About Penn’s mom
After experiencing the profound loss of her daughter, Penn, Catherine Gulinao found herself on a journey of discovering that grief and joy can coexist, and that love never truly leaves us. Through Penn the Brave, she shares this message with honesty, warmth, and compassion, helping others find hope, purpose, and the courage to move forward while continuing to honour those they love. Our loved ones never truly leave us.
Her presentation combines professional expertise with personal storytelling, creating experiences that resonate long after the event has ended.
Catherine is a seasoned consultant, facilitator, and speaker with more than 15 years of experience engaging audiences through meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. She has been invited to share her story as a Living Book speaker at The City of Calgary's Diversity in Leadership Conference and has spoken at events for organizations including Make-A-Wish Canada, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Canadian Blood Services. In 2026, Catherine was selected as a finalist in Story Slam's Digital Story competition, where her powerful story further demonstrated her ability to move and inspire audiences. You can watch her digital story here.
Love Never Leaves Us
What Penn Taught Me About Grief, Joy, Purpose and Living Fully
Life changes in an instant, yet love has the power to endure.
In this inspiring keynote, Penn’s mom Catherine Gulinao shares the story behind Penn the Brave and explores how hope, love and purpose can emerge even in life's most difficult chapters. Audiences are invited to reflect on the enduring presence of those they love and discover practical ways to embrace joy, cultivate meaningful connections, and live with renewed purpose.
Participants leave feeling inspired, hopeful, and empowered to create their lives, and communities, rooted in compassion, courage, and connection.
Testimonial
“I had the privilege of hearing Catherine share her story, and I was deeply moved by her courage, authenticity, and ability to find purpose in an experience that was incredibly heartbreaking.
What makes Catherine so inspiring is not simply the story she tells, but the way she chooses to tell it, with vulnerability, strength, compassion, and an unwavering desire to help others. She has taken something profoundly painful and transformed it into a message of hope, resilience, and courage.
Catherine has a rare ability to connect with people on a deeply human level. Her story stays with you long after she finishes speaking, and she reminds us that even through unimaginable challenges, there can be strength, meaning, and a reason to keep moving forward.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Catherine to anyone looking for a speaker who will not only inspire an audience, but genuinely touch their hearts and leave them thinking differently about their own capacity for courage and resilience.”
Simona Lupas - Director, Make-A-Wish Canada