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Humanitarian & tornado survivor hero

Stephanie Decker

Build resilience through adversity with Stephanie Decker, humanitarian, double amputee, and heroic tornado survivor. Stephanie helps organizations and leaders navigate change, strengthen mindset, and overcome setbacks. Recognized as a Women of Worth Honoree by L'Oréal and featured on The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and ABC World News Tonight.

Trusted by American Red Cross, EXIT Realty, Indiana Hospital Association

Stephanie Decker, Speaker | Resilience & Courage Expert
Stephanie Decker

Stephanie Decker

Indianapolis, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Indianapolis, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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Stephanie Decker's biography

At a glance

  • Lost both legs protecting her children during 2012 tornado
  • Founder of a prosthetics charity supporting children in need
  • Nominated for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award for her foundation work
Stephanie Decker is a motivational speaker who helps audiences develop resilience and find courage when facing life's most difficult challenges. In 2012, a tornado destroyed her home in Henryville, Indiana, and she lost both legs while shielding her two young children from the debris. Stephanie has appeared on The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and ABC World News Tonight as "Person of the Week." She founded the Stephanie Decker Foundation, which provides prosthetic devices to children and adults who don't have access to advanced prosthetic care. She was named one of L'Oreal's 2014 Women of Worth Honorees and was nominated for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award for her foundation work. Stephanie works with corporations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and leadership teams to explore resilience, adaptability, and mindset. Drawing directly from her lived experience, she demonstrates how individuals and organizations can confront uncertainty, navigate disruption, and emerge stronger. Her story connects deeply with audiences facing organizational change, personal setbacks, or high-pressure environments. Audiences learn how to overcome adversity by shifting perspective, techniques for finding inner strength during challenging periods, and methods for cultivating a solution-focused mindset. Her message resonates across industries with organizations seeking authentic inspiration paired with practical application. Book Stephanie to deliver an honest, powerful message that moves audiences from feeling stuck to taking action on their most pressing challenges.

Stephanie's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Courage In The Storm
Stephanie Decker shares her powerful story of surviving a devastating tornado that claimed both her legs while saving her children, revealing how individuals can face unimaginable adversity and rebuild with strength and purpose. With honesty, warmth, and disarming humor, Stephanie explores courage under pressure, adapting to sudden change, and choosing determination over defeat. Her perspective helps audiences recognize their own inner resilience and develop the mindset needed to confront challenges with clarity, confidence, and resolve.

Why we recommend booking Stephanie

Stephanie Decker inspires audiences to overcome adversity with practical strategies and heartfelt storytelling, empowering them to find strength and solutions in the face of life's toughest challenges. Book Stephanie today to bring authentic motivation and actionable insights to your next event.

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Trusted by American Red Cross, EXIT Realty, Indiana Hospital Association

Testimonials

If you’re looking for a speaker that is heartfelt, real, raw and funny – Stephanie Decker fits the bill perfectly. Her story sparked unbelievable emotion and she delivered it with grace and humor. She was a dream to work with and truly delivered everything we were looking for and more.

EXIT Realty

Stephanie is a fantastic speaker who can captivates an audience and inspires everyone that she talks to. She has taken her experience and paid it forward for the good of others and made it a great lesson for all that have the chance to hear her speak.

American Red Cross

Everything with Stephanie was wonderful! She is just simply delightful and I was honored to meet her. Many attendees said that it was the best conference they had attended and this was the 42nd annual event!

Indiana Hospital Association

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Stephanie Decker for my next event?

What is Stephanie Decker's speaking style like?

Stephanie Decker structures her sessions around first-person narrative, drawing directly from her experience of losing both legs whilst shielding her children during the 2012 Henryville tornado to illustrate resilience, adaptability, and a solution-focused mindset.

What topics does Stephanie Decker specialise in?

Stephanie Decker speaks on courage under pressure, adapting to sudden change, and building resilience in the face of adversity. She lost both legs shielding her two children during a tornado in 2012, a story that has been featured on The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and ABC World News Tonight, where she was named "Person of the Week."

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.