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 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.
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.
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.
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