Keynote speaker becky kekula

As a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion everywhere, Becky strives to teach acceptance while educating and motivating all people to establish goals and work hard to accomplish them. She's ready to come share her story, enlighten, and motivate you, your colleagues, and communities.

Becky was born with achondroplasia, the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism. She stands 4 feet tall. Both of her parents and older sister are “average” height. Her parents always taught her to keep a positive outlook, no matter how harsh the outside world may be. She grew up participating in sports such as sailing, skiing, soccer, and swimming, amongst her "average" height peers. When people ask her if she likes being a little person, she always has the same answer. "I never want to change but I want the way the outside world reacts to my difference to change."

Becky received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Providence College, where she gained a passion for influencing authentic portrayals of people with disabilities in the media and society. Upon graduation and after 1,000 job applications, 100 interviews, and three temporary job assignments, Becky started working in the Entertainment Marketing department, followed by the Comedy Touring department, at Creative Artists Agency, the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency. Five years later, she worked at CBS Television Studios, where she assisted with the casting of pilots and television series. During this transition, she also served as the Marketing Director and Co-Founding Board Member of the Catalina Film Festival. She also founded DisABILITY In Media, which focuses on positive disability inclusion storytelling through social media.

Independence First is pleased to welcome Becky Kekula as our Empower Lunch Keynote Speaker this year.

Schedule

11:30AM - Networking

12:15PM - Lunch

12:45PM - Speakers and Awards

1:45PM  - Program ends