About Amanda
Amanda Wirtz is a Chicago native who studied in Stockholm, Sweden for a year as a Rotary Exchange Student. After high school, she graduated from the Center for Information Dominance, earning the highest recognition as top graduate before serving six years as a Cryptologic Analyst for Naval Intelligence. She supported military, counter-narcotics and search and rescue operations in Florida, Spain, Canada, and Washington D.C. In addition, she served twice in combat in both Iraq and Yugoslavia.
During the years that followed, she faced seemingly insurmountable health challenges. Resolved to fight for her own future, she began building hope for herself and others. The crux of her journey began by asking 'The Right Question'.
Amanda completed her B.S. in Community Health at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign earning the highest University honors: the Bronze Tablet. She completed her Masters in Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science from San Diego State University and was recognized as the 'Top Graduate Student' within the College of Health and Human Services.
Her passion for building hope and a future has resulted in countless community outreach projects within the U.S. and abroad. She has voluntarily contributed over 3,500 hours of humanitarian service and affected over 53,000 lives around the world. In 2011, Amanda chartered and served as the first President of United Services Rotary: the first Facebook-based Rotary Club in the world to unite the international armed services in peace through service. She also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Trauma Resource Institute.
Amanda has played the violin for 30 years and has worked as a studio musician and live performer in the U.S. and Canada. Although she's played with numerous orchestras and bands, she now performs predominantly to support charities and other humanitarian efforts.
Amanda is a nationally renowned speaker and performer who continues to share her story of hope, inspiring others to 'Ask The Right Question'. She is also a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Master Practitioner of Mental and Emotional Release®, and Master Practitioner of Hypnotherapy. Amanda facilitates the healing, recovery and integration of motivated, proactive clients who are interested in improving their behavioral health using effective, holistic modalities to achieve their goals.
Amanda was honored as the 2011 California State Assembly Veteran of the Year for the 76th District. In 2014, Amanda competed against 23 of the top military women from around the nation and was crowned Ms. Veteran America! She was also awarded the 'Selfless Service Award' for her service contribution to Rotary International and 'Show Stopper Award' for best talent. Read 'The Latest' below for more details...
Speaking
Amanda has spoken to thousands of adults and youth around the nation, inviting and exciting them to ask 'The Right Question'. She creatively weaves her riveting story and musical talent into an unforgettable tapestry that is both moving and motivating. Amanda leads her audiences on an intimate journey; they travel together exploring life decisions, personal values, and the shocking truth behind a question that has the power to change the world.
Amanda uses innovative media and live music to accentuate her unique style. With candor, humility and humor, she reveals the truth behind her tragedy-to-triumph story. An encounter with Amanda is truly a pilgrimage of the heart. The audience is not only markedly different, but better equipped to become better versions of themselves.
The Latest...
Amanda will be a featured speaker at California State University San Marcos this fall!
Join her on November 3rd, 2016 from 6:00-7:30pm. Limited seating - Buy Tickets HERE!
Visit and and 'Like' Amanda on Facebook HERE!
