SPEAKERS

W Mitchell - Keynote Speaker

Undefeated by a blazing motorcycle accident and a paralyzing plane crash four years later, Mitchell learned to take responsibility for the countless changes in his life. Whether coping with devastating burns over 65% of his body or being sentenced to life in a wheelchair, this once robust Marine firmly held on to his feisty nature and quick wit. It was "his" uphill journey and he was determined to maintain control, cope with the changes, and prosper. Without a doubt, Mitchell understands what it takes to rebuild and eventually reach the top. His life clearly illustrates his philosophy -- that most limitations are self-imposed. Today, as an international keynote speaker, Mitchell captivates and stuns audiences with his story and then calmly empowers them to accept challenges, embrace change and take action – not only at work but in everyday life. His tenacity and credibility are indisputable as he so obviously lives his message. No one goes away unaffected as Mitchell proves that unexpected changes can become exciting new starting points."Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do. Now there are 9,000. I can either dwell on the 1,000 I’ve lost or focus on the 9,000 I have left.

Don Schoendorfer - Free Wheelchair Mission Founder

Dr. Don Schoendorfer, the founder of Free Wheelchair Mission, is a testament to what is possible with a background in biomedical engineering and a calling for change. While vacationing in Morocco, Don and his wife witnessed the plight of a woman with disabilities, struggling to drag herself across a dirt road. Ignored by the surrounding crowd and barely evading traffic, the woman’s hardship was a scene that Don and Laurie would never forget upon their return to life in southern California. Following the transformative experience, Don turned his God-given talents to solving the problem of immobility in developing nations.  His hands-on, inventive approach guided him in designing a low-cost, high-durability and functional wheelchair.


Don attended Columbia University as an undergraduate and earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. Professionally, Don oversaw R&D departments in numerous biomedical companies including Haemonetics and Baxter Healthcare. He holds more than 60 U.S. Patents in the field of medical technology and is considered a pioneer in practical transdermal diagnostics as well as blood cell separation technology.

Today Don continues to engage his passion for innovation and progress and his dedication to the mission is unwavering, as he constantly develops new products and ideas that bring mobility to people in developing countries across the globe.