Jennifer Marshall - Actor/Speaker/Veteran Keynote Speaker from Dallas, TX

Jennifer Marshall is an actress who has appeared in Stranger Things, Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, NCIS: LA, Amazon’s Reacher, Apple’s For All Mankind and Sugar (with Colin Farrell) as well as the host of the CW’s Mysteries Decoded. She is a proud military veteran who served for five years in the United States Navy, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is also a stage three cancer survivor. She has been featured on CNN, FOX, HLN, KTLA, and multiple other networks. PRESENTATIONS 1) "Embracing Discomfort: The Catalyst for Personal Growth" We all face difficult times in our lives. For many, those times can catapult one into an unrecoverable spiral. For others, these crucial moments work to strengthen resolve, think outside the box and ultimately emerge from the ordeal fortified with newfound strength and wisdom. In this program, Jennifer guides the audience through her journey from navigating childhood poverty to her military service to working in Hollywood and then at 39, surviving stage three cancer. 2) "Rising Above: Choosing Survivorship and Defying Victimhood" Challenges befall even the most virtuous individuals. These trials can leave lasting scars, but it’s crucial to recognize that you are defined by who you are, not merely by the events that have transpired in your life. Your future is determined not by the occurrence of outside events, but by how you respond to such events. Change the narrative around your trauma and watch your life transform. 3) "Unbreakable Spirit: Confronting PTSD, Infertility & Cancer with Courage and Strength.” At 19, Jennifer confronted the harrowing aftermath of a sexual assault, navigating challenges not only from the event but also from her military command. Overcoming post-traumatic stress became a decade-long battle filled with therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Just when life was looking stable and prosperous, at 39, she was struck by a stage three cancer diagnosis, thrust into the daunting prospect of potentially orphaning her four children. Jennifer shares her journey of facing seemingly insurmountable odds and detailing the resilience that propelled her through - leading to a brighter, healthier, and more grateful existence on the other side. 4) "Real Heroes, Real Stories: Demanding Accuracy in Media Depiction of Veterans" To best provide an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of veterans in the media, it is essential to challenge the prevailing narrative and strive for more nuanced representation. Beyond the shadows of tragedy, service encompasses a spectrum of experiences – moments of camaraderie, shared laughter and collective resilience during both active duty and post-service life. In the current media landscape, the spotlight often fixates on one aspect—post-traumatic stress—overshadowing the multifaceted nature military service. When military themes are explored, it is a call to honor and understand—not just entertain, which is why it is essential to involve the military and veteran community in the creative, development and executive processes. 5) "The Power of Persistence: Breaking Through 'No' to Overcome Hurdles & Achieve Success" Arriving in Hollywood at the “ancient” age of 30+, Jennifer faced obstacle after obstacle in a career field that has a 95% failure rate. Actors need agents to get auditions. Without auditions, actors can't book roles. Actors can't obtain an agent without connections and previous TV and film roles, which she didn’t have. Within five years of moving to Los Angeles, Jennifer booked a pivotal role of “Max’s mom” on Stranger Things and a year later, became the host of her own show on the CW, Mysteries Decoded. How did she overcome the seemingly insurmountable? 6) “Defenders of Liberty: Celebrating the Courage & Sacrifice of Our Veterans & Service Members." This particular speech is tailored for patriotic themed events and holidays - Armed Forces day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day. These all have special but different meanings. Our service members and veterans are the guardians of freedom and have kept Americans and millions around the globe free from oppressive regimes and the specter of communism.