“The most inspirational talk of the year…”
“Swapna’s talk to the Optimist Club of Huntsville was deemed by our newsletter writer to be, ‘the most inspirational talk of the year’, (out of approximately 150). That was certainly the consensus of the attending members.
We all face burdens in life and try to face them with some measure of dignity and acceptance, but we all realized that we had never faced the challenges this young woman has faced. We were all overcome by her attitude of living as full a life as physically possible without dwelling on her limitations. We all agreed that, had we not known her situation, we never would have imagined that this beautiful and vibrant young woman had to overcome such severe obstacles.
She tells her story so well and, as she does so, we did not feel pity but rather a celebration of the human spirit.”
-George McDonough, President, Optimist Club of Huntsville
“A great speaker and an asset to any kind of audience.”
“Although Swapna was dealt difficult cards early on in life, she has played them very well, going above and beyond any young lady her age.
Her speech is full of poise, bravery, and courage, and her passionate stories of hope, determination, and perseverance inspire all ages to live life with more spunk!
The President of the Association, along with several guests, were very impressed with Swapna’s ability to communicate and motivate people. She is a great speaker and an asset to any kind of audience. It was evident, her inspirational talk to an audience of about 800 persons was the highlight of the afternoon.”
-Dr. Ravindra Lal and Mr. Mohammed Miran, Co-Chairs, Asha Kiran’s Ray of Hope 2013 Event
“One of the of the most moving graduation speeches I have ever heard.”
“Swapna used her personal health journey and selection as the student commencement speaker to challenge fellow graduates “to change our potential into our true purpose.” She asked a simple question to which every graduate could relate, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
In this manner, she engaged the entire audience, as all had considered that question as a child. She challenged graduates to turn personal challenges into “a driving force for the future.” Her delivery was an important part to this being an impactful speech for the 6,000 present at Bartow Arena.
Swapna did a remarkable job balancing life’s challenges with goals and dreams to motivate her audience. Her talk was motivational in a very personal way that truly challenged not only her fellow graduates, but all in attendance.”
-Andy Marsch, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, University of Alabama at Birmingham
“Provocative, moving, and inspirational”
Photo by David Brown
“Swapna Kakani’s story is provocative, moving, and inspirational. She speaks from the heart with grace, dignity, and courage.
Swapna’s story is extraordinary, and her voice is hers alone; but, at the same time, she connects to all of us who seek to do something meaningful with our lives and leave the world a little better than we found it.”
-Dr. Byron Hulsey, Headmaster of Woodberry Forest School, Previous President of Randolph School
“The March of Dimes in Huntsville Alabama was honored to have Swapna Kakani speak at the 2013 Signature Chefs Auction as our Ambassador Family.The way she presented her story with such professional passion and poise compelled 250 guests at the venue. Everybody was deeply touched and Swapna was able to convince the guests about the importance of our mission with her brilliant logic.
In addition Ms. Kakani spoke at one of our High Schools to explain to the students the importance of the March of Dimes mission, and how helping others now as a teenager provides for a foundation for a healthy, responsible life style in their future.”
“Swapna delivered an inspirational presentation laced with humor, charm, and transparency.”
“Swapna delivered an inspirational presentation laced with humor, charm, and transparency. She captivated the audience throughout her entire presentation and she was well received, as evidenced by the high scores received on the post presentation evaluations.
Through the sharing of her personal life experiences of multiple surgeries, milestones, and central lines, Swapna offered a unique perspective in educating on the importance of utilizing infection prevention strategies when caring for maintaining central lines, or “life-lines,” as she so poignantly referred to it.
The Infection Prevention & Control Team most of all appreciates Swapna’s passion, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Furthermore, we would highly recommend you as a keynote speaker for other audiences that include health care providers, patients with central lines, or any other professional group seeking to educate and inspire its members.”
-Shoshannah Anderson, RN, BSN, Infection Preventionist, Huntsville Hospital
“Very professional, forthcoming, told her journey in healthcare without bias.”
“Very professional, forthcoming, told her journey in healthcare without bias. She held the audience captive with her touching story.
Swapna beautifully painted a picture of looking at care through the patient’s eyes. Many of the attendees approached me after to comment on how powerful it was.”
-Pat Jackson (Director), Lynn Lee (Manager), and Joy Dawes (Patient Advocate), Customer Service Department, Huntsville Hospital