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About
Hunter Pinke is a lifelong North Dakotan who grew up in the rural town of Wishek, ND. While attending Wishek high school, Hunter participated in Class B basketball, 9-man football, track and field, American Legion baseball, FFA, International and State Science Fairs, Science Olympiad, choir, band, piano festivals, drama and speech. He graduated in 2016 as the valedictorian of his class of 18 students.
Hunter went on to pursue a college education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. In addition to his studies, Hunter was a tight end on the UND football team and served as team captain for the 2020-2021 season. During his time at UND, Hunter served for three years on the leadership team of the UND Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is devout Christian.
In the winter of 2019, Hunter was injured while skiing in Keystone, Colo. He suffered a severe spinal cord injury and a broken back after a collision with another skier propelled Hunter into a tree. Hunter was airlifted off the mountain and underwent an eight-hour surgery at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. Hunter suffered a complete spinal cord injury, leaving him currently paralyzed from his chest down.
Hunter did his spinal cord injury rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo.
Hunter returned to the University of North Dakota where he graduated with a bachelors of science in Mechanical Engineering. Hunter currently attends the University of Arizona where he is pursuing a graduate degree in architecture while also competing on the university’s wheelchair basketball and handcycling teams.
Hunter’s greatest passions include outdoor recreation in rural North Dakota and Minnesota, participating in or being a fan of any type of athletics, and sharing his story of gratefulness and overcoming adversity throughout the country.
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Video Clips
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Topics
No Bad Days: How to Live the Rest of Your Life Without Having Another Bad Day
“After becoming a paraplegic in a skiing accident during the winter of 2019, I was told by health professionals that I would have good days and bad days going forward. I told them they were wrong.
I don’t have bad days.
Learn how to stack good days upon good days and live a life of gratefulness and joy.”
Audiences Will:
Learn where joy truly comes from
Discover the 3 truths that can get you through any tough day
Learn how their small gesture of kindness could change the world
Discover the healing that comes with helping someone else
Be entertained and inspired by customized examples and stories
The Strength of Struggle: How Life’s Struggles Can Become Your Greatest Strength
“The question is not if adversity will hit your life, but rather when. Everybody encounters struggle at some point in their life. That struggle can drag you down, or spring you forward.
You cannot avoid the struggles that life will throw at you, but you can make sure they become your strength.”
Audiences Will:
Learn how struggle is actually life’s greatest opportunity to grow
Discover how community can impact recovery and progress moving forward
Learn about the single most important choice you can make when dealing with struggle
Discover how to prepare your mind to take full advantage of future adversity
Be entertained and inspired by customized examples and stories
Dream, Set, Go Dreaming Big, Setting Goals, and Going After It
“There is power in dreams. I think it may just be one of the most enjoyable parts of life – dreaming of what something or someone could be. But dreams are just thoughts until they are put on paper. When you write them down and set goals on how you are going to get there, now they become real. The only thing left to do is the simplest, yet also the hardest – go and do it.
Audiences Will:
Learn how the power of dreaming can change the course of your life
Discover how setting goals can shape your daily routine and lifestyle
Learn about two key characteristics that make the difference between success and failure
Discover how you can start living life to its fullest in pursuit of your dreams.
Be entertained and inspired by customized examples and stories
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Testimonials
2 people have recommended this speaker
“Hunter spoke with our team at an all-company meeting and blew our expectations out of the water! His ability to capture the attention of everyone in a room, bring real perspectives on life, and help individuals choose to make theirs and others’ days better really inspired our team. I would highly recommend Hunter Pinke for any organization looking to inspire and challenge their team!”
“Hunter has an amazing ability to connect with and relate to students and adults from all walks of life on a personal level. Our school community left his presentation that day with a new perspective and outlook for the future. I highly recommend anyone working with today's youth to book Hunter Pinke. His presentation is a life changer!”
“Hunter spoke with our team at an all-company meeting and blew our expectations out of the water! His ability to capture the attention of everyone in a room, bring real perspectives on life, and help individuals choose to make theirs and others’ days better really inspired our team. I would highly recommend Hunter Pinke for any organization looking to inspire and challenge their team!”