I Was About to Die and Realized
I had never really lived.
A Second Chance
OKC Bombing Survivor. CEO. Ironman. Motivational Speaker
I began my career as a teller working for Federal Employees Credit Union located in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. In 1995, I was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble following the Oklahoma City bombing in which 18 of my 33 co-workers were killed. Realizing how close I am to death, I embraced my second chance at life by launching a campaign of self-improvement which included going back to college, losing 200 lbs, and becoming an Ironman Triathlete. Today I am CEO of the same Credit Union and use my experience surviving the OKC bombing and subsequent transformation as a way to ignite hope and a desire for growth in others.
Featured on The Today Show
Recent Speaking Engagements
“Amy was outstanding! Her energy, passion and positivity kept our employees engaged the moment she began speaking. Her story of not only surviving the Oklahoma City bombing but how she has been able to transform her life since then will give hope to anyone who has faced adversity.”
Steve Green
Hobby Lobby, President
“Amy has the remarkable ability to share a profoundly impactful story while connecting with her audience in a meaningful way. Her story is powerful and heartbreaking, but it leaves the listeners filled with hope and a sense of motivation to better themselves and to truly appreciate life. She was the perfect speaker for our company. I still have team members approach me today and tell me how much they enjoyed listening to her story. It’s a beautiful celebration of resilience that motivates and inspires. I will never tire of hearing Amy’s story. I’m hopeful that we can have her back to our company to speak again.”
Meghan Blessing
Kimray, HR Generalist
“Amy was the perfect keynote speaker for WEOKIE’s Annual Meeting. We knew we needed someone phenomenal since it was our 50th anniversary and Amy delivered. Her inspirational message of hope was engaging and relevant to our audiences of all ages. I would wholeheartedly recommend her.”
Brent Taylor
WEOKIE Credit Union, President & CEO
“Jasco Products was honored to have Amy Downs at our inaugural Women’s Mentorship program meeting. Her personal message of faith and strength during adversity is very meaningful and made a lasting impact on all the attendees. Amy conveys her message in such an honest and open way that it captures the listener and makes them feel a part of her journey. I highly recommend Amy for any public speaking event!”
Bettina Sparks
Jasco Products Company, Executive Project Administrator
“Amy is a wonderful inspirational/motivational speaker. Her message of This Is Your Time is a great testimonial of taking charge of your life, making the decision to live your life as you would want. Amy’s very impactive story and powerful message of receiving a second chance at life, taking charge, and never let anyone stop you for success! Amy’s story is a reminder of how resilient we all truly are. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to hear Amy speak, and hope to hear her again.”
Nancy Croix-Stroud, President/CEO
First Class American Credit Union
“Amy Downs has a compelling, unforgettable story to tell, and she delivers it with humor, humility and gravitas. She is an inspiration as both a credit union professional and a courageous human being!”
Caroline Willard, President/CEO
Cornerstone Credit Union League
“Your words were so incredibly impactful. Thank you for taking your Saturday to speak to us. We appreciate and will take to heart your admonishment to live life to the fullest!”
Mark Barth, President/CEO
Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma
“When you listen to Amy, you begin to connect with her on a personal level, a self-examination begins to happen. As you begin this self-reflection and relate it to Amy’s life, you begin to see what is possible. She removes the roadblocks you might of put in your own way and leaves you empowered and believing in yourself.”
Dianne Beckwith, CFE
National Account Manager
Certified Risk Advisor
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
