Closing Keynote – Laurie Hernandez, Olympic Gymnast

2016 Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist
“Dancing with the Stars” Champion

Bringing home the Gold and Silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Laurie Hernandez went on to win the coveted Mirror ball trophy on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” Season 23, and published her first New York Times Best Sellers book titled, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond” in 2017.

In 2018, she released a children’s picture book NYT Best Seller, “She’s Got This” with Harper Collins Children’s Books, while serving as KPMG’s Literacy Champion to promote readership as a path to leadership. Additionally, Mattel created a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie to honor her.

She is a second generation American, as her grandparents are from Puerto Rico, making her the first U.S. born Latina to make the U.S. team since 1984. Laurie was a Gymnastics analyst for NBC’s Peacock and the Olympic Channel for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the National Dog Show. Laurie is a sophomore studying drama at NYU Tisch School of Arts in NYC, while continuing as a Olympic analyst for NBC.

Acting is one of her biggest passions and since 2016, she has done numerous cameos, voiceovers, and co-hosted American Ninja Warrior Junior. Laurie speaks across the country at college campuses and corporate groups about perseverance and gratitude while following one’s passions. As a fierce Mental Health advocate, she has partnered with multiple campaigns and initiatives to encourage support and awareness for all.