Upcoming Events
Dates | Venue | City |
---|---|---|
2014 |
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Feb 20 - http://www.amandawirtz.com |
LAX Marriott Hotel | Los Angeles, CA |
Mar 7 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Sheraton Four Points | Manhattan, KS |
Mar 29 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Greentree Country Club | Midland, TX |
Apr 4 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Camp Ponderosa Ranch | Heber, AZ |
Apr 6 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Thousand Pines Christian Camp | Crestline, CA |
Apr 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Citrus High School | Redlands, CA |
Apr 13 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Dolce Hayes Mansion | San Jose, CA |
May 2 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Hotel Albuquerque | Albuquerque, NM |
May 3 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Silver Legacy Hotel | Reno, NV |
May 7 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center | Victorville, CA |
May 10 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Hilton Bella Harbour | Rockwall, TX |
May 16 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
John Ascuaga’s Nugget | Sparks, NV |
May 17 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Riverwoods Suites | Logan, UT |
May 31 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
BlackBox Theater, UNLV | Las Vegas, NV |
Jun 5 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Shilo Inn and Suites | Seaside, OR |
Jun 9 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Lakewood Center for the Arts | Lake Oswego, OR |
Jun 11 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Red Lion Inn at the Quay | Vancouver, WA |
Jun 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Orchard Hills Country Club | Washougal, WA |
Jun 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Royal Oaks Country Club | Vancouver, WA |
Jun 19 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Sage Center | Boardman, OR |
Jun 21 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Private | San Diego, CA |
Jun 28 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Eisenhower Museum | Abilene, KS |
Sep 15 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Rancho El Chorro | San Luis Obispo, CA |
Oct 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
National Conference Center | Leesburg, VA |
Oct 17 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Wichita Marriott East | Wichita, KS |
Oct 21 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
California Center for the Arts | Escondido, CA |
Oct 26 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Desert Princess Hotel and Golf Resort | Palm Springs, CA |
Nov 1 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, NV |
Nov 6 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
USS Midway | San Diego, CA |
Nov 11 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
America’s Parade | New York City, NY |
2015 |
||
Mar 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Crystal Palace | Bakersfield, CA |
Apr 2 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center | Victorville, CA |
Apr 23 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Abraham Chavez Theater | El Paso, TX |
May 2 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Descanso Beach Club | Avalon (Catalina Island), CA |
May 15 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
South Seas Resort | Captiva Island, FL |
May 29 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
TBD | Gothenburg, NE |
Jun 20 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Fort Collins Marriott | Fort Collins, CO |
Jun 27 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Multi-Purpose Event Center | Wichita Falls, TX |
Sep 12 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Aladdin Shrine Center | Columbus, OH |
Sep 19 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Oxnard Courtyard by Marriott | Oxnard, CA |
Sep 27 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Crowne Plaza Hotel | Baton Rouge, LA |
2016 |
||
Mar 31 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Joint Base Pearl Harbor | Pearl Harbor, HI |
May 14 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Stadium Southland | Invercargill, New Zealand |
Jun 10 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Peppermill Resort & Casino | Reno, NV |
Nov 3 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
USU Ballroom, California State University | San Marcos, CA |
Dec 4 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
San Diego State University | San Diego, CA |
2017 |
||
Apr 29 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Delta Grand Hotel | Kelowna, BC Canada |
May 6 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Martha Luigi Auditorium | Rockport, TX |
Nov 3 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Central Christian Church | Lancaster, CA |
2018 |
||
Apr 27 http://www.amandawirtz.com |
Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort | Miramar Beach, FL |
Outreach
Amanda has one mission: to share her gifts for the purposes of healing the world. She has partnered with numerous organizations and individuals around the world, bringing light to those without hope or a future. She believes in living 'Service Above Self'!
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" - Mahatma Gandhi
Blog
Y + Y + Y = :)
March 23, 2015
You make millions of decisions a day. Each word is a choice, each behavior is a choice, each thought is a choice. Your journey as an evolving individual is fundamentally influenced by the choices you make: for better and for worse.
Being ‘at the helm’ of life doesn’t mean being in control. It means that you're navigating your life’s circumstances making the highest choices for the highest good. In doing so, you are not guaranteed the smoothest sail, but you will have a more peaceful journey... and one you can be proud of.
How do you make the ‘highest choice for the highest good’?
The equation is simple: Y + Y + Y = :)
Rather than reacting or acting on impulse, slow down and consider the following questions:
- Does this choice make sense within my mind: is this the highest choice?
- Does this choice feel right within my body: is this the highest choice?
- Does this choice resonate within my spirit: is this the highest choice?
If any answer results in a NO, consider why. That learning will be a very valuable tool. Then consider other alternatives and filter the new choices through the equation again.
When you’re able to answer YES, YES and YES move expeditiously towards the goal: which is a happier, healthier, more peaceful and successful you!
- Y + Y + Y = :)
March 23, 2015 - Happy New You!
January 18, 2015 - Be Different
December 8, 2014 - Dating: The Wrong Question
September 29, 2014 - Teach me your tricks
August 16, 2014 - Fight to win
August 5, 2014 - Success is...
July 30, 2014 - A New Love Song
July 27, 2014 - Consistency is key!
July 26, 2014 - Don't wait
July 25, 2014