Gun Violence Prevention Advocate & Nonprofit Leader; Co-Founder of Whitney/Strong Organization; Mass Shooting Survivor

Louisville, KY, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Whitney Austin Biography

Whitney Austin is a mass shooting survivor, gun violence prevention advocate, and nonprofit leader whose experience has positioned her as a prominent voice in the national conversation on gun safety. During an attack at Fifth Third Center in downtown Cincinnati, Austin was shot 12 times. None of the bullets struck a major organ or artery, and she was able to return home to her family after being released from the hospital five days later.

At the time of the shooting, Austin was a vice president at Fifth Third Bank. While recovering in the hospital, she decided to become an advocate for gun violence prevention. Whitney and Waller Austin co-founded the Whitney/Strong Organization, dedicated to ending gun violence through bipartisan legislation, educational training, and fundraising. Austin emphasizes the importance of cooperation across political lines, stating, "We do actually agree on more than we disagree and we need to move forward with those solutions that are rooted in common ground."

Austin and her team have delivered educational workshops in Louisville neighborhoods, focusing on safe firearm storage, suicide awareness, and violence prevention. The organization played a role in the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which allocates $750 million for the creation of red flag laws. Whitney/Strong also led the introduction of the Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention bill in the Kentucky General Assembly, facilitating the temporary transfer of firearms from individuals in crisis.

To further the organization's mission, Austin established two entities: the Whitney/Strong Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on community education through its "Save A Life" programming, and the Whitney/Strong Legislative Fund, which champions legislative solutions at the state and federal levels.

Austin is a frequent public speaker and media contributor, appearing on NBC News, PBS, and KET to share her story and advocate for policy reform. Her work in gun violence prevention has contributed to research, fundraising, and bipartisan legislative efforts. Austin continues to advance systemic change in gun safety and violence prevention, drawing on her personal experience to inform her advocacy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Whitney Austin Speaking Topics

  • Why Not Me?

    On September 6, 2018 Whitney Austin’s life changed forever. One moment she was walking into work and the next, she was lying at the bottom of a revolving door, coughing up blood, and praying for her survival after being shot multiple times in a mass shooting. While playing dead many thoughts crossed her mind. Mostly thoughts of her family and of her intense desire to return to them. But unexpectedly, there was another thought that wouldn’t relent: “Why not me? Why wouldn’t this happen to me when I have done nothing to stop it?”

    “Why Not Me” is her story of survival and subsequent steps into a new world centered in gratitude and undeniable purpose. "

  • Defiant Optimism

    On September 6, 2018 Whitney Austin survived a mass shooting and twelve bullets in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon receiving the news that she would return home to her family, she knew immediately that she would find a way to commit herself to change. Only problem? Effecting change in Kentucky on the issue of gun violence is universally viewed as a lost cause.

    This is the story of a woman who clung to defiant optimism and charted her own course for progress on the issue of gun violence in the state of Kentucky. Follow along as Whitney shares awe-inspiring stories of progress, the importance of trusting your own voice, and strategies for building diverse coalitions for change.

    Let Whitney remind you of why defying others’ expectations is always a prerequisite for radical change.

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Whitney Austin Videos

Daughters of Greatness: Whitney Austin

Daughters of Greatness: Whitney Austin

The Muhammad Ali Center honored Whitney Austin Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Whitney/Strong Organization on June 7 2024.

  • How do I book Whitney Austin to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Whitney Austin

    Speaking fees for Whitney Austin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Whitney Austin are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Whitney Austin, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Whitney Austin speak about?

    Whitney Austin is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Bipartisan, Data, Female Leadership, Influential Women, Inspirational, Leadership, Mental Health, Motivational, Political, Social Activism, Women
  • Where does Whitney Austin travel from?

    Whitney Austin generally travels from Louisville, KY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Whitney Austin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Whitney Austin for your next private or corporate function.
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Whitney Austin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Why Not Me?, Defiant Optimism and In Search of Common Ground. The estimated speaking fee range to book Whitney Austin for your event is available upon request. Whitney Austin generally travels from Louisville, KY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mona Das, Delaney Tarr, Stacy Pearsall, Shiza Shahid and Reshma Saujani. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Whitney Austin for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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