Shawn Hessee

"AMAZING!!!! He was so funny and nice and easy to talk to! I was so satisfied with everything!"
-Maida Avdic, Director Network for disABLED Students, University of Nebraska at Omaha

"Just wonderful! Your story and the way you tell your story is fascinating. Your humor breaks the ice and your adversity message really hits home for so many people...Very thought-provoking."
-Mary Wiggens, International Speakers Network Conference - Gatlinburg, TN

"Shawn Hessee's message packs a powerful punch. He provides people of all ages with the tools they need to be successful in life. His personal struggles in life have been written about in several books, including two of mine."
-Tom Carr, Guidance Counselor/Author

"Shawn is amazing. I hope he comes back again next year. He is funny, frank and so vulnerable with his story--a wonderful addition to our med school career."
-Patrick Hansen, Med Student at the University of Pennsylvania

In his lecture series, Rolling Through Adversity, Shawn gives a powerful message of overcoming obstacles and throwing excuses to the wind in order to accomplish personal and professional goals. Aware of the fact that not everything learned is from a textbook, Shawn encourages his audience to learn from the experiences and challenges they face. Through his motivational speaking, Shawn hopes to help people cope with frustration, anger, and the difficult issues that arise during life.

As a result of being born premature to a mother addicted to drugs, Shawn Hessee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Shortly after birth, he was ushered off to foster care and eventually adopted into a loving family. Although Shawn’s disability has caused him to be confined to a wheelchair, he has been able to accomplish many things and maintains an active lifestyle.

Shawn is a graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. with a Bachelor Degree in Broadcast Communications/Public Relations. He is also a member of the Carolina Fury wheelchair power hockey team. He is currently the assistant executive director to the Strength Coaching Foundation which awards money to elementary school students to help them buy needed supplies and encourage them to achieve their dreams in their chosen field.

Shawn’s lecture is appropriate for conference keynotes, orientation, residence life events, motivational programs, and health and wellness programs. It can be customized to fit the occasion.



Rolling Through Adversity speaking points include:

Campus Violence

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Time Management

Life Experiences

Stereotypes/Racism

Anger Management

Living with Disability



Shawn's Achievements Include:

North Carolina Athlete of the Year

North Carolina’s Most Outstanding Person for 2 consecutive years

Wrestler on a state championship high school team

Graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

Bachelor Degree in Broadcast Communications/Public Relations

Player on a national championship wheelchair basketball team

Member of the Carolina Fury wheelchair hockey team

Carrier of the Paraolympic torch

Recipient of the Easter Seals Lifetime Achievement Award