Stephanie Decker: Inspirational Speaker
Stephanie Decker inspires audiences with her extraordinary story of resilience, turning a life-altering tornado tragedy into powerful lessons on courage, adaptability, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Survivor of the 2012 Henryville tornado; double amputee and national inspiration
- Founder, Stephanie Decker Foundation (supporting children with prosthetics)
- Featured on ABC, NBC, CNN, Ellen, Today Show, People Magazine
- L’Oréal “Women of Worth” honoree
- Formats: Keynote Speaker
- Audiences: Organizations, corporations, educators, healthcare teams, and groups seeking authentic expertise on resilience, adaptive leadership, and overcoming adversity.
- Outcomes:
- Powerful mindset tools for overcoming adversity and change
- Real-world resilience strategies grounded in lived experience
- Emotional connection that inspires action, courage, and renewed purpose
- Travels from: Sellersburg, IN
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Courage in the Storm
Since the tornado that took both of her legs, Stephanie Decker had to rethink and rebuild her life as she knew it. Using her own story, Stephanie helps an audience find their inner hero as well as recognize the everyday heroes all around us. She provides the inspirational message to help attendees develop a “can do” attitude to face their own challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Become inspired to overcome any obstacle and adversity.
- Find your inner hero as well as the strength to overcome challenges.
- Learn the importance of developing a “can do” attitude when facing challenges.
Talent Short Bio
Stephanie Decker is a nationally recognized expert on resilience, courage, and navigating adversity. In 2012, her life changed when a catastrophic tornado struck Henryville, Indiana. Shielding her two young children from the collapsing home, Stephanie sustained life-threatening injuries that led to the amputation of both legs—yet her children emerged unharmed. Her heroic actions and unbreakable spirit captured the nation’s attention and transformed her into a powerful voice for overcoming hardship.
Featured on The Today Show, Ellen, ABC World News Tonight (as “Person of the Week”), USA Today, People Magazine, and more, Stephanie has become one of the most trusted and compelling keynote speakers on resilience. She has been honored as a L’Oréal Woman of Worth and recognized by Successful Meetings as a Most Reliable Keynote Speaker.
As founder of the Stephanie Decker Foundation, she advocates for children with prosthetics, blending personal experience with purposeful action. Her insights extend far beyond survival—Stephanie teaches individuals and organizations how to lead through change, build mental strength, and harness adversity as fuel for growth.
Read Full Bio
Stephanie Decker is a true expert in resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity. In 2012, she faced a life-altering event when a devastating tornado struck her hometown in Indiana. While protecting her two children, she sustained severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of both her legs. Despite the unimaginable loss, Stephanie demonstrated remarkable strength and courage, transforming this personal tragedy into a powerful message of resilience.
In March of 2012, a tornado ripped through the town of Henryville, Indiana. Stephanie Decker, a 37-year-old mother, found herself in a life-altering moment. As her house began to disintegrate around her, she shielded her two young children with her body.
Her dream home fell in, crushing her legs, but because of her heroic actions, Stephanie’s children were amazingly unscathed. It was a miracle that she even survived and made it to the hospital. At that point, doctors determined that parts of both legs would need to be amputated.
Since the accident, Stephanie Decker has been featured on: The Today Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, ABC World News Tonight as “Person of the Week,” USA Today, USA Weekend, and People Magazine. She was featured in Successful Meetings‘ list of Most Reliable Keynote Speakers who surpass expectations. She was also named as one of L’Oreal’s 2014 Women of Worth Honorees and nominated for the 2015 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award for her foundation work.
Her story of heroism and resilience has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of “CNN’s Heroes” and a recipient of multiple humanitarian awards. These honors reflect her prominence as an authority in the field of motivational speaking. Stephanie Decker’s voice has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions, who look to her for inspiration on how to overcome challenges and lead with courage.
Furthermore, her foundation’s work underscores her authority in advocating for individuals with disabilities, making her a respected figure in the speaking world. Her lived experiences and leadership make her one of the top motivational speakers for those seeking authentic and transformative keynotes.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
**Overview of User Reviews for Stephanie's Speaking Engagements**
Strengths:
– Captivating Speaker: Reviewers consistently praise Stephanie for her ability to engage and inspire her audience.
– Positive Impact: Attendees appreciate her dedication to using her experiences to benefit others, highlighting valuable lessons learned from her talks.
– High Satisfaction: Many participants noted that her presentations contributed to making events memorable, with one mentioning it as the best conference they had ever attended.
Weaknesses:
– No specific weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews provided.
Overall, Stephanie is highly regarded for her captivating presentations and the positive impact she has on her audience, making her a sought-after speaker for events.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (10)
Ryan Estis understands the pulse of modern business like few others can. With 15 years of experience as an ad agency executive, he’s been at the helm of steering companies towards unparalleled success. His journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurial innovation has equipped him with a unique perspective that resonates powerfully with audiences worldwide. Drawing […]
- Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
- Sales Speakers
- (33)
- (2)
In the realm of professional keynote speakers, few embody the essence of high performance and leadership as vibrantly as Greg “Boss” Wooldridge. With an illustrious career marked by exceptional leadership roles, including being the only commanding officer to lead The Blue Angels for three separate tours, Greg Wooldridge has mastered the art of building teams […]
- Travels from: Vancouver, WA
- Leadership Speakers
- (23)
Suneel Gupta is one of the world’s foremost thinkers on digital strategy, transformation, and the future of business. As the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and Chair of the General Management Program, he has shaped the strategic mindset of global executives, advising organizations on how to thrive amid accelerating […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Workplace Wellness
- (37)
Julissa Arce is a trailblazing immigration advocate, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of My (Underground) American Dream, her powerful memoir recounting her journey as an undocumented immigrant who rose to become a Wall Street executive. Her incredible life story highlights her perseverance and dedication to creating a more equitable and just society for immigrants. […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (25)
Chris Voss, a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and former FBI Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator, brings a wealth of negotiation expertise and insights to audiences worldwide. Known for his powerful presentations on the science of influence and high-stakes negotiation, Chris has successfully transformed complex negotiation strategies into actionable, real-world tactics for leaders, executives, and teams. With […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Conflict Management
- (40)
- (1)
Joan Lunden is one of America’s most recognized and trusted television personalities. As host of ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” for almost two decades (1980-1997), the the longest-running host on early morning television, Lunden helped millions of viewers greet each new day. During her tenure she reported from 26 countries, covered four presidents, five Olympics, and […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Celebrity Speakers
- (24)
As a top rated business facilitator, NCAA national rowing champion, U.S. Marine Corps Officer, corporate vice-president, business owner, MBA, world traveler, inspirational author, renowned global business coach, and devoted husband, Chris Steely has a vast array of life and leadership experience. As the Director of Coaching for the world’s top business coaching company, Chris has […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (59)
- (2)
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
- Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Military Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
