Motivational Keynote Speaker
Deborah McAlexander designs and customizes programs around equestrian principals to educate, inspire, and motivate her listeners to achieve personal happiness and professional success. She is available to speak and perform for corporate and social organizations.
Deborah talks about overcoming adversity using principles from the equestrian world and how to "Ride to Win."
Please feel free to contact Deborah directly to schedule a life changing presentation. Call 573-353-2299 or click the button below!
"It was an absolute pleasure to have you speak as part of the UTSW DFW Adaptive Sports Education Series. Your passion and joy for Para dressage equestrianism were clearly reflected by the detailed preparation you poured into your presentation. We particularly enjoyed your photos depicting your perspective as a visually impaired athlete and the special bond you share with Cornet Noir. Your message of empowering para-athletes was nothing short of powerful and one that the coalition aspires to spread throughout the adaptive sports community. Thanks again for all the work you do with the adaptive sports community!"
— Dr. Michael Burke, MD, UTSW DFW Adaptive Sports Coalition
2021 UTSW DFW Virtual Adaptive Sports Symposium/Expo Keynote Speaker
References: Dr. Jason Smith and Dr. Stephanie Tow
“I have to admit, you’re a very polished speaker! It shows how much thought you put into your talks. I really like your organization of content and the visual sample of you on your horse with the yellow armband and then blacking out everything but the armband to illustrate your vision. That was very clear to the audience what you’re experiencing and what you overcome as a visually impaired rider. I think your flow is very good. No jarring segues or transitions. Zoom use was good. Since you’ve come and with Dr. Tow’s efforts, I’ve seen more attention to visually impaired folks/activities.”
— Dr. Jason Smith, UTSW
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"A great presence and standing testimonial of life! Deborah McAlexander presented a lunch keynote address at District 8, Toastmasters International conference in Clayton, Missouri. She was inspiring in telling her story about obstacles of life and a full life she lives while overcoming the challenges. Deborah is poised, articulated and a great speaker. The audience was motivated by her and stood in line after her presentation to talk to her. One friend said the best speaker and a wonderful lady to listen at a conference!"
— Farzana Chohan, DTM, Director District 8, Toastmasters International
“As the Capital City, we were fortunate to welcome Deborah McAlexander to help bring awareness on living with disabilities. Deborah engaged the audience with stories of how she came to compete as a Para Dressage athlete and the trials and tribulations she encountered along the way. Deborah’s words and music were inspirational and a great example for many in our community. Deborah’s positive attitude helped in her achievements; she never gives up. She inspires so many around the world and continues to overcome adversity. We can all live by Deborah’s encouraging words that ‘All things are possible when one rides by faith, not by sight.’ I would like to personally thank Deborah for giving the City of Jefferson the opportunity to see that ‘Losing eyesight is far less significant than losing Vision Beyond Eyesight.’”
— Carrie Tergin, Mayor Of Jefferson City, Missouri
“I was immensely pleased with Deborah McAlexander’s presentation of “Vision Beyond Eyesight”. Deborah’s presentation was informative, well designed but most of all inspirational.
Her program gave insight on overcoming adversity and her material would be useful to any business or club organization needs. Her presentation style was interactive, engaging, and thorough and she was friendly, focused, exceptionally knowledgeable, and relaxed.
It is very apparent that she is very comfortable speaking in front of a group and her extroverted personality is contagious!
I would highly recommend Mrs. McAlexander to any professional group seeking to educate and inspire its members.”
— Gaspare Calvaruso, President, Capital Region Medical Center
Ms. Deborah McAlexander presented to the Jefferson City Rotary Club using a multi-media approach to give greater depth to her message. She was animated, fun, and light hearted while conveying the message that "anything is possible." Our members really enjoyed hearing her inspirational story. Her presentation showcased the concept to never give up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles are in the way. Furthermore, use those obstacles to not only make your dreams happen but strengthen your spirit.
Thank you Deborah!
— Christine Ellinger, M.Ed, SPHR, SHRM-SCP | SVP, Human Resources Director|Central Bancompany
“Your presentation, “Vision Beyond Eyesight!” was very dynamic, informative, and interesting, and it held everyone’s attention after our luncheon. I also want to especially thank you for the piano presentations during our reception and the luncheon. It was lovely to hear your repertoire of music selections. Again, Deborah, thank you for speaking and playing piano at the MSAE luncheon!”
