KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Judy Murphy

Judy Murphy has been actively involved in numerous statewide and national activities regarding methamphetamine and recovering women's issues since 1995. Currently Judy works for First Resources Corporation in Ottumwa, IA as a supervisor of the HOPE (in-home substance abuse) program. Judy previously worked from 2003-2007 as an Iowa Department of Human Services Meth Specialist. In addition, Judy is Co-founder of the nationally recognized Moms Off Meth Support Group. Judy Murphy served as one of the original members of the Iowa Community Task Force for Drug-Affected Children since 1998, as an executive board member of the statewide Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, and has participated in developing presentations and trainings in and around Iowa regarding substance abuse and women's issues.

Judy has presented information to Fighting Stigma & Discrimination Training (Face and Voices of Recovery) at the Wisconsin Dells, Children's Justice Initiative Chemical Health Issues, St. Paul, MN; National Methamphetamine Legislative and Policy Conference, St. Paul, MN, Govenor's Confernce on Substance Abuse Des Moines, IA; National Roundtable on Domestic Violence and Child Welfare, Washington DC; National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Partnership for a Drug Free America Leadership Conference, La Jolla, CA; California Association of Drug Court Professionals, Sacramento, CA; House and Senate staffers, Washington DC; and Beyond the Bench COnference, Monterey, CA; in addition to presentations all over Iowa and in Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois.

Josh Shipp

Abandoned, neglected, and abused as a child, Josh's personal story of triumph over tragedy inspires youth to overcome life's struggles and live life to the fullest. Josh didn't take the easy route, but instead chose a path of hard work and determination. Josh could have moved on and forgotten painful memories but he uses them to benefit others. "I've found that sometimes the very thing that has hurt you the most, is the very thing you can use to help others," says Shipp. He attributes his personal growth to the encouragement of a great foster home, dynamic teachers, and school programs. He developed an unstoppable positive attitude and knows how to charge forward, no matter what.

It's obvious that out of the choices of lead, follow, or get out of the way, Josh chose to lead: and lead he does by strength, by character, and by example. Josh is stepping up as a fresh voice of self-help for teens, and not as a Ph.D in a suit but as someone teens can relate to. After serving as State DECA President and on the School-to-Work student advisory committee, Josh decided to commit his life to helping others to achieve their goals. His unprecedented wit has enabled him to achieve a professional speaking style that is animated and hilarious, challenging and thought provoking, and packed with hard-won wisdom.

It's been said there's a thin line between comedy and tragedy ... well, Josh Shipp crosses that line with the speed and accuracy of a race car driver in the Indy 500. His quickness and endurance is evident in his appraoch whether he is the host of a TV show, author of a book, or renowned inspirational speaker. Josh's intelligent nature coupled with comedic timing might lead some to believe ha has lived a long life ... he has indeed, but he just happens to be in his early twenties.

Josh Shipp doesn't live in the past but uses those experiences to guide others to a future of possibilities. "I am who I am today because I chose to take advantage of opportunities given to me," says Josh. "If you don't identify who you are, others will."