"Born Differnt, Built Strong" Speaker Series

---

 The Born Different, Built Strong speaking series features Grace Hong—founder of the Grip Foundation, Division I athlete, and a powerful voice for inclusion. 

Born with a limb difference, Grace travels the globe to speak with kids, teens, families, corporate teams, DEI leaders, and professional communities, sharing her raw, relatable story and empowering message: difference is not a limitation, it’s a source of strength.

Whether she’s addressing kids, parents, or professionals, Grace’s talks blend motivational insight, personal experience, practical tools, and humor. 

 Born Different, Built Strong: A Personal Story of Strength

This is Grace’s signature keynote—a powerful, heartfelt journey that brings audiences face-to-face with what it truly means to grow up different and rise because of it.

In this raw and inspiring talk, Grace opens up about her life with a limb difference. From the awkward stares in childhood to the invisible pressures of fitting in, and the quiet strength she found in moments of doubt. Through vulnerability, humor, and sharp insight, she shares the challenges that shaped her identity and the pivotal turning points that helped her reclaim her story—not as one of limitation, but one of resilience, purpose, and pride.

Grace's storytelling style is as honest as it is uplifting. With laughter, reflection, and a deep sense of relatability, she invites audiences to rethink how they view difference whether in themselves or others. Her message is especially powerful for those who have ever felt out of place, underestimated, or unseen.

Perfect for schools, general audiences, and DEI-focused events, this keynote sparks conversations about identity, inclusion, empathy, and strength, leaving audiences not only inspired, but motivated to see difference as something to value, celebrate, and elevate.

 Born Different, Built Strong for kids: A Storytime with Grace

This fun, heartwarming talk is designed just for kids ages 5 to 10, and it’s all about celebrating what makes us unique!

Through interactive stories, funny moments, and real-life examples, Grace shares how being born with a limb difference made her stronger—not weaker—and how differences are something to be curious about, not afraid of. With warmth, humor, and lots of audience participation, she helps young kids understand that we all have differences—some you can see, and some you can’t—and that’s what makes the world amazing.

Grace uses storytelling, questions, and fun group activities to help kids talk about what makes them special, while also teaching them how to accept and empower others. The message is simple and powerful: difference is normal, kindness matters, and everyone deserves to feel seen, included, and proud of who they are.

This is the perfect talk for schools, libraries, assemblies, and early education programs that want to teach empathy, celebrate diversity, and build confidence in every child—one smile, story, and high-five at a time.

 The Confidence Blueprint: A Message for Parents

Honest, humorous, and deeply personal, this talk offers parents and caregivers a blueprint for raising confident, empowered children with limb differences. Grace shares her own experiences growing up—from the well-meaning missteps of her own parents to the moments that made all the difference. Blending raw insight with laughter and real-life strategies. 

Through stories, mindset shifts, and inclusive language tips, parents walk away with tools to support their child’s confidence from day one. Includes an interactive Q&A where families can ask questions and connect directly with Grace.

 Turning Insecurity into Impact: A talk for teens 

In this powerful and engaging talk, Grace speaks directly to teens and young adults about transforming self-doubt, insecurity, and comparison into confidence, identity, and purpose. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and real talk, she connects deeply with her audience—sharing how her greatest insecurities became the foundation of her strength.

This talk concludes with an interactive session where Grace invites teens to be part of the conversation—encouraging them to share their own stories and experiences with insecurity. They can ask honest questions, and receive practical, heartfelt advice. Through personal moments, relatable humor, and storytelling interludes that highlight key turning points in her journey, Grace creates a space where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered.

 The Athlete’s Edge: Competing with a Difference

In this talk, Grace shares the untold story of what it means to compete and thrive with a limb difference. Bold, inspiring, and deeply personal, she takes audiences inside her athletic journey, revealing the grit, mindset, and defining moments that helped her rise—not in spite of her difference, but because of it.

Through raw storytelling and honest reflection, Grace explores the power of perseverance, drive, and self-confidence, showing how early doubts became fuel for her success.

Ideal for athletes, coaches, PE programs, and inclusion leaders, this talk is a call to action: to expand the definition of what an athlete looks like—and to recognize the extraordinary strength that comes from perspective and persistence. Whether you're on the court or in the stands, Grace’s message will leave you rethinking what's possible, and proud to play your own game, your way.

 Mirror Talk: What Every Teen with a Difference Should Hear

Raw, real, and unapologetically honest, this talk is a heart-to-heart for teens navigating life with a visible or invisible difference. Grace opens up about her own struggles with self-image, identity, and social pressure—sharing what it was really like to grow up with a limb difference in a world that often defines beauty, ability, and worth far too narrowly.

With a voice that’s equal parts empowering and relatable, Grace speaks directly to teens who may feel alone, misunderstood, or unsure of how they fit in. She doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. From stares and stereotypes to internal doubts, she also brings warmth, humor, and hope to every moment.

Teens will walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and a deeper understanding of how to be confident, proud, and unapologetically real in their own skin—regardless of what makes them different.

This talk creates a safe space for reflection, conversation, and growth, and reminds every teen listening that who they are is more than enough.

 Representation Rewired: Why Inclusive Visibility Isn’t Just Right—It’s Smart 

In this powerful and eye-opening talk, Grace explores how authentic representation of people with disabilities across media, sports, advertising, leadership, and education doesn’t just shape individual identity—it rewires how society sees and values difference. When disability is visible, celebrated, and normalized, it shifts narratives, fosters inclusion, and creates lasting cultural change—especially for young people who’ve rarely seen themselves reflected in the world around them.

Grace shares personal stories of growing up without representation and the silent impact it had on her confidence. She also highlights the progress being made today—and why true inclusion still requires intentional action.

This talk delivers a strong call to action for brands, organizations, and content creators: inclusive representation isn’t performative—it’s powerful. It builds brand loyalty, widens reach, deepens impact, and helps shape a world where every person feels seen, respected, and inspired.

Grace brings heart, humor, and powerful perspective to every stage she steps on. Whether you're hosting a school assembly, corporate summit, or community event, Grace’s talks leave audiences inspired, informed, and energized and empowered. 

To inquire about availability, speaking topics, or to book Grace for your next event click below