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:
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 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.
Stephanie’s deep understanding of perseverance comes from her lived experience. She didn’t just survive the tornado; she rebuilt her life with determination and tenacity, making her an authentic voice on overcoming life’s challenges. Her journey, combined with her role as the founder of the Stephanie Decker Foundation, which supports children with prosthetics, cements her expertise in speaking on topics like resilience, leadership, and disability advocacy.
Her background in both personal and professional advocacy further solidifies her expertise. She has been featured on major networks such as ABC, NBC, and CNN, sharing her story with millions of viewers. Stephanie has also spoken at leading corporate events, non-profits, and schools, captivating audiences with her firsthand knowledge of survival and the power of the human spirit.
Stephanie Decker’s authority as a keynote speaker is grounded in her unique and compelling story, which has inspired people worldwide. What sets her apart is her ability to translate her personal experience of adversity into universal lessons about strength, leadership, and embracing change. She has been recognized as a powerful speaker who connects with audiences on a deep emotional level, offering practical insights that can be applied both personally and professionally.
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’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 both the speaking world and the realm of social impact. Her lived experiences and leadership make her one of the top motivational speakers for those seeking authentic and transformative keynotes.
Stephanie’s trustworthiness as a keynote speaker is evident in the consistent feedback she receives from clients and event organizers. Her sincerity and transparency about her journey build instant rapport with audiences, making her a credible and trusted voice. Event planners value her reliability, professionalism, and commitment to delivering impactful and engaging speeches every time she steps on stage.
Her ability to connect with people of all backgrounds—whether in small group settings or large corporate events—demonstrates her genuine care for making a positive impact. Stephanie’s dedication to her cause, along with her active involvement in community initiatives, shows that she is a speaker who doesn’t just talk about resilience but lives it every day. Her authenticity and passion ensure she is a speaker whom event organizers can confidently trust to inspire and empower their audiences.
Unparalleled Resilience: Stephanie Decker’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most harrowing situations. Her experience as a tornado survivor and double amputee makes her a one-of-a-kind speaker who can teach valuable lessons on perseverance, leadership, and overcoming adversity. Audiences will walk away with actionable strategies on how to handle personal and professional challenges with grace and determination.
Engaging Storytelling: Stephanie is not only a survivor; she is a captivating storyteller. Her ability to weave her personal story with universal themes of resilience, adaptability, and courage creates an emotional connection with her audience. Whether speaking to corporate leaders or students, her presentations resonate deeply, inspiring individuals to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness.
Impactful Advocate: Stephanie’s work extends beyond her speaking engagements. Through her foundation, she advocates for children with prosthetics, demonstrating her dedication to giving back and creating real change. Event planners looking for a speaker who can inspire, empower, and leave a lasting impression on attendees will find Stephanie Decker to be an exceptional choice.
Stephanie is a renowned motivational speaker whose story of survival and resilience has touched the lives of countless individuals. As a tornado survivor and double amputee, she has faced adversity head-on, transforming her personal tragedy into an inspiring message of hope, courage, and leadership. Her expertise as a keynote speaker is backed by her unique lived experiences and her active role as a disability advocate through the Stephanie Decker Foundation.
With a proven track record of delivering powerful and engaging keynotes, Stephanie is an ideal choice for organizations looking to inspire and empower their teams. Her authenticity, authority, and trustworthiness make her a highly sought-after speaker, and event planners can confidently rely on her to leave a lasting impact on their audiences. By choosing Speakers Inc, you ensure access to Stephanie’s unparalleled talent and support for your next event.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Sarah Schauer is a force of unfiltered humor and raw authenticity in the world of comedy. With a straightforward demeanor and a penchant for calling it like she sees it, Sarah has carved out a unique niche for herself in the digital realm as a self-proclaimed “Youtuber when I feel like it, Ex-Viner, and all […]
Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, Molly Fletcher made a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents. During her almost two-decade career as President of CSE, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports’ biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA […]
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. […]
Kelly McDonald is a nationally recognized marketing expert, with deep specialization in diversity marketing and business trends. She was named #1 on Successful Meetings magazine’s list of “26 Hot Speakers.” Kelly is the author of How to Market to People Not Like You and has been featured on CNBC, in BusinessWeek, on CNNMoney.com and on Sirius/XM Radio. She works […]
Ken Okel understands the importance of performing at a high level every day, having worked in broadcast news. Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, audiences enjoy his creative solutions to their problems. (WPBF, WSPA, WSIL, KAET, and the Cable Ace Award Winning Fort Collins Evening News), hurricane relief (Wilma, Frances, and Jean), and professional ballet (not a […]
Cassandra Worthy is a trailblazing thought leader in change management, known for her disruptive insights and dynamic approach to organizational transformation. As the world’s leading authority on navigating change, she equips companies with the mindset and tools to build resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. With her signature energy and expertise, Cassandra has […]
Ali Brown provides business coaching and advice to over 250,000 followers via her social media channels, and her Glambition® Radio show. Humble Beginnings Ali Brown, a native of Fairfield County, Conn., cut her teeth in marketing in her early 20s, starting as an account assistant at Mosby Consumer Health in Boston and working her way […]
Tara Setmayer is a distinguished political analyst, commentator, and former CNN political contributor renowned for her insightful commentary and deep understanding of American politics. With a career spanning over two decades, Setmayer has established herself as a trusted voice in the media landscape, offering astute analysis on a wide range of political issues. Her expertise, […]
No results available
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