Meet our Keynote, Jenny Addis

On March 16, 1997, Jenny was in a tragic drunk driving accident that turned her world upside down. In just mere seconds, she went from being an active, independent , 24 year old woman to a woman that would now spend the rest of her life dependent on others  and living life confined to a wheelchair. Jenny’s story is a testament of faith, forgiveness and hope of a young vicious woman’s fight to survive a life of loss and dependency. It would have been easy to quit, struggle after struggle; obstacle after obstacle but, by the grace of God, she chose to embrace the wheelchair and all the physical, architectural and attitudinal barriers that go along with it and use it to encourage and inspire others!

Jenny reigned as Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2001. Her platform focused on her personal mission of shedding light on the consequences of drinking and driving. In turn, she began her career as a Motivational Speaker. She has spoken to a countless number of schools, colleges, universities, churches, and correctional institutions on a variety topics ranging from overcoming adversity, the importance of Therapies to the consequences of reckless driving

She is the Visionary and Director of “THIS IS HOW WE ROLL”. A Fashion Show, Fundraiser and Community Awareness Event. This inspiring event promotes the importance of medical research, wheelchair accessibility and inclusion within the community by breaking down barriers and changing the stereotypes society has about wheelchair users. It has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical research and the fight against Paralysis.

Jenny stays involved in her community through several volunteer opportunities for such organizations as the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation and the Ms. Wheelchair America Organization.  She has guest hosted for the television show, Discover Wisconsin’s - Something for Everyone. A special episode opening the outdoors to everyone and showcasing some great places, events and equipment that are helping people of all abilities get out and enjoy Wisconsin's great outdoors. 

In her free time, Jenny enjoys hiking and adaptive recreation such as, kayaking and waterskiing.

She is also a recipient of the National Park Service’s Volunteer Accessibility Achievement Award and the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service.

Follow Jenny on Facebook Here!

Wiscouncil