Rebekah Gregory

Every person and every organization will face a moment that changes everything. What we do next is what defines us.

For Rebekah Gregory, that moment came in 2013 at the Boston Marathon finish line.

Standing less than three feet from the explosion, her body became a human shield protecting her five-year-old son. The blast cost her leg and began a recovery that has included 76 surgeries.

But survival was only the beginning.

In this powerful and deeply human keynote, Rebekah shares what she has learned through lived experience and more than a decade of research about navigating adversity, rebuilding when life changes without warning, and choosing resilience when the path forward feels uncertain.

With honesty, perspective, and her signature humor, Rebekah brings audiences inside defining moments of her journey, including the moment she looked the remaining bomber in the eye in federal court and told him she was not his victim.

She reminds us that while we cannot control every hardship we face, we can choose how we move forward.

Because survival may start the story, but resilience is what builds the rest.

In this emotionally charged presentation, Rebekah courageously shares her own battle with PTSD in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing—a pivotal chapter in her life that shaped her advocacy for mental health.

Witness Rebekah's unwavering commitment to her own healing journey as she sought trauma therapy not only for herself but also for her son, both deeply affected by the harrowing scenes of the bombing. The audience will be moved by her authenticity as she reveals the challenges she faced in finding comprehensive support, prompting her to take matters into her own hands.

Learn how Rebekah's personal quest for healing led her to establish Rebekah's Angels Foundation, a beacon of hope for individuals navigating their own traumatic experiences. Discover the profound impact of her foundation, providing vital resources and support to those in need, filling the gaps she encountered on her own path to recovery.

“Transforming Pain Into Purpose” offers invaluable insights into how everyone can contribute to their own mental healing. With a message that resonates universally—that everyone faces their own metaphorical bombs in life—Rebekah empowers the audience to embrace vulnerability, acknowledge their pain, and seek the help they deserve.

Tailored for women's groups, this presentation combines Rebekah's remarkable story of survival during the Boston Marathon bombing with a heartfelt exploration of the unique challenges women face in society.

Rebekah shares her deeply personal experience of shielding her son during the tragic events in Boston, demonstrating the strength inherent in motherhood and the powerful resilience that women bring to the forefront in times of adversity. As a survivor, she delves into the universal theme of overcoming obstacles and finding strength in the face of life-altering challenges.

This talk is more than a recounting of one woman's journey; it's a call to action for women to recognize the importance of pouring into their own lives. Rebekah addresses the societal pressures and expectations that often weigh heavily on women, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care and personal growth. Through her story, Rebekah inspires women to rise above societal norms and embrace their innate resilience.

"She Will Rise" is a celebration of the strength and resilience unique to women. Rebekah's message resonates with the challenges faced by women today, offering a roadmap for navigating adversity and finding purpose in every circumstance.