Biography

In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count…and that she has – not only for herself, but also for the tens of thousands of people who have heard her story and her message.

Transformational, passionate, inspiring and genuine. That is how clients and audiences describe Mercedes and her programs. Many speakers who have overcome great adversity are deeply inspiring, but rarely offer their audiences more than momentary motivation. Content-driven presenters provide practical advice, but are often short on inspiration. Mercedes offers both. Weaving workable solutions throughout an emotionally compelling story, she touches people’s hearts and minds. Her proprietary Second Chance Living™ concept, an innovative mindset and approach with a proven track record, offers participants a blueprint for change along with specific tools they can use immediately in their professional and personal endeavors. In addition, her message that experience is no guarantee is having a tangible and powerful impact on safety initiatives and programs across the country.

Mercedes presents to companies, associations, faith-based organizations, government agencies and higher education institutions across the U.S. and Canada. Her clients include some of America’s most respected organizations, such as General Electric, Verizon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NASA, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and numerous higher education institutions and faith based organizations.

Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion-dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. As a result, she understands the challenges and opportunities today’s professionals face and has both the capability and the credibility to cross professional, generational, gender and ethnic gaps to connect with people from all backgrounds and levels.

Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage. Her extensive media experience includes appearances on ABC’s PrimeTime, The BBC, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Health Channel and as a recurring guest on nationally syndicated daytime television talk shows. In addition, numerous national magazines and major-market newspapers have run cover stories and special-interest pieces about her.

Mercedes has received national awards for her work, influence and dedication to improving the lives of others. She was recognized as one of the country’s top young Hispanic up-and-comers by People magazine’s Spanish edition, People en Español. INROADS, Inc., an international organization dedicated to developing talented minority youth, voted her Alumni of the Year. In addition, she was honored as Volunteer of the Year for Christ Haven for Children, a home for neglected children in Texas. In memory of her parents, she established a scholarship for minority students at Northwest Missouri State University, where she actively served as an Executive Member of the university’s Foundation Board.

Mercedes, her husband and their children reside in the Dallas, Texas and are dedicated to philanthropic support for the National MPS Society — an organization that provides research grants and support to families living with terminally ill children.

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Videos

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Mercedes’ message gave me new insights and showed me ways to overcome obstacles in my career and personal life. It even motivated me to get out in the field and make some sales!
– Sheila Shadfar, Concentra, Inc.
I wanted to email you after the conference to tell you how much I gained from your presentation. I really connected to the idea that we need to be passionate about our goals, persist until we achieve them and remain positive in the process. I’ve totally changed my vision of my future and see so much more ahead of me.
– Women of Visionary Influence Conference, Nancy Peham, Board Member
A great way to present safety from a unique perspective. It was very true to life.
– VPPPA (Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association), Staci Cannady, HR Manager and VPPPA Safety Conference Attendee
The group found your messages important and very inspiring as we were coming out of our busiest time of the year. It is very easy for us to get trapped in the routine of our daily lives. Thank you!
– PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Kara Lynch, Director
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication. We have received many complimentary emails from attendees on how valuable your session was. I look forward to working with you again.
– Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Collin Rorrie, CEO
Mercedes’ very personal presentation captivated, inspired and uplifted our audience. This impassioned young woman’s story of determination and leadership in the face of adversity has many beneficial lessons.
– Inroads, Inc., R.J., Regional Project Manager
I want to thank you for coming into my life with your story. You showed me that no matter how desperate things may seem, no matter how low our spirits may get, we are in control of the outcome. I was so touched by your story and how strong you are. People have always told me that special people were put on this earth to inspire others to do better in their lives. After meeting you, I see that it is true.
– Environmental Protection Agency, Chris Havis, Scientist
[Mercedes’ presentation] was inspirational and caused me to change how I view what I do for this organization and in my life.
– Children’s Miracle Network, Anonymous Participant, National Training Conference

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