Keynote Speaker
Evan Austin
Whether he is speaking to campus organizations, student-athletes or a ballroom full of people who just want to hear an inspiring story, Evan delivers an experience that leaves audience members filled with hope, a new perspective on not judging a book by its cover, and renewed belief in the ideal that hard work can make up for many things. Through his story-telling, Evan hopes audiences leave his program understanding that failure can be turned into fuel, that goals don’t just change but also evolve, and that in the end the process of pursuing a lifelong goal is in fact the greatest prize.
Evan is a 3-time Paralympic Swimmer, Team USA Captain, attended Indiana State University for his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport Management, and is a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. The now Gold and Bronze medalist is on the coaching staff of the Purdue University Swimming and Diving team as a Volunteer Assistant.
Presentation:
The Wait of Gold: Sacrifice, Failure, and Resilience in the Lifelong Pursuit of Excellence
In 28.98 seconds at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Evan realized a dream. He finished his event before everyone else in the world and was from that day forward a gold medalist. He won his event, but Evan's race was far from over.
Now, on the back side of competing again for Team USA at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024, Evan delivers his signature keynote, The Wait of Gold, differently. He shares with audiences that it is not only about the adversity one must withstand to achieve a dream but also the resilience needed to pick oneself up after feeling that there is nothing left to accomplish.
The Wait of Gold is Evan's story about how living with his disability continues to redefine what is normal and shapes how he navigates the challenges of dealing with failure and triumph.
Our Partners
Closing Keynote Speaker
Demarra West
Demarra has spent her entire career investing in the betterment of communities, organizations, and people starting with her work with Americorps which catapulted her work in the not for profit sector. Since then she has founded four entities dedicated to leveling the capacity and wellbeing playing field for individuals and institutions that need it the most. Her belief has always been that getting the support we need shouldn’t infringe on what we can afford so she has passionately worked to remove barriers to access her services so those who have historically been left behind can be adequately served, and therefore rise.
