Melissa Stockwell
Former Paralympic swimmer and U.S. Army officer who believes that anyone can do anything that they put their mind to.
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.” Melissa proudly wore the uniform of the United States Army, where she very nearly gave her life for her country. Today, she proudly wears the uniform of Team USA as a World Champion athlete and Paralympic medalist. Melissa shares her inspiring story, from the battlefields of Bagdad to the podium on the beach of Rio de Janeiro, in an emotionally powerful presentation that leaves audiences forever changed 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 fully believes that anyone can do anything that they put their mind to and hopes her audience walks away with a greater appreciation of life and an ‘I can do anything’ attitude.
“Thank you again for being our keynote speaker. The sharing of your experience gave all present a new heightened sense of our mission. You truly delivered a ‘gold-medal’ message that a can-do, must-do direction is what it takes to succeed. Thank you.”
“Melissa’s story inspired and drives home an important message fitting for any audience: success is driven by focusing on what you do have as opposed to what you don’t. What Melissa has already accomplished in her life is remarkable and it is clear her best is yet to come.”
“Melissa,
Thanks again for being such an important and special part of our first-ever school wide commencement ceremony. You were the perfect speaker and set an impossible standard for those who will follow.
Your story and message to our health professional graduates was inspiring, challenging, and encouraged each of us to live bold and full lives. It moved, not only our graduates, but the 1600 family members and friends in attendance. It was the first time in my 25 years of academics to see an entire audience spontaneously rise to give a commencement speaker a standing ovation… and that ovation was well-deserved.”
“Melissa Stockwell tells an American story that is all about inspiration and not at all about self-pity. I have seen her bring a whole roomful of legislators to tears with her straight-talk and sincere patriotism.”
