2024 Keynote Speakers

<< Back to Conference Main Page

Master Sergeant Cedric King (Ret.) entered the United States Army in 1995. During his 20-year career, MSG King proved himself to be an exemplary soldier graduating from several distinguished schools. He is the recipient of multiple awards, including but not limited to: The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Legion of Merit and is an awardee of the order of Saint Maurice The Patron Saint of the Infantry.

On July 25, 2012, MSG King was severely injured by an Improvised Explosive Device during his second tour in Afghanistan. The explosion caused internal injuries, permanent damage to his right arm and hand, as well as the amputation of both of his legs.  Although injured, MSG King was determined to use this setback as a means to find strength he never knew existed. Just 21 months after losing his legs, Cedric completed the 2014 Boston Marathon using prosthetic running blades.

Since becoming a double amputee, Cedric has gone on to compete in some of the world’s toughest endurance events from marathons to Ironman triathlons. To date, Cedric has completed 23 full marathons including 4 of the 6 World Major marathons, making him one of 3 double amputees in the world to accomplish such a feat.

After retiring from the military in 2015, Cedric began a new career path as a motivational speaker and author of his first book titled, “The Making Point.”   Cedric shares his experiences in leadership, perseverance and endurance with corporate audiences and Fortune 500 companies across the globe.

Cedric has been married to his lovely wife, Khieda for over 20 years and the couple have two beautiful daughters.

McKenna Reitz is a beacon of resilience and transformation, renowned for her dynamic TEDx talk and 18-year tenure as an award-winning Advanced Placement Psychology teacher. With an innate ability to turn adversity into an advantage, McKenna's journey as an alopecia warrior underscores her dedication to empowering others to see beyond their struggles, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.

As an alumnus of Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Educational Technology from the University of Toledo, McKenna has consistently demonstrated excellence in education and leadership. Recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Toledo 20 Under 40 and the 'I Make a Difference' teacher award, she is celebrated for her contribution to the community and her role as a beacon of inspiration and leadership. As a celebrated varsity volleyball coach for 19 years, her leadership on and off the court has been recognized as being named among the BCSN Top 20 Coaches of the Past 20 Years and multiple 'Coach of the Year' accolades, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and mentorship.

Beyond the classroom, McKenna's influence extends into motivational speaking and consultancy, where she leverages her personal and professional experiences to inspire a diverse audience. From leading organizations like Cigna, Stellantis, and United Way to academic powerhouses like the University of Michigan and Hope College, her messages of resilience, purpose, and leadership resonate deeply, driving change and fostering a culture of empowerment.

McKenna's narrative is one of unwavering strength and purpose, reflected in her notable media appearances on platforms such as Forbes, Good Morning America, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and Woman’s Day. Her keynote, "Igniting Transformation: Leading with Purpose and Impact," encapsulates her journey and the lessons learned, offering actionable insights for personal and professional development.

Residing in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters, McKenna's story is not just about facing life's hurdles but about leaping over them with grace and determination. Through her speaking engagements, teaching, and coaching, she continues to be a catalyst for transformation, demonstrating that adversity, when embraced, can forge pathways to growth and enlightenment.