what people are saying
Dr. Miriam’s Testimonials
From in-person keynotes to virtual workshops, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer inspires connection with research-backed strategies and a healthy dose of humor and humanity. Don’t just take our word for it— see what others are saying.
Krystal Mittler, 2025
“From our very first exploratory call with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, it was clear she was the perfect choice to open our annual Waterloo Staff Conference in April 2025. Her warmth, charisma, and infectious enthusiasm immediately set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable keynotes our university has had in years.
In a time of significant uncertainty, like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, we’re navigating budget constraints and resource challenges, and we were searching for a speaker who could uplift and unite our staff. Miriam delivered far beyond our expectations. Her groundbreakingwork on friendship and belonging resonateddeeply with our community, offering not just inspiration but tangiblestrategies to foster meaningful connection and start to combat any feelings of loneliness.
The impact of her keynote was immediate and profound. From the moment she stepped off stage, we saw participants engaging in new ways – introducing themselves to other participants, exchanging contact information, and rekindling relationships with colleagues they hadn’t connected with in years. Her message didn’t just land – it sparked a movement.
Beyond her dynamic and engaging speaking style, Miriam was a dream to collaborate with. She was thoughtful and intentional in understanding the unique needs of our institution, she was highly organized throughout the planning process, and she generously shared post-conference insights and tools to help us sustain the momentum she created. She even stayed after her keynote to personally connect with attendees, leaving a lasting impression that extended well beyond the conference itself.
Months later, our campus is still making time for intentional connections thanks to her keynote. Dr. Kirmayer is not only a brilliant speaker, she’s a catalyst for connection, and a true partner in creating meaningful change. We recommend her wholeheartedly and are grateful for her time with us.”
Krystal Mittler
Events and Programs Coordinator
Organizational and Human Development, Human Resources, University of Waterloo
Attendees, 2025
“The BEST friendship advice... everyone should hear it!”
“So beneficial for community and sisterhood based organizations.”
“I gained “insight and answers to the loneliness epidemic many people are experiencing, which is particularly hard for people who are always surrounded by others!”
Attendees,
Kappa Delta National Convention
Nancy Anderson, 2024
"Dr. Miriam Kirmayer's keynote on the power of social connection was nothing short of transformative. Her insights into building and maintaining meaningful relationships resonated deeply with our attendees, providing invaluable strategies for fostering connection in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. Her research and practical advice emphasized that connection is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for well-being and growth. The impact of her presentation will undoubtedly ripple through our work and communities for years to come."
Nancy Anderson
Executive Director, Inclusions East Inc., Maritime Conference on Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Attendees, 2024
“Dr. Kirmayer's session felt like she reached into my head and said the things I've been struggling to put into words. I learned that the connection I strive for is scientifically backed. I walk away from the session today inspired to offer and receive the connection I want to put into the world.”
Attendee
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendees, 2024
“Invaluable life skills”
“As someone who previously worked in recruitment for years, this is the kind of presentation that would benefit student organizations in how to build meaningful connections within social and early professional settings.”
Attendees,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendees, 2024
“Timely, insightful, actionable”
How to use the different archetypes to become a connector and become the support archetype that you need and other needs in any given moment.”
Attendees,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendee, 2024
“Life changing… tapped into so many of the challenges I’m currently experiencing in a way that made me see both why things are challenging and how I could move through it.”
Attendee,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendee, 2024
“Eye opening and incredibly inspiring! So many topics that were touched on were things I thought I was struggling with alone. This session helped me see that what I am feeling is normal for so many other women. Which helps me feel as if I can reach out more and ask for help or support. Thank you so much!”
Attendee,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendee, 2024
“Exactly what I needed!”
“This session was a fantastic way to put words to concepts that feel intangible. Very eye-opening!”
Attendee,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendee, 2024
“Flipping the script is doable! This session gave me practical ways to better support others and to accept support in my own life.”
Attendee,
Women’s Leadership Conference
Attendee, 2024
“Life giving. She’s dynamic! Her energy is great and infectious!”
“I could sense the passion behind the information and appreciated the engagement pieces.”
“Insightful and actionable recommendations.”
Attendee,
Cultural Care
Attendee, 2024
“Must listen. Well worth attending.”
“I learned so much about connecting with people and how to do it and grow friendships! It was marvelous.”
Attendee,
Cultural Care
Attendee, 2024
“Great information to be intentional to build relationships”
“I feel like she spoke directly to me.”
“It’s what life is all about and you simplified the message to 700 attendees.”
Attendee,
Cultural Care
Attendee, 2024
“Beyond connecting with us as service providers in the Cultural care community, I have a son struggling to make new friends. Your speech very much connected with me in trying to help him bridge this very difficult time… Thank you for your insights!”
Attendee
Cultural Care
Attendee, 2024
“Truly an inspiration and valuable insight of information to take in. A great session to create better and deeper knowledge of yourself and others.”
Eye opening to how to connect in all aspects. I love it. It was worth it”
Attendee,
Maritime Conference on Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Laurel Myers, 2024
“Energizing and meaningful opening keynote– a great way to start our event. It warmed people up for the day and got them excited about making connections throughout the conference! Dr. Miriam doesn’t just talk about connections – she makes connections with those she encounters!”
Laurel Myers
Women’s Leadership Conference Co-Chair
Meg Wallace, 2023
“Dr. Miriam Kirmayer moderated an innovations-focused panel exploring burgeoning solutions to the crisis of social isolation and loneliness at our organization’s annual conference in 2022. Miriam was the perfect moderator for this session as she was thoughtful, prepared, intentional, and respectful throughout the lively discussion, and guided the session and the panelists with ease. As such, it was one of the most highly attended sessions of our 3-day event. We are so grateful to have had her expertise and look forward to opportunities to work with her again in the future!”
Meg Wallace
Manager, Foundation for Social Connection & Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
Kristine Gloria, 2022
"Dr. Kirmayer's research and work on adult friendships provided the group with a fresh lens to unpack the challenges and opportunities of virtual connections. Her presentation was thought provoking and filled with interesting facts about adult friendships. At the end, many of the members felt motivated to continue this line of inquiry, calling for another meeting to brainstorm on a specific collaborative research project."