MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, & OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

John W. Quinn was born in Detroit, Michigan; one of eight children. Although diagnosed at a young age with cerebral palsy, John developed a strong desire to serve his country and wear the uniform of his nation. So, in spite of his partial paralysis, two different sized feet, and the inability to walk prior to the age of four, John joined the United States Navy in January 1982, specializing in administration. He did it while keeping his condition a complete secret.

Throughout his distinguished twenty-year career, he sailed around the world on carriers, battleships, destroyers, and is a plank owner (founding member) of SEAL Team THREE. His numerous military decorations include four Navy Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and four Navy Achievement Medals. He is authorized to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare breast insignia. John makes his home in Tucson, Arizona.