I have had the opportunity to hear Jill speak on a number of occasions, and each time I listen to her, I am overwhelmed and touched. Jill speaks to the heart, she mixes personal experience with contemporary challenges and situations, and has a positive impact on all she meets. I cherish each opportunity to listen to her, as her sincerity, experience and positive inspiration make me better for the experience.
  -Jeff Mellinger, Business Development Manager/Aircraft Design Liaison, Bell Helicopter

Jill is an amazingly skilled public/inspirational speaker. She is focused and prepared for her audiences, and she is able to draw each different group of people into the mission and vision she shares with all donate life organizations. She is a doer--she makes it happen. This focus, dedication to mission, can-do attitude and clarity of communication makes her an invaluable member of our local, regional and national teams, but would also make her an incredible addition to any team.
  -Cindy Speas, Director of Community Affairs, Washington Regional Transplant Community (Retired)

I have seen Jill speak on several occasions and each time have learned more about the strength of the human spirit, what a hero truly is, the unending love of a mother and what "strength of character" really means. Jill has given of her time to help me educate employers, service members, government leaders and military families about what it means to be a Gold Star Mother. She tailored her talk to the audience so each one could be a learning experience. You would expect to leave after hearing her story very sad and down but quite the opposite is true, you leave having been inspired, hope-filled, faith-filled and in awe of the courage of our young men and women who give their lives for our country. I love Jill's approachability as a speaker as well, she is always open to answering difficult questions such as what to say to a parent who has lost their child, practical advice I have had to unfortunately use many times since then. She is an amazing woman that I have been fortunate enough to call a friend, such an inspiration! Her message needs to be absolutely heard by everyone!
  - Annette Kuyper, Director of Military Outreach MN Department of Military Affairs

One of the most courageous and strongest women I have met in my life. Jill Stephenson is not just a Gold Star Mother. She is a patriotic voice for Gold Star mothers everywhere who advocates to keep the memory alive of those men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.Jill turns a tragedy and loss of her son and my Hero, Ben Kopp into fuel to ensure Ben and others who served in our military are never forgotten. She supports, comforts and helps others who are dealing with the loss of their loved ones with her amazing talent of compassion understanding, love and faith in God .Jill has more of these aforementioned qualities than most people who have never even lost a loved one. I am proud and honored to call Jill a friend. One can simply not be in a bad mood around Jill Stephenson. Thank you Jill, for accepting me into your life and thank you for helping others who don't have the kind of support and love you give.
  - Brad Hunsaker

I've been lucky enough to have heard Jill speak about Ben and the amazing things the medical community can accomplish with organ donation. It always amazes me that she can speak so fluently about the loss of Ben, yet get the point across that organ donation is so terribly important, regardless of the loss suffered. Her courage to speak up, knowing full well her loss, amazes me! I never had the pleasure of knowing Ben. The Patriot Guard and Jills openness brought us into the same circle of loved ones. I am honored to have been at Ben's service in Rosemount, and again honored by having a small part in planning a couple of Ben's Memorial Rides. If you are ever lucky enough to hear Ben/Jill's story of life, death, and the miracle of Organ Donation, I guarantee you will come away with a new perspective on life! (and, honestly, probably quickly find out how to become an organ donor) DO NOT miss an opportunity to hear this woman speak, you won't regret it!
  - Mark Wiessner, Patriot Guard Rider, Range Manager at Five Star Firearms

I had the honor and privilege of hearing this amazing woman speak on a few occasions now, each time I leave in complete awe of her strength, courage, and faith. Her journey in life is shared with an open giving and loving heart, what once was shared only in her Ranger family has now 5 years later is a journey of strength, courage, and love many can share. I know not just her as Ben's mom, I know the person Jill Stephenson and am blessed to call her family.
  - Melony Butler, Founder, Eagle's Healing Nest

Jill became part of the Washington Regional Transplant Community Family when her beloved son, Ben, became an organ donor. The first time I spoke to this remarkable woman was to make a bold request. We asked her to share her personal story of tragedy and hope just a few months after Ben's death and not to just any audience but to over 1,000 leaders in the field of organ donation. Jill hit it out of the park and has been asked to speak all over the country. She has spoken to numerous groups, hospitals, individuals, etc and always chooses the right message for each speaking opportunity. Jill is an educator. She is an articulate writer and communicator. She has an incredible spirit and truly embodies hope! What an inspirational woman who has taught me many life lessons. Jill, you will always have a special place in my heart and I pray for many more Benergy moments.
  - Lisa A Colaianni, Donor Family Advocate, Washington Regional Transplant Community, DonateLife

I had the pleasure of meeting Jill last year through a mutual friend. She is captivating and then we had her as a guest speaker at a chamber event here in Dunedin Florida Jill is an inspiration to all of us and reminds us of what our veterans are doing for us while we sit back and enjoy our lives safe and sound here in America. Jill is wonderful if you haven't heard Her speak about her son you're missing an opportunity of a lifetime.
  - Lori Way Badders, Dunedin, FL, Chamber of Commerce