MINDSHIFT:
The Game Changer

Each year, our signature event brings together inspiring voices who embody the power of perseverance and purpose, reminding us why our mission matters and how collective support fuels real impact. This year, we’re honored to feature a speaker whose journey perfectly reflects those values.

An inspiring legend who turned dreams into reality, Jim Abbott is a powerful voice on resilience, determination, and redefining what’s possible.

Despite being born without a right hand, Jim Abbott always dreamed of playing Major League Baseball. Against all odds, he made that dream a reality. From winning the Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete to pitching a gold medal win for Team USA at the 1988 Olympics and throwing a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 1993, Jim’s career stands as a testament to perseverance over perceived limitations. Over ten seasons in the big leagues, he inspired fans not just with his talent, but with the grit and grace he brought to the game. 

Now the subject of an acclaimed 2025 ESPN documentary, Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott, Jim brings his tenacious spirit and energy to the event stage. Through honest, heartfelt storytelling, he shares the lessons that carried him from a small-town ballfield to the pitcher’s mound at Yankee Stadium. 

Audiences walk away with more than just inspiration—they leave with a renewed belief in their own ability to overcome challenges, embrace hard work, and pursue goals with purpose and heart.