Overcoming Adversity

<p>Amy Van Dyken is a 6-time Olympic gold medal champion swimmer who made history as the most successful athlete at the ’96 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and the first American female athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympic games.</p>

<p>Van Dyken began swimming at age six in an effort to relieve childhood asthma, through which she developed a strong "will to win." That strength made her a star in the ‘96 Games, despite competing with about 65% of normal lung capacity.</p>

<p>RJ Mitte engages, educates and inspires with candid discussion of transforming obstacles into assets and preventing bullying.</p><p>RJ is best known for playing Walt Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama <i>Breaking Bad</i>, – like his character on the show, he also battles with cerebral palsy.

<p>With a story that is simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton demonstrate that we are all capable of compassion and change, no matter how dire the circumstances. </p>

<p>Lopez Lomong&#39;s remarkable journey from Sudanese Civil War to the Olympic Games underscores the capacity of the human spirit to overcome extraordinary adversity, giving hope and inspiration to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable.</p><p>Lopez began his journey in Sudan, where he was kidnapped by rebel soldiers at just six years old. After boldly escaping capture, he spent 10 years as a refugee until he was adopted by a U.S. family at 16.

<p>Hailed as “life-changing” “riveting” “completely unique” “bold” and “profound,” Allison Massari’s keynotes are unforgettable—uplifting and energizing teams and leaders, alleviating burnout, and activating empathy, creativity and empowerment. </p><p>Working with Allison unleashes an inner strength and professional enthusiasm that transforms work culture and attracts and retains top talent. Her potent message has reached audiences in more than 75 countries and is a testament to hope, relentless perseverance, and radical compassion.

<p>Trans Rights Advocate Geena Rocero, born and raised in Manila, Philippines, is a model, producer, co-host of the TV Show <em>ASPIREist</em> (broadcast on CNN), and the author of memoir <em>Horse Barbie</em>, “a moving chronicle of trans resilience and joy” (<em>Vogue</em>).</p><p>On March 31, 2014, in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Rocero came out as transgender at the annual (main stage) TED Conference, her viral talk has since been viewed more than 4 million times and translated in 32 languages.

<p>One of the best female goalkeepers of all time, Hall of Famer and ESPY Award-winner Briana Scurry shares stories from her trailblazing journey, empowering audiences to strive for excellence and stay resilient, no matter the obstacles.</p><p>Briana Scurry is widely recognized as one of the world’s most talented and influential goalkeepers. Scurry’s 173 international appearances as one of the first African American and openly gay professional athletes championed equality and diversified professional soccer.

<p>Nyle DiMarco, winner of <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> and <em>America’s Next Top Model</em>, empowers audiences to believe they can do and be anything they want in life, no matter the obstacle.</p><p>He won the mirror ball trophy on ABC’s <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> (season 22) and was the last model standing on The CW’s <em>America’s Next Top Model</em> (cycle 22), now Nyle is winning over audiences as an influential leader and ambassador for the deaf community.

<p>Ibtihaj Muhammad is an entrepreneur, activist, speaker and Olympic medalist in fencing. A 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, 5-time Senior World medalist and World Champion, in 2016, Ibtihaj became the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in hijab. </p><p>Ibtihaj was a 3-time All American at Duke University where she graduated with a dual major in International Relations and African Studies.