Minda Dentler: Motivational Speaker

First female wheelchair athlete to finish the Ironman World Championship, Minda Dentler inspires audiences to overcome adversity with grit and grace.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • As the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship after being paralyzed from the hips down by polio, she has overcome the impossible.
  • Through her presentation, Minda shares her incredible story which impacts and inspires audiences around the world. 
  • Minda leads audiences to realize their potential by facing their fears, setting goals, planning, thinking positively and remaining determined despite setbacks. 

Formats Available: Keynote, Virtual Presentation, Fireside Chat, Panel Participation, Moderated Q&A
Preferred Audience Sizes: From intimate executive sessions (50–100) to large-scale conferences (up to 10,000+)
Outcomes:
  1. Increased motivation and resilience in the face of adversity
  2. Shift in mindset around disability and perceived limitations
  3. Empowerment to set bold goals and take consistent action
  4. Reinforcement of perseverance, purpose, and leadership

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
  • **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000

Keynote Topics

  • Overcoming adversity 
  • Self-belief: believe it, see it, positivity
  • Persistence: never give up
  • Planning for success
  • Facing fear and failure
  • Finding the why

Talent Short Bio

Minda Dentler is a history-making athlete, author, and global speaker who inspires audiences to turn adversity into achievement. Paralyzed from the hips down due to polio and left in an Indian orphanage as a baby, she was adopted by an American family and raised in Spokane, Washington. After enduring years of surgeries, she gained mobility with leg braces and crutchesbut her real journey began when she discovered handcycling and triathlons.

In 2013, Minda became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, using only her arms. That achievement, following a failed first attempt, earned her an ESPY nomination and global recognition. She’s now a sought-after keynote speaker whose story of perseverance, resilience, and inclusion inspires corporations, nonprofits, and schools worldwide.

Minda is also the author of The Girl Who Figured It Out, an uplifting children’s book based on her life. She blends her personal story with actionable takeaways, helping audiences redefine their limits and find strength in setbacks.

Minda Dentler is the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship

Minda’s life is one of inspiration, courage, and determination; she will have you on your feet ready to face your personal Ironman and set even higher goals. As an infant in India, Minda Dentler contracted polio, resulting in the paralysis of her legs, and was left in the care of an orphanage. Adopted by an American family, she moved to Spokane, Washington and underwent a series of surgeries on her hips, legs and back, which enabled her to walk with leg braces and crutches.

Undeterred by her disability, she became an independent, educated woman with an intention and drive to face and overcome the many obstacles she has encountered throughout her life.

Minda’s athletic journey began as a young adult when she discovered the sport of handcycling. Soon after, she threw herself into the sport of triathlon. In 2013, Minda became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. This accomplishment led to her nomination for an ESPN ESPY Award.

This athletic feat was not easy. As a wheelchair triathlete, Minda Dentler completes all three disciplines of a triathlon using only her arms. Her first attempt was a failure. Her second attempt was a success, thanks to her perseverance, determination, and unique personal philosophy, which enabled her to see beyond setbacks and disability.

Minda now inspires people around the world to push past their fears, set goals, and conquer their personal Ironman. Every goal, whether athletic or personal requires hard work and training. Let her share her story with you.

Minda Dentler is an athlete, speaker, polio survivor and advocate, author of The Girl Who Figured It Out, a mom, and a force to be reckoned with.

After spending 20 years in New York City, Minda is now based in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband and daughter.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

Talent FAQ's

Q1: What topics does Minda Dentler speak about?

Minda delivers inspirational keynotes focused on resilience, overcoming adversity, disability inclusion, women in sports, and goal-setting. Her story encourages audiences to break through personal and professional barriers.

Yes! Minda offers both in-person and virtual sessions, and she has experience speaking globally to audiences in corporate, nonprofit, and educational settings.

Minda doesn’t just speak about resilience—she lives it. As a polio survivor, adaptive athlete, and mother, her story embodies authenticity and actionable inspiration. She connects deeply with diverse audiences because she’s overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

You may be interested in...

  • (14)
John Register

John Register is a remarkable individual whose journey from athlete to motivational speaker has inspired countless individuals worldwide. As a two-time Paralympian and Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, he embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Hailing from Oak Park, Illinois, Register’s life took an unexpected turn when a misstep over a hurdle during training for […]

  • Travels from: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (20)
Erin King - On Your Terms

Erin King is a dynamic force in motivational speaking and energy management. Recognized by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Must-See Motivational Speakers,” alongside luminaries like Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins, Erin has solidified her reputation as a leading expert in unlocking what she calls “Big Deal Energy®.” As the Chief Energy Officer […]

  • Travels from: Laguna Beach, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (28)
Chris-Waddell-2

Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]

  • Travels from: Park City, UT
  • Winter Olympians
  • (25)
  • (1)
Lisa Orrell

Lisa Orrell is a renowned generational leadership expert and keynote speaker, recognized for her dynamic presentations and valuable insights into Millennial and Gen Z workforce trends. With over two decades of experience, Lisa has become a go-to speaker for companies and organizations looking to improve workplace cultures, foster leadership growth, and bridge generational divides. Her […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (29)
Jamie Clark

Jamie Clarke is a trailblazing adventurer, sought-after motivational speaker, and resilience expert. Known for his dynamic, captivating keynotes, Jamie draws upon his experiences as a mountaineer and expedition leader, having successfully summited Mount Everest twice and crossed the Arabian Desert by camel. Jamie’s messages on overcoming adversity, pushing limits, and cultivating resilience resonate powerfully with […]

  • Travels from: Calgary, AB
  • Adventure Speakers
  • (58)
Felicia Pizzonia

Felicia Pizzonia is a dynamic entrepreneur, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker renowned for her expertise in mind conditioning and sales training. As a partner at Ultimate Publishing House (UPH), she has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals harness the power of publishing to enhance their personal branding and professional credibility. With a passion for […]

  • Travels from: Boca Raton, FL
  • Sales Speakers
  • (59)

Brandon Farbstein, a beacon of hope, resilience, and inspiration, hailing from the sun-kissed shores of San Diego, California. Brandon Farbstein isn’t just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. With a story that resonates with audiences of all ages and […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (11)
Frank Kitchen

Hello, my name is Frank Kitchen…Yes, my last name really is Kitchen. I’m known as the “Mindset Master Chef.” I’m a Husband, Father, Friend, Son, Brother, Volunteer, Professional Speaker and Author. I’m far from perfect, and understand that I need to work everyday to get a little better at each. My passion is working with […]

  • Travels from: Goodyear, AZ
  • Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

...JS snippet above wrapped in