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Wesley Hamilton

Wesley Hamilton

Keynote Speaker: Motivational Speaker; Mental & Physical Health Advocate for Overcoming Adversity; Executive Director of Disabled But Not Really (DBNR); Featured on Queer Eye

Wesley Hamilton Biography

Wesley Hamilton was born and raised on the east side of Kansas City, Mo., where it was difficult for a young African American male to find opportunities outside of the streets. By the age of 16, he became too much for his mother to handle (which was a common lifestyle for kids in his neighborhood) and moved out to be on his own. By the age of 22, he became a father to his daughter, Nevaeh.

Two years later, at only 5-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Hamilton was non-athletic and vastly overweight as a single father, working full time at an auto finance company, and had just won sole custody of his then 2-year-old daughter. But only 5 days after his 24th birthday in January of 2012, everything about Hamilton’s life changed dramatically. As he was walking back to his car, Hamilton was shot multiple times, with one bullet slicing through his chest and fracturing a rib. The other entered his abdomen, partially severing his spine and paralyzing him below the waist. The shooter was a guy he’d never met.

Hamilton spent the next three years in recovery, which also included two of those years fighting the severe emotional depression that arose from his belief that his life would forever be bedeviled by medications, surgeries, and limitations. But for the overwhelming love he had for his daughter, Hamilton knew he had to set an example for Nevaeh. He started down a path of taking ownership back in his life. He started a fitness and nutrition regimen, which was completely foreign to him – as he had never eaten healthily a day in his life nor had any experience exercising. Hamilton learned everything he could about nutrition and started cooking and is now known for his culinary skills. The fitness side of everything also took off, and in the first year, he lost 100 pounds. He became a powerhouse of inspiration and felt his transformation had the potential to help others who are struggling with similar battles, so he founded a non-profit called Disabled But Not Really (DBNR).

DBNR has helped so many individuals with disabilities (not just physical) to feel empowered and has helped so many people overcome any mental limitations they may have – which is the driving force of the organization. DBNR joins community events to raise awareness about the role of good mental and physical health in overcoming life’s challenges. It has expanded a scholarship program for disabled individuals who learn ways to improve their nutrition and fitness, as well as support the homeless population in his hometown of Kansas City, providing dignity care packages, water, and food. Hamilton has been recognized many times for his entrepreneurial success and has been honored with a number of philanthropic awards.

Hamilton has also spent the past four years being recognized as a role model in the Crossfit Community, winning a number of bodybuilding competitions and even being featured in Men’s Health Magazine climbing a rope with his wheelchair. He has had the opportunity to speak to many community groups, schools, universities, organizations, and associations, sharing his story and inspiring so many lives. He has a stack of hero letters from all ages thanking him for sharing his story. Hamilton transformed yet again when working with the Fab Five on Season 4 of the Netflix hit show, "Queer Eye," who taught him how to be true to himself, leaving him humbled by the experience. Hamilton believes that the highest human act is to inspire – and knows that is his purpose in life.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Wesley Hamilton and other top speakers and celebrities.

Wesley Hamilton Speaking Topics

FROM PARALYZED TO PURPOSE-DRIVEN - MY INSPIRATIONAL STORY

Wesley Hamilton's journey after surviving multiple gunshots in his abdomen will inspire every human on the earth. His quintessential stories of courage, strength and perseverance resonate with participants long after any talk he’s ever delivered. Wes instills the essential tools of positivity, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, and acceptance in the face of any challenge. He believes “the highest human act is to inspire” - and that is exactly why he is profoundly affecting human hearts of all ages, races, lifestyles and backgrounds worldwide.

MASTERING YOUR POTENTIAL

This keynote teaches people how anyone can take control of their life, specifically addressing wellness, nutrition, well-being and personal/professional development. Wesley shares his stories on how he started a successful non-profit organization; how he stays fit, even winning bodybuilding competitions; how he never lost hope or accepted failure - and teaches his listeners how to do the same. Wes also has a culinary passion, and shares his success secrets on how he lost over 100 pounds. This is a great keynote for all ages, and will leave you with key insights and action steps to improve and master your own life. People can relax and sit back, laugh, learn and feel supported.

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Prepare to be taken on a journey. In this moving, inspiring and thought-provoking keynote, Wesley Hamilton teaches his audience to find peace, purpose, and happiness and motivates them to rise above any obstacle or challenge they may face so they can live their best life. As a survivor of multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, Wesley shares his personal journey from how he went from hopeless and depressed to a life full of purpose, understanding, acceptance, joy and forgiveness. Now that he lives a life filled with love, happiness, gratitude, and success beyond what he could have ever imagined prior to his accident, he helps inspire others to do the same. Through the power of storytelling, Wesley entwines powerful life lessons, encouragement, and inspiration allowing his audience to understand the answers to some of life’s biggest questions, and how to continue to remain positive during the toughest times in our lives. Wes leaves his audience beyond motivated and with a rejuvenated perspective on life.

