Inspirational Keynote Speaker Debbie Phelps Moves the Audience with a Powerful Story of Resilience, Single Motherhood, and Family Triumph
Keynote speaker and celebrated educator Debbie Phelps delivered an unforgettable fireside chat at the Jeremiah Program’s annual Voices Rising fundraising luncheon on November 5, 2025, at Howard Community College’s Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center in Columbia, Maryland. In a room filled with single mothers, donors, community leaders, and supporters of the Jeremiah Program’s Baltimore campus, Debbie shared her deeply personal journey as a single mother of three, offering an authentic and moving testament to perseverance, love, and the transformative power of education.
Raising an Olympic Legend
Speaking candidly about the challenges of balancing a demanding career as a middle-school principal with raising three children alone, Debbie recounted the extraordinary obstacles and triumphs that defined her family’s story. She spoke openly about the early years when her son, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, was diagnosed with autism—a time when resources were scarce and societal understanding was limited. With unwavering determination, Debbie became Michael’s fiercest advocate, navigating special education systems, managing intense behavioral challenges, and instilling in him the discipline and self-belief that would one day propel him to 28 Olympic medals and global icon status.
Rave Reviews
“Every mother in that room saw herself in Debbie’s story,” said the Executive Director of Jeremiah Program Baltimore. “Please pass along our deepest thanks to Debbie. She was absolutely wonderful. Her fireside chat was engaging, inspiring, and so authentic. Her story truly resonated with everyone in the room—our moms, donors, and community partners alike. Each person could see a piece of themselves in her journey, which made the conversation more powerful. Debbie’s openness and insight helped ground the audience in the importance of our work in supporting single moms as they pursue higher education and build brighter futures for their families. We greatly appreciate her taking the time to be a part of our Voices Rising event.”
Voices Rising
The annual Voices Rising luncheon celebrates the courage and achievements of Jeremiah Program participant families while raising critical funds to support two-generation programming that empowers single mothers to earn college degrees, secure family-sustaining careers, and create stronger futures for themselves and their children. Debbie’s heartfelt message aligned perfectly with the organization’s mission, reinforcing that no obstacle is insurmountable when met with love, perseverance, and community support.
Inspirational Keynote Speaker
Now happily retired after a distinguished 38-year career in education—including 24 years as a principal—Debbie Phelps has stepped fully into her next chapter as one of America’s most sought-after motivational and inspirational speakers. With her calendar newly opened, she is more available than ever to bring her signature blend of warmth, wisdom, and real-life triumph to conferences, corporate events, women’s leadership summits, education forums, nonprofit fundraisers, and faith-based gatherings nationwide. Audiences leave Debbie’s presentations not only inspired but equipped with practical insights on resilience, parenting through adversity, work-life integration, advocacy, and the lifelong impact of believing in a child’s potential—even when the world sees limitations.
Debbie Phelps is Exclusively Represented by Speakers.com
Organizations interested in booking Debbie for future engagements are encouraged to visit www.Speakers.com or contact the Speakers.com team directly to secure this extraordinary voice of hope and determination. Debbie Phelps is a retired educator, bestselling author, proud mother of three, and the guiding force behind 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. Her keynote presentations weave together powerful lessons from her journey as a single mother, career educator, and advocate for children with learning differences.
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Speakers.com represents the world’s most influential and inspiring thought leaders, celebrities, athletes, and motivational speakers. For more than 25 years, the bureau has connected organizations with the perfect voices to elevate their events.
