Mercedes Ramirez Johnson
Survivor of the Deadly Colombian Mountain Crash
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: $5,000–$10,000 [FEE NOTE]
TRAVELS FROM: Texas
RELATED TOPICS: Hispanic Speakers, Inspiring Personal Stories, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth & Success
In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count…and that she has – not only for herself, but also for the tens of thousands of people who have heard her story and her message.
In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. She presents her proprietary Second Chance Living concept, an innovative mindset and approach with a proven track record, to organizations such as General Electric, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, NASA, Chevron, and the various branches of the US Armed Forces.
Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion-dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. She is an active leader in philanthropic organizations advocating for special needs children and children’s health initiatives, notably for Make-A- Wish and The National MPS Society.
Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage.
Her extensive media experience includes appearances on The BBC, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Health Channel and as a recurring guest on numerous nationally syndicated daytime talk shows on NBC and ABC. In addition, numerous national magazines and major-market newspapers have run cover stories and special-interest pieces about her, and she was recognized as one of the country’s top young Hispanic up-and-comers by People Magazine’s Spanish edition, People en Español.
Mercedes and her children reside in the Dallas, Texas.
Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion-dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. She is an active leader in philanthropic organizations advocating for special needs children and children’s health initiatives, notably for Make-A- Wish and The National MPS Society.
Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage.
Her extensive media experience includes appearances on The BBC, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Health Channel and as a recurring guest on numerous nationally syndicated daytime talk shows on NBC and ABC. In addition, numerous national magazines and major-market newspapers have run cover stories and special-interest pieces about her, and she was recognized as one of the country’s top young Hispanic up-and-comers by People Magazine’s Spanish edition, People en Español.
Mercedes and her children reside in the Dallas, Texas.
- Resilience: Your Most Important Muscle (Virtual)
This topic of resilience is based on research and studies proving that our personal and professional resilience is an intentional habit that directly affects our feelings of fulfillment, gratitude and grit. This program includes strategies on shifting our focus to serving others, deliberately placing our stressors into proper perspective and clearing the mental fog to power forward through times of personal and professional turbulence. - Second Chance Living - What Will You Do With Your Second Chance?
“What will you do with your second chance today?” is the question Mercedes poses to general audiences in this transformational program. Her gripping story moves participants to put their lives in perspective and carefully consider how the choices they make profoundly affect their future. Participants will walk away with increased confidence, knowing that no matter what challenges they may face, they have the fortitude and ability to take ownership of their lives and find the fulfillment they desire. - Get It Right Today, Not Tomorrow
Do your employees and leaders too often operate in Survival Mode, putting out fires and putting off until tomorrow what should be done today? This program powerfully dispels the notion that there will always be a tomorrow in which we can finish today’s unfinished business and moves individuals to work and live with intentionality. Participants will leave fully engaged and ready to confront difficult situations, tackle complex issues, serve customers with respect and urgency, and perform their jobs with renewed passion. - Safety: Don’t Count on Second Chances
Can too much experience be a bad thing? Absolutely…if it leads to complacency. The highly experienced pilots of Flight 965 were lulled into a false sense of security that led to the deaths of 160 people. Mercedes’ one-of-a-kind safety presentation uses the factual account of the crash of Flight 965 as an anchor to drive home the dangers of complacency and the importance of situational awareness. Participants will clearly understand the difference between knowing about safety and putting safety into action.
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