Stories of Courage, Strength and Growth

From One of the First US Women to Serve on Warships

When the seas get rough,

adjust course

Be brave because you are a

warrior

You are

unstoppable

On this day … Reflection

Yesterday, I had one of those mildly amusing facebook memories pop up on my phone.  I'll admit that sometimes it's fun to look back and see what you were doing some moment suspended in time.  I enjoy viewing those moments from another perspective and even reliving...

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Ice Cold Fire

Last Friday, I was looking forward to attending an inspirational event being put on by a good friend.  I had no idea exactly what I had signed up to do that evening—I just trusted that the training that Bill would provide would be well worth my time and money!  I...

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Spontaneous Road Trip 2016

This year for spring break, my girls and I decided to take a spontaneous road trip.  We were “considering” doing the long drive to the Grand Canyon, but with needing to be back by Wednesday, thought we’d end up spending more time in the car than on a trail.  Instead,...

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Book Bar Surprise

As many of you may know, I recently did an author event for Girl At Sea at Denver’s Book Bar in the beginning of March.  If you haven’t been to the Book Bar in Denver’s trendy Highlands, you need to check it out because the owner, Nicole Sullivan, has created a very...

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No Barriers USA inaugural Women’s Summit 2015 Inspires ALL

Last Thursday, I had the privilege to head down to Telluride, Colorado with the No Barriers USA team for their first annual Women’s Summit over the long weekend.  No Barriers USA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “unleash the human spirit.”  This...

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  • Linda C. Morris, 2017Linda C. Morris, 2017Board Member of a Civilian Naval Support Organization

    It is rare to find a speaker with such high energy and engaging presentation style who connects with the entire audience. Joanna Sprtel Walters, author of Girl at Sea, A Story of Courage, Strength and Growth, From One of the Few Women to Serve on U.S. Warships, is an Annapolis graduate, an accomplished athlete and former Naval Officer who served aboard Navy Warships. It was my honor to play a part in inviting and hosting Joanna Walters as special guest speaker to address guests at a Navy event with both civilian and Navy attendees. Joanna fits the bill when it comes to speaking about personal growth, setting goals, overcoming challenges and heading toward success. Joanna’s energetic presentation was inspirational, providing a great breath of fresh air, re-energizing students and adults, filling them with superb ideas and encouragement. She is becoming an in-demand speaker across the country with schools, corporations, organizations, family groups, and more. Her remarks are tailored to each audience. She is an engaging, inspiring and highly thought-provoking speaker who makes people realize they have the ability to build toward success and achieve their goals. Joanna Walter’s speaking engagement on that evening rates a resounding “Bravo Zulu!”

  • Sherri NelsonSherri Nelson

    Joanna Walters, Naval Academy graduate, mother, warrior and author of Girl At Sea spoke to the USNA Parents Club of Colorado in the spring of 2017. Ms. Walters gave a speech that everyone in the room could relate to. All of our children had been through similar experiences at the Naval Academy and we were hopeful that our midshipmen will be as successful. Ms. Walters shares the bad and good experiences of her early years leading to an uplifting and motivational speech for all ages. She is a positive mentor for young women who want to take a path less traveled.

  • Midshipman 1/c Emily PetersonMidshipman 1/c Emily Peterson

    Hosting Ms. Walters, a former Naval Academy graduate, was enlightening to us as current Midshipmen in gaining a female perspective of the U.S. Naval Fleet. Learning about being a female with the “long blue line” of naval service and hearing experiences about courage and leadership aboard integrated naval warships broadened our perspective and appreciation of the Navy and our future careers greatly. Ms. Walters was not only inspiring and informative, she was relatable and an image of our potential.

  • Cindy Bean, Chief Development OfficerCindy Bean, Chief Development OfficerNo Barriers USA

    Joanna was one of our keynote speakers at the No Barriers USA Women’s retreat in Telluride, CO. She brilliantly shared her unique experiences with our group and many good stories about leadership, courage and bravery. What I liked most was her ability to connect with our diverse group of women from around the world. I would definitely recommend her to not only women’s groups, but groups of all types and sizes.

  • Peter Hovinen, 8th Grade Honors English TeacherPeter Hovinen, 8th Grade Honors English TeacherThe Manning School

    Joanna came to speak to our entire 8th grade class last fall. She kept our students engaged and literally on the edge of their seats as she not only gave them a glimpse of Naval Academy life and sea stories from the fleet, but also shared her real-world writing experience and made the very poignant point that her writing began at their age. She inspired my students to bravely go after their dreams …and to write about it throughout. I would highly recommend she speak to your school—especially your English classes.

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