— Sandra C. Boeckman, Executive Director, Missouri Society Of Association Executives
“You were able to craft a presentation that was not only informative and insightful, but also thoroughly engaging. The content and overall quality of your presentation is unmatched.”
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ― Henry David Thoreau.
“People are always looking for ways to overcome adversity. After all, as human beings we all face challenges in our personal lives and careers. It’s at this most difficult time in one’s life that a decision has to be made. You can capitulate to your hardship and choose to live life in the shadows of failure and pain, or you can break free from the bondage of your adversity and live life to its fullest with an abundance of success and prosperity.
My friend Deborah McAlexander is no different. In fact, she was dealt a challenging hand at the young age of 25 when she lost her eyesight. Deborah could have easily chosen to succumb to the adversity, but instead she chose to rise to the top and live life to the fullest. Even being legally blind, she saw far beyond her adversity and is now sharing her message of hope, fortitude and love of life with others.
Deborah’s high energy presentations are one of a kind. Through the serenity of music she shares with others how to build the foundations of success and happiness. Her story is one well worth experiencing.
I highly encourage meeting planners, associations, business owners and houses of worship to invite Deborah McAlexander to speak to their groups for wisdom and inspiration.”
— Ivan Turner - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Zig Ziglar Certified Legacy Trainer & Author of I Broke
The Code, So Can You!
I have known Deborah since 2001, when she was my graduate student in piano pedagogy classes at the University of Missouri. Even then, her presence in classes made her a unique example of determination and achievement for other students.
As I got to know Deborah better, I realized how much she had overcome to restructure her whole life after receiving the devastating news of blindness in her early twenties.
After receiving her Masters of Music degree, Deborah pursued new and higher standards for students in her piano studio. Her investment in eight high quality keyboards in addition to her grand piano, the group lessons and the excellent student audition preparations along with outstanding recitals gave her studio a wonderful reputation in the community. She also took a leadership role on several projects for the regional music teachers’ organization, MMAMTA, giving freely of her time and expertise to provide good community exposure and successful audition experiences to hundreds of students.
Deborah led a complex life for many years, pursuing a busy professional life and caring for her husband, whose health after retirement became increasingly fragile. Yet she continued to offer her talents, including regular performances in the Governor’s mansion and professional presentations for various local and regional organizations. Many people were inspired by her accomplishments and “can do” attitude in spite of the serious challenges in her life.
Following her husband’s death in 2017, Deborah took time to reevaluate her life’s direction. Perhaps she ultimately made one of her most challenging decisions when she began training for the 2020 Para Olympics. Even though she had again been riding horses for about ten years (a feat in itself!), the decision surprised, even shocked her friends and supporters. She gave up her home, her teaching studio, her pets, her whole lifestyle, to move to a small town in Texas, where she lives in a rented room and spends long days in strenuous training with horses--all this at the age of 66.
Those who know Deborah have witnessed her achievements in, around, and though adversity. Her positive, God-centered spirit is unstoppable. She does not give up; she encourages and inspires other to do what they can do and must do, to reach heights that they did not expect to achieve. She is a gift to all of us.
— Karen J. Larvick, Professor Emerita: Eastern Illinois University; University of Missouri
“Deborah McAlexander gave a brilliant presentation that combined and compared learning how to ride a horse to learning how to live life in general. She gave a great performance on the piano and showed videos of her showing a beautiful American Saddlebred horse. This was all the more impressive because she is legally blind! Deborah’s courage and positive attitude is an inspiration beyond belief. I highly recommend that you take the opportunity to see her presentation. You will be glad to know that there are people like Deborah in this world, and that she has the ability to share her story in a manner that will help others to be more like her.”
— Gayle Lampe, Professor Emeritus, William Woods University
“Please allow me to commend Deborah McAlexander to you as you plan your next special event or concert. Deborah has an inspiring story to tell. She has been legally blind for many years. The fact that she can see at all is amazing. She is a wonderful pianist and horse woman. She combines the two through live piano performance and video presentation weaving in her story of faith. She adapts her presentation to fit the occasion. I highly recommend her.”
