Inspirational Comeback Stories for Your Event

Dr. Sammy Ramsey, Inspirational Changemaker in Science & Society; Cutting-Edge Communicator; Founder & Director of the Ramsey Research Foundation

Science leader Dr. Sammy Ramsey made a groundbreaking discovery, even after being removed from his doctoral program because he didn’t “look” like a scientist. On stage, he's an energetic presence who uses his own journey full of twists, turns, and triumphs to share inspiring stories and actionable takeaways on resilience, innovation, and overcoming the odds. 

Lisa Sun, Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, National Bestselling Author of GRAVITAS (USA Today, No. 1 on Amazon)

Lisa Sun was told she “lacked gravitas” and used that motivation to later launch and lead the innovative brand, GRAVITAS, and become an industry disruptor. She leads an engaging and interactive conversation that reframes how audiences think about confidence and inspires each person to discover their unique super power and use it to become their best selves at work and in life. 

Sarah Robb O'Hagan, CEO of EXOS, Former President of Equinox, Former Global President of Gatorade, Former Marketing Director at Nike and the Virgin Group

Renowned business leader Sarah Robb O’Hagan used being fired as the fuel for her future successes, including as Gatorade’s game-changing global president. Drawing from her own experiences with failure, Robb O'Hagan shares practical takeaways for how groups and individuals can get comfortable taking risks to step up, stand out, and kick ass in whatever they set their minds to. 

Hakeem Oluseyi, Astrophysicist, Former Space Science Education Lead for NASA

Hakeem Oluseyi overcame the negative influences of growing up in some of America’s roughest neighborhoods to achieve his dream of becoming a world-renowned astrophysicist. Oluseyi's message empowers audience members to fight for what they want, tune out the naysayers, and chase seemingly impossible dreams. 

Joan Higginbotham, Retired NASA Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Electrical Engineer, & Third African American Woman in Space

Joan Higginbotham worked past the disappointment of not being chosen to be an astronaut to reapply and eventually became the third African American woman to fly into space. She points to her own experiences to reveal why preparation, passion, and perseverance are essential to tackling any mission — whether on Earth or in space. 

Lisa Jaster, Army Ranger School Graduate, Leadership and Peak Performance Expert

Lisa Jaster had to re-cycle through the final phase of Army Ranger School, before ultimately succeeding and becoming one of only three women to complete the first integrated program. Jaster reflects upon the trials and triumphs of her journey through Ranger School to help audiences see what they can achieve when they remained focused on their goals and refuse to let the quit in.