UWP hosts nationally known speaker and plane crash survivor, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson
PLATTEVILLE - Mercedes Ramirez Johnson is one of four survivors of a plane crash on the mountains of Colombia that killed 160 people including her parents in 1995. She will share her message of second chance living to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville community on April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall. This free event, sponsored by the Student Organization of Latinos and the Patricia A. Doyle Women's Center, is open to the public. After the presentation, participants are invited to the women's center in Room 151 Dounda Hall to meet Johnson, ask her questions and enjoy refreshments.
While waiting 18 hours for rescue in the mountains after the crash, Johnson vowed that if given a second chance at life, she would make it count. She kept her vow by striving to stir intentionality in everyone she meets. During her time on the mountain and in recovery, Johnson learned that the choices people make affect their lives dramatically. In her message, Johnson will offer a blueprint for change and give the audience the tools to enact change in their personal and professional lives. She will also address diversity and how to get along with other people, despite their differences.
Johnson is nationally known, having presented to major institutions such as General Electric, Verizon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Gulfstream Aerospace, Suncor Energy, Meeting Planners International, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Catholic Youth Conference. She has also appeared on ABC's "Primetime," the BBC, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Health Channel and the "Montel Williams Show." She was named one of the country's top young Hispanic up and comers by "People en Español," Alumni of the Year by INROADS Inc., and Volunteer of the Year by Christ Haven for Children.
Anyone wanting more information about Johnson's presentation may contact Annie Malischke, president of SOL, at malischa@uwplatt.edu.
Contact: Annie Malischke, president, Student Organization of Latinos, malischa@uwplatt.edu
Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu
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