— Monte Shinkle, Pastor, Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri
The following is a list of events and venues where Deborah has been asked to speak:
Life’s Ride: Being Bold and Resilient in Adaptive and Para Sports
2021 UTSW DFW Virtual Adaptive Sports Symposium/Expo; Opening Keynote; October 2, 2021. Includes breakout sessions #1-3.UT Southwestern 4th Annual Virtual Adaptive Sports Expo
September 26, 2020Stronger Through Adversity
Deborah McAlexander, Keynote Speaker, JCMO Human Relations Commission, The Linc, Jefferson City, MO, October 22, 2019Piano Holiday Performance
Parkinson's Disease Support Group, Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City, MO, December 16, 2016Piano Holiday Performance and VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT-Life's Ride: The Key to Victory
General Federated Women's Club - Diana's Club, Jefferson City, MO, December 15, 2016Piano Holiday Performance and VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Capital Region Medical Center Staff Luncheon, Jefferson City, MO, December 14, 2016Piano Holiday Performance
Concord Baptist Church Adult Senior Luncheon, Jefferson City, MO, December 12, 2016Piano Holiday Performance and VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Capital Region Medical Center Partners' Holiday Brunch, Jefferson City, MO, December 6, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
First Baptist Church Senior Adult Banquet, Jefferson City, MO, October, 24, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Grief and Loss Support Group, Jefferson City, MO, October 4, 2016Name That Tune Entertainment Experience
Peoria Charter Mystery Tour, Jefferson City, MO, August 16, 2016Name That Tune Entertainment Experience
Missouri 2016 Grand York Rite Session - Ladies Luncheon, Capital Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City, MO, June 10, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Luncheon Keynote Address, Toastmasters International District 8 2016 Spring Conference, Sheraton Clayton Hotel, Clayton, MO, May 7, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Harper Chapel United Methodist Church Fundraiser, Osage Beach, MO, April 2, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Evening Rotary Club, Jefferson City, MO, March 15, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Central United Church of Christ, Jefferson City, MO, January 24, 2016VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Rotary Club of Jefferson City Miller Performing Arts Center, Jefferson City, MO, January 4, 2016Winter Concert
Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City, MO, December 9, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Breakfast Rotary Club of Jefferson City Hy-Vee Community Center Room, Jefferson City, MO, December 2, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT - Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Rotary Club West of Jefferson City, Jefferson City, MO, October 23, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, MO, October, 20, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Joy in the Morning Group, Jefferson City, MO, October 10, 2015Proud Mary's Name That Tune
Personalized Tours, Jefferson City, MO, August 26, 2015 Bravo Performances Swimming Event, Jefferson City, MO, August 16, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Breast Cancer Support Group, Jefferson City, MO, August 13, 2015Musical Musketeers
Parkinson's Disease Support Group, Jefferson City, MO, June 17, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Jefferson City Manor Care Center, June 4, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
St. Joseph's Bluffs, Jefferson City, MO, June 4, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
The Morning Music Club, Jefferson City, MO, May 21, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity, University of Missouri - Columbia, May 4, 2015VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT- Life's Ride: The Key To Victory
Dulany Auditorium, Williams Woods University, Fulton, MO, April 6, 2015
Trip to Mexico
During three Concord Eyeglass Ministry Trips to Mexico in 2018, Deborah McAlexander provided long white cane mobility training and counseling for seventy-five blind individuals. Deborah’s Message of Help and Hope inspired her “patients” and their family members to adopt the mindset that “losing eyesight is far less significant than losing Vision Beyond Eyesight. All things are possible when one walks by Faith, not by Sight.” She received assistance from Spanish interpreters.
Sharing with you a few of Deborah’s life-changing memories…
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Deborah visited the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, located 30 miles outside of Mexico City. Teotihuacán has two famous pyramids known as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon.
Natalie’s lesson on how to go down a flight of stairs. She did great!
Using her long white cane, Deborah climbed the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids known as the Temple of the Moon. There she is with her cane up in the air signaling Victory! She made it!
What goes up, must come back down!
