Non-binding request for Amy Downs
Amy Downs
Amy Downs is a survivor, former CEO, and bestselling author who inspires audiences to turn adversity into action and hope into results.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 347 223 5128
5.00 of 5
Top rated!
Why book Amy Downs for your next event
- Amy delivers human keynotes rooted in experience, showing how hope, discipline, and mindset drive lasting personal and professional change.
- Her journey from tragedy to leadership inspires across industries, offering practical motivation grounded in resilience and growth.
- With global stage experience, Amy connects emotionally while delivering insights that stay with audiences long after the event ends.
Non-binding request for Amy Downs
Survivor, CEO, and powerful voice on hope, resilience, and transformation
In 1995, Amy Downs survived one of the most devastating acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Pulled from the rubble of the Oklahoma City bombing, she emerged with a second chance at life and a decision to fully claim it. What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a powerful, disciplined journey of growth. Amy rebuilt her life physically, mentally, and professionally, proving that hope is not passive, but something we actively choose and practice. Today, she brings that message to stages worldwide, inspiring audiences to move beyond limitations and lead with purpose, courage, and resilience.
Amy Downs: A Story Forged in Resilience
Amy Downs’ story begins in tragedy but is defined by choice. In 1995, she was one of the last survivors rescued after the Oklahoma City bombing, an attack that claimed 168 lives, including 18 of her 33 coworkers at the Federal Employees Credit Union. The physical and emotional aftermath could have defined her future, but Amy chose a different path. Her survival became a catalyst for deep personal responsibility and transformation, forming the foundation of her work as a speaker today.
From Survival to Self-Leadership
At the time of the bombing, Amy struggled with her health, confidence, and direction. Over time, she committed to consistent self-improvement. She transformed from a 355-pound couch potato into a Full Ironman triathlete. She went from failing math classes to earning a master’s degree in Business Administration. These milestones were not about achievement alone, but about proving what is possible through discipline, belief, and action. Amy’s message speaks directly to individuals and organizations facing change, fatigue, or self-doubt.
Leadership Built From the Ground Up
Amy’s professional journey mirrors her personal one. She began her career as a teller at the Federal Employees Credit Union, the same institution nearly destroyed in the bombing. Years later, she rose to become CEO, leading with empathy, accountability, and vision. Her leadership experience gives her a rare credibility on stage, bridging personal resilience with organizational growth, culture, and responsibility. Audiences connect with her ability to translate lived experience into practical leadership lessons.
Hope Is a Verb
Amy is the author of Hope is a Verb, a philosophy she lives and teaches. Hope, in her view, is not optimism without effort, it is action. This message is central to her keynotes, including “Hope is a Verb” and “Magic Wand Thinking,” both of which received near-perfect ratings at the National Business Education Association’s 2025 Convention. Attendees praised her authenticity, energy, and ability to inspire real change without clichés.
A Voice Recognized Worldwide
Today, Amy Downs is a full-time speaker and respected voice on resilience and human potential. Her story has been featured in documentaries produced by National Geographic and Netflix, further amplifying her reach and impact. When you book Amy Downs for your event, you invite a speaker who does more than inspire, she challenges audiences to take ownership of their choices and turn adversity into forward motion.
Customer Reviews
5 of 5
Amy Downs delivered a truly powerful and inspirational presentation that captivated the entire audience from start to finish. Her message was not only thought-provoking but also deeply motivating, leaving everyone energized and inspired to act. Amy is a truly outstanding speaker who knows how to connect, engage, and make a lasting impact.
Mary Ann BenderInovalon
5 of 5
What’s really powerful is that many of those reaching out weren’t even born when the bombing happened, yet they felt so connected to your story. That speaks volumes about the timeless impact of your message and how words of faith, hope, and perseverance really do transcend generations.
Erin LaneySkyla Credit Union
Rated 5.00/5 based on 2 customer reviews
Keynotes
Keynote by Amy Downs:
Live Like You Mean It
Most people wait for a big moment to change their life. For Amy, that moment was being buried alive. A survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing, Amy went from a 355-pound teller to an IRONMAN triathlete and CEO…not through luck, but by taking one small step at a time. In this unforgettable keynote, Amy shares the story behind her transformation and invites you to consider your own. With humor, grit, and hard-won wisdom, she’ll challenge you to stop waiting and start living like you mean it. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or like life is passing you by… this is the spark of hope you’ve been waiting for.
Audiences will learn how to:
- Embrace Active Hope: Use hope as fuel, not fantasy – and move from stuck to starting.
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Shift your perspective to find opportunity in adversity.
- Transform Trials into Triumphs: Take real, practical steps toward personal and professional breakthroughs.
Keynote by Amy Downs:
Magic Wand Thinking: Envision limitless possibilities & take actionable steps to transform dreams into reality
During her keynote, Amy Downs challenges her audience to consider what they would do if they had a magic wand and could make anything happen. This breakout session will dive deeper into Magic Wand Thinking. How do you bring clarity to what is most important to you and to your place of work? Once identified, how do you craft the next steps to achieving those goals? Smart goal setting relies on a clear understanding of purpose, values, and relationships. Amy will guide the audience through exercises that will help them have the wisdom to see what is most important and the courage to make it happen.
How Hope Can Change Your Life | Amy Downs | TEDxOklahomaCity
Watch Amy Downs in action!