Wesley Hamilton Videos

Keynote Speaker Wesley Hamilton on upcoming Civil Rights ...
From Paralyzed to Purpose-Driven | Wesley Hamilton | TEDxUMKC
Local man talks about impact of Netflix show

How do I book Wesley Hamilton to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Wesley Hamilton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Wesley Hamilton, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Wesley Hamilton or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Wesley Hamilton for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Wesley Hamilton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Wesley Hamilton are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Wesley Hamilton, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Wesley Hamilton speak about?

Wesley Hamilton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Motivational, Sports Motivation, Personal Growth, Inspirational, Disability, Black Heritage, Diversity, Television & Film, Fitness, TED, Overcoming Adversity, Mental Health, Health, Obesity, Family & Parenting, Nutrition, Generational Issues, Men's Health, Lifestyle, Social Activism and Social Justice.

Where does Wesley Hamilton travel from?

Wesley Hamilton generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Wesley Hamilton?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Wesley Hamilton for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Wesley Hamilton for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Wesley Hamilton or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Wesley Hamilton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Motivational, Sports Motivation and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Wesley Hamilton for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Wesley Hamilton generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rudy Ruettiger, Amelia Rose Earhart and Lizzie Velasquez. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Wesley Hamilton for an upcoming event.

Wesley Hamilton Speaking Topics

  • FROM PARALYZED TO PURPOSE-DRIVEN - MY INSPIRATIONAL STORY

    Wesley Hamilton's journey after surviving multiple gunshots in his abdomen will inspire every human on the earth. His quintessential stories of courage, strength and perseverance resonate with participants long after any talk he’s ever delivered. Wes instills the essential tools of positivity, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, and acceptance in the face of any challenge. He believes “the highest human act is to inspire” - and that is exactly why he is profoundly affecting human hearts of all ages, races, lifestyles and backgrounds worldwide.

  • MASTERING YOUR POTENTIAL

    This keynote teaches people how anyone can take control of their life, specifically addressing wellness, nutrition, well-being and personal/professional development. Wesley shares his stories on how he started a successful non-profit organization; how he stays fit, even winning bodybuilding competitions; how he never lost hope or accepted failure - and teaches his listeners how to do the same. Wes also has a culinary passion, and shares his success secrets on how he lost over 100 pounds. This is a great keynote for all ages, and will leave you with key insights and action steps to improve and master your own life. People can relax and sit back, laugh, learn and feel supported.

  • LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

    Prepare to be taken on a journey. In this moving, inspiring and thought-provoking keynote, Wesley Hamilton teaches his audience to find peace, purpose, and happiness and motivates them to rise above any obstacle or challenge they may face so they can live their best life. As a survivor of multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, Wesley shares his personal journey from how he went from hopeless and depressed to a life full of purpose, understanding, acceptance, joy and forgiveness. Now that he lives a life filled with love, happiness, gratitude, and success beyond what he could have ever imagined prior to his accident, he helps inspire others to do the same. Through the power of storytelling, Wesley entwines powerful life lessons, encouragement, and inspiration allowing his audience to understand the answers to some of life’s biggest questions, and how to continue to remain positive during the toughest times in our lives. Wes leaves his audience beyond motivated and with a rejuvenated perspective on life.

Wesley Hamilton Videos

Keynote Speaker Wesley Hamilton on upcoming Civil Rights ...
From Paralyzed to Purpose-Driven | Wesley Hamilton | TEDxUMKC
Local man talks about impact of Netflix show
KC man focus of new ‘Queer Eye’ episode
Disabled But Not Really | Wesley Hamilton | TEDxOverlandPark

Wesley Hamilton Reviews

  • We appreciated Wesley's authenticity and vulnerability. He captivated our audience and motivated them to live their best possible lives. He charged our medical community to deliver exceptional care to all patients who come through our doors without judgement or bias but instead instilling hope as we send them on their way. Wonderful experience.
    Barnes-Jewish Hospital - Oct 03 2022

  • Cerner - Jul 27 2021

  • Rutgers University Office of Leadership & Experiential Learning - Apr 20 2021

  • Thank you! A fabulous experience
    Southern Oregon University - Oct 25 2019

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