Veteran, Paralympian, mother, and inspirational speaker, Melissa Stockwell’s life story is one of grit, transformation, and unyielding optimism. The first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat in Iraq, Melissa made a promise to herself that she would not let losing a leg slow her down. After a long and challenging recovery process, she exercised her power of choice to channel her energy into competition, and never looked back.

Melissa will tell the inspirational story of becoming a warrior and fighting to become the champion she is today, sharing insight into the mindset that she has carried through her own life, that anyone can do anything that they put their mind to.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define how embracing adversity can foster resilience, adaptability, and a strategic mindset in both personal and professional contexts.
2. Outline the importance of choice, mindset, and accountability in driving transformative leadership under pressure.
3. Formulate actionable strategies for sustaining motivation, building grit, and leading teams through uncertainty.
4. Identify strategies for inspiring confidence and purpose among peers and partners to face obstacles as opportunities for growth.