What People Are Saying
"Melissa Wandall was EXACTLY the keynote speaker we needed for our 2024 Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Highway Safety!"
During the planning for our annual highway safety conference, we were really looking for someone to kick off our conference with a call to action, someone to set a tone of passion for doing whatever it takes to save lives on our roadways. Having Melissa as our conference opening keynote was like hitting a grand slam – her incredible story of passion and resolve was both moving and motivating. I personally heard from numerous conference attendees during the conference and even after the conference about how “powerful” and “inspiring” Melissa was, and several simply said “wow.”
Not only did Melissa provide one of the best conference keynote openings we have ever had, she then participated in a panel discussion on automated enforcement (not currently allowed in Wisconsin). That panel discussion was extremely informative and very well received. Above and beyond all of that, Melissa has remained in contact to offer support in our efforts going forward in Wisconsin.
I can’t thank Melissa enough for coming to Wisconsin and sharing her story and amazing work! She is one of a kind!
Randy Wiessinger
Law Enforcement Liaison / Consultant
Wisconsin Dept of Transportation
"Melissa Wandall is an inspiration; ablaze with passion and guided by a clear purpose!"
After meeting Melissa in Florida at Transpo 2022 and witnessing how she rivetted a room of transportation engineers and operations professionals, I had to share her impactful story with my Virginia colleagues. Melissa became the keynote speaker for our ITSVA Annual Conference 2023 – themed “Transportation Technology with Purpose”. She delivered a dynamic presentation with a message that echoed throughout the conference, effectively connecting the audience emotionally to the ever important and primary element of our mission: safety.
Melissa has courageously converted a painful experience into a light. She channels Mark’s love and pours herself into encouraging the highest capability from the transportation community and reminds us of our professional purpose; our ‘why’.
Thank you, Melissa!
"Melissa Wandall has joined my graduate classes at Clemson University on several occasions and I wish, I could bring her in every semester!"
“As a guest speaker, Melissa Wandall has joined my graduate classes at Clemson University on several occasions and I wish, I could bring her in every semester! She is charismatic, articulate, concise, and most importantly, she is an expert on policy change. Her story is the most commendable example of human strength, fidelity, and altruism, and her experience as a change agent is an invaluable example of possibility inherent in our democracy. Students continue to reflect on Melissa’s journey long after she has left and find not only inspiration from her words, but also an encouragement to actively endeavor toward more remarkable and equitable public policies in the U.S.”
Ekaterina (Katya) Yazykova Mellott, PhD
Professor of Public Administration and Policy Studies
MPA Program, Clemson University
"She is an ABSOLUTE force and truly embodies the work she does..."
“When I had the privilege of seeing Melissa present at the Lifesaver’s Conference in 2022, I almost immediately started to look up more on her work. She is an ABSOLUTE force and truly embodies the work she does in bringing so much strength to others no matter their trauma! After previously speaking from a victim’s perspective her words, her story and her passion gave me the fire I needed to realize I am not only a survivor of trauma, I have the ability to thrive in this work and make a difference as she does continuously! As a committee member in planning the NY Highway Safety Symposium I suggested Melissa as a keynote. I was so thankful Melissa was able to join, as the respect for her work was even more evident with how well her message was received in bringing confidence to keep moving forward.”
Lindsay Tomidy
NYS Highway Safety Symposium Planning Committee
Monroe County STOP-DWI Coordinator
STOP-DWI Association Western Region Chair
"Melissa’s presentation personalized the issue… the human story behind the crash statistics many of us deal with daily."
“When the Florida regions of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society combined for their first joint meeting since the pandemic – Transpo 2022 – Melissa was our keynote speaker. With traffic safety a major element of both organizations, and a key theme of the conference, Melissa’s presentation personalized the issue…the human story behind the crash statistics many of us deal with daily. She captivated the attendees; after the session, many lined up to talk with her personally. And, over the next two days of technical presentations, Melissa’s opening comments were mentioned again and again. A powerful story presented with a lasting impact.”
Pete Yauch, P.E., PTOE, RSP2i
District Administrator
Florida Puerto Rico District, Institute of Transportation Engineers
"I cannot thank Melissa enough for what she’s done for our community."
The profound impact Melissa’s message has had on our organization and local governments is passed on to others, much as the ripples in a pond go on and on until they’re no longer visible, but continuing the safety journey.
Melissa’s powerful story is the drive that kick-started our Vision Zero Program and surely contributed to all 16 cities, the county, and school board to adopt the goal of Zero Fatalities and Serious Injuries in Brevard County.
The journey has just begun, but I cannot thank Melissa enough for what she’s done for our community.
Georganna Gillette, Executive Director
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
"Melissa’s passion to improve traffic safety combined with her strength and grace are unprecedented.”
“Melissa Wandall, thrown into the world of safety by a tragic loss, has embraced her advocacy role fearlessly. From serving as the President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads to the Campaign Ambassador for Alert Today Florida, she has been a driving force in reducing fatalities on Florida’s roadways. Melissa’s passion to improve traffic safety combined with her strength and grace are unprecedented.”
Trenda McPherson
Day Communications, Inc.
"Many years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Melissa present on 'The Power of Life Insurance' and her story stuck with me."
Fast Forward 14+ years later – we were looking for a keynote speaker for our annual conference. We wanted someone that could deliver a passionate and memorable presentation on the importance of life insurance ownership in a financial plan. The first person that came to my mind was Melissa. With her powerful personal story, Melissa has a unique ability to grab the hearts of the audience and sincerely bring home this message. She did her research, knew exactly who her audience was and tailored her message to them specifically. One of the best speakers we have had to date – I would highly recommend Melissa!
Eric Stuart, VP | Life Distribution
Allegis Advisor Group
"Her commitment and passion have earned her the National Safety Council Distinguished Service to Safety Award."
Melissa’s tireless advocacy work stems from her love of family, and the recognition that we all stand to lose if safety is discounted. Her commitment and passion have earned her the National Safety Council Distinguished Service to Safety Award, the highest award given to safety professionals, and her story is a powerful reminder that we can all use our voice for making our communities a better, safer place to live.
Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO
National Safety Council
"Melissa has served as a keynote speaker for many Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization programs and initiatives..."
Melissa has served as a keynote speaker for many Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization programs and initiatives that I have coordinated over the last several years. The most frequent word you hear in response to Melissa’s message is “inspiring.” By sharing her personal story, she encourages people to find their “why” in life and to use that as motivation to affect positive change. Melissa’s courage, grace, and passion resonate with listeners and they are left with a desire to do more. She leaves an impactful imprint on audience’s minds and hearts.
Kim Smith
Education and Safety Coordinator
Vision Zero Project Manager
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
"Melissa Wandall is a reminder how one life can heal many."
We often describe unwavering commitment, as “passionate.” In my 16 years of working in the field of trauma and bereavement, I have seen no one more committed to the lives of others. Passionate would underestimate her impact. Laws have been changed, lives saved and families brought together to grieve. Helping others is a responsibility we are supposed to accept. Melissa Wandall is a reminder how one life can heal many.
Pete Schrock, Co-Founder & Chief People Officer
Legacy Navigator
