If you ask Melissa Stockwell to describe herself one of the first things you’ll hear is, “I am a Patriot, a lover of the red, the white and the blue.” So much so that she had an American flag stitched to the inside of her wedding dress.
Melissa Stockwell proudly wore the uniform of the United States Army, where she very nearly made the ultimate sacrifice for her country. Today, she proudly wears the uniform of Team USA as a World Champion athlete.
Melissa Stockwell shares her remarkable story, from the battlefields of Bagdad to the Paralympic Games, in an emotionally powerful presentation that leaves audiences inspired to see ability not disability, to maximize what you do have and forget about what you don’t and to apply, as she details, “…the amazing power of choice.”
Melissa Stockwell may appear to be the quintessential Midwestern All-American girl, but her story goes far beyond the surface. She is an American war hero, a Paralympic medalist, a World Champion, and a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals around the world. Melissa’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to turning adversity into opportunity.
Born and raised in the heartland of America, Melissa Stockwell’s life took a dramatic turn when she made the courageous decision to serve her country. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Melissa deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Tragically, during a routine convoy, her vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, resulting in the loss of her left leg above the knee. While many would have been defined by such a traumatic event, Melissa refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. Instead, she turned her setback into a platform for empowerment and embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and achievement.
Melissa’s path to greatness began with her determination to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of her injury. Through perseverance and unwavering resolve, she embraced adaptive sports as a means of rehabilitation and self-discovery. In 2008, Melissa made history as the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat, and she continued to make history as she became a Paralympic athlete.
As a competitive swimmer, Melissa Stockwell represented Team USA at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, marking the beginning of her extraordinary athletic career. She went on to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she captured the hearts of millions and earned a bronze medal in the triathlon—an accomplishment that solidified her status as a world-class athlete.
Melissa’s achievements extend far beyond the realm of sports. She is a two-time World Champion in paratriathlon, a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running. Her dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible serve as an inspiration to all who have faced adversity.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Melissa Stockwell is a passionate advocate for wounded veterans and individuals with disabilities. Through her work with various nonprofit organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, she strives to empower others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
In conclusion, Melissa Stockwell is more than just a Paralympic champion—she is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. As a keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with her inspirational journey and empowers them to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and live their best lives.
Booking Melissa Stockwell through Speakers Inc is an investment in inspiration, motivation, and lasting positive change.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Josh Linkner is not your typical speaker. With over two decades of experience in igniting creativity and innovation, he stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Josh has left an indelible mark on the business world, having founded and led multiple tech companies that collectively […]
Here’s everything you get when you book with A Touch Of Class: Extremely talented DJ, Emcee Singer, Guitarist, ultimate music playlists, continuous music, music consultation, venue site visit, full professional state-of-the-art sound and lighting production, set up and breakdown. Being a musician in addition to being a Wedding DJ gives you the best of both […]
Dr. Mark Zandii is chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, where he directs economic research. Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corp., is a leading provider of economic research, data and analytical tools. Dr. Zandi is a cofounder of Economy.com, which Moody’s purchased in 2005. Dr. Zandi is on the board of directors of MGIC, the […]
Richard Fowler is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Richard Fowler Show, a Fox News Channel contributor and democratic messaging and millennial engagement expert. Positioned at the intersection of news, politics and the cultural issues facing everyday Americans, Richard’s fresh style and non-traditional spin on populism have taken audiences by storm. He pushes all […]
Meet Kristel Bauer, a distinguished corporate wellness expert and TEDx speaker whose mission is to facilitate transformative journeys towards enhanced happiness, success, and well-being for both individuals and companies alike. With a multifaceted background spanning Integrative Psychiatry, business acumen, and media proficiency, Kristel brings a unique blend of insights and strategies to empower, inspire, and […]
Scott Bales is not just another technology enthusiast; he is a luminary guiding the world through “The Digital Shift.” As a technology guru, Scott navigates the intricate landscape where innovation, culture, design, and mobility converge in our increasingly digital world. His expertise extends far beyond mere technical proficiency; Scott delves deep into the realms of […]
Dan Gingiss is a globally recognized customer experience keynote speaker, consultant, and author, known for his unique ability to turn ordinary customer interactions into extraordinary experiences. His philosophy centers on delivering remarkable customer experiences that not only meet but exceed expectations, transforming passive customers into enthusiastic brand advocates. Dan has spent over 20 years working […]
Todd Buchholz has been featured alongside such luminaries as Colin Powell, Michael Porter, and Jeff Bezos. He has been invited to guide corporate and political leaders around the world, from the UK and New Zealand parliaments, to the Mexican and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, to tech and entertainment firms in Seoul. An internationally known consultant […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
