"Wendy Naarup presented her speech entitled, “Bounce…Stay in control of the ball” to staff and faculty members of the Lawrence University community on December 21, 2009. From beginning to end, Wendy weaved a wonderful web of humor into her talk about the very serious issue of dealing with adversity. My colleagues and I were duly impressed. In addition to providing us with anecdotes about how she dealt with her personal challenges and tragedies, her transparency and honesty helped her connect with the audience in a way I’ve never seen before. The effect was that Wendy inspired and motivated us to take control of our lives; i.e., be the “point guard,” and deal with the inevitable curve balls life throws our way in healthy ways. Since it is true that “life is not always fair,” it would be useful for everyone from the Millennial to the Greatest Generations to hear Wendy’s talk.”
Calvin Husemann
Lawrence University, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

"Wendy's enthusiasm and openness made her easy to connect with. Her message made me look at decisions - big to everyday - in a whole new way. Life is what YOU make it... if you choose to.”
Jessa Dukelow
Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituency Engagement, Lawrence University

"Wendy spoke at our fundraising event and she immediately captivated the audience when she took the floor. Her honesty, and candor combined with her great sense of humor but equally powerful ability to convey "reality" met with challenges to affect change, left the audience deeply moved. You could simply say that Wendy has a way with words. She can take the most challenging topic, break it down to understandable bites and send you swirling into the future knowing that truly anything is possible. If I were looking for a speaker to captivate an audience, I would without hesitation hire Wendy. But be forewarned, you may never look at things the same way again.”
Jeff Amstutz
Creative Director/Principal, A2Z Design, LLC

"Wendy is a woman of strength and wit, integrity and power. Her energy in a room is engaging and intense yet playful. Wendy's message inspires each participant to demand more of themselves and more for the one life that is theirs to create and share with the world.”
Jeanne Loehnis
Life Coach and Motivational Singer/Songwriter/Facilitator

"My name is Amy Leach, I'm a freshmen and I attended your presentation at UW-Oshkosh on Monday the 11th. I can truly say that your presentation has been on my mind ever since I walked out of the room that night. It spoke so much to me and I have been trying to wrap my mind around it and find the words to thank you for coming in. I have been nowhere near what you have been through but I felt like I could relate in so many ways. I have a lot of trouble finding confidence in myself, my self-consciousness and self-doubt seem to over-power sometimes. I've always heard of people saying that a speaker has opened their eyes or changed their life and I never believed it, until I heard your presentation. You have inspired me to never give up. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you. You are such an incredible women and I am so grateful that I was able to hear your story.”
Amy Leach
Freshman, UWO

"Wendy Naarup shared insights into dealing with adversity based on experiences that were deeply personal but in a way that was engagingly positive. She touched on topics that, in turn, touched the hearts and minds of Toastmasters. I have received nothing but overwhelmingly positive feedback from our club members on their reception of her message. The thing that I was most impressed by was the way that Wendy related stories from her life that reflected significant struggles and mind-boggling hardship while overcoming adversity. She framed these anecdotes for the audience in ways that made them relevant and inspiring for all audience members.”
Jim Kohli
Lieutenant Governor Education & Training - District 35 Toastmasters