listening to and learning from her inspiring. The PowerPoint presentation was enjoyable to watch. It made the information easily accessible for all of our students. We particularly enjoyed her personal stories and experiences. They helped us connect to Bean and enabled us to have rich discussions after the presentation. Thank you so much, Bean!
Elementary school in British Columbia, Canada