Chris Hinds

Chris Hinds Speaking Topics

• One Person Can Make a Difference

  In a world often dominated by systemic challenges and collective inertia, the power of one individual to create meaningful change is profound. Drawing from personal experiences and his journey as a Denver City Councilmember and disability rights advocate, Chris Hinds inspires audiences with a message of resilience and actionable hope. He shares the story behind the Chris Hinds Act, landmark legislation advancing disability rights, to demonstrate how individual efforts can ripple into broader societal impact.

  This presentation equips attendees with the tools to recognize their own capacity for change, offering insights into advocacy, leadership, and the importance of community engagement. With a focus on universal design, equity, and accessibility, Chris challenges and empowers individuals to find their voice and take action in their own spheres of influence.

  Attendee Results:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how personal advocacy can influence systemic change.
  • Learn actionable steps for effective civic engagement and community leadership.
  • Discover the importance of resilience and storytelling in driving meaningful impact.
  • Leave inspired to embrace the belief that one person truly can make a difference.

• Be Your Own Advocate: Turning Passion into Action

  Every great movement begins with a single voice, and Chris Hinds empowers audiences to discover and amplify their own. Drawing on his personal journey from grassroots advocacy to becoming a groundbreaking Denver City Councilmember, Chris offers a roadmap for individuals who want to turn their passions into meaningful change.

  This engaging session focuses on practical strategies for identifying causes, building networks, and overcoming challenges to make an impact. Chris shares how his advocacy for disability rights led to transformative legislation, including the Chris Hinds Act, and demonstrates how anyone can navigate systems to champion their own causes effectively.

  Through inspiring stories and actionable steps, attendees will leave with the confidence and tools to advocate for what they believe in, no matter the scale of their goals. Whether fighting for accessibility, equity, or other causes, this talk equips participants with the resilience and know-how to create a ripple effect of change.

  Attendee Results:

  • Learn how to identify and articulate personal causes for maximum impact.
  • Gain tools for building coalitions and navigating systems to achieve advocacy goals.
  • Understand the power of storytelling in mobilizing support and driving change.
  • Leave inspired and equipped to take actionable steps toward meaningful change.

Breaking Barriers: Leadership & Advocacy from the Disability Community

Chris Hinds made history as the first elected official in Denver to use a wheelchair for mobility and to openly identify as a member of the disability community. His election not only broke barriers but also prompted Denver to confront a glaring oversight: City Hall was not fully accessible, even 29 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Changes to accommodate Chris’s disability were made only after his historic election, underscoring the ongoing need for accountability and progress in accessibility.

In this empowering presentation, Chris shares his groundbreaking journey to public office and the challenges he overcame along the way. He explores the intersection of leadership, disability advocacy, and civic engagement, providing a powerful narrative of resilience and breaking barriers.

Through personal stories and actionable insights, Chris highlights the importance of representation, inclusion, and persistence in creating equitable systems. Attendees will gain an understanding of the structural and societal obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities and learn how to advocate for meaningful change within their own organizations and communities.

Attendee Results:

• Understand the significance of representation in leadership and its impact on community policies.
• Learn strategies for overcoming systemic barriers to inclusion.
• Gain insights into the value of lived experiences in shaping public policy.
• Feel inspired to challenge norms and promote accessibility and equity in all areas of life.

From Degrees to Purpose: Finding Your True Path

Chris's career journey is a testament to the idea that while education and professional experience can shape our paths, it is often who we are that determines where we truly want to go. With an MBA in Finance and a degree in Computer Science, Chris built a successful career in corporate America, including his last role in finance for a software company—a perfect blend of his academic training. However, his transition to public service marked a profound shift, moving from leveraging his technical expertise to championing causes that resonate deeply with his values.

In this thought-provoking talk, Chris explores the intersection of education, career, and purpose. He shares his personal story to inspire audiences to reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing that skills and degrees are valuable tools, but true fulfillment often comes from aligning your work with your passions and principles.

Attendee Results:

• Reflect on the role of education and experience in shaping career trajectories.
• Gain insights into the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals.
• Learn how to pivot from traditional career paths to purpose-driven work.
• Feel empowered to embrace authenticity in defining success and making meaningful life choices.