Most Requested Topics
Motivational/Inspirational
Redefining Your Potential
About This Speaker
Craig Dietz was born on April 13, 1974, in the rural town of St. Marys, PA. Despite being born without limbs, Craig had a very active childhood, bowling in a league, hunting, fishing, playing percussion in the high school band, and graduating on the honor society.
Craig graduated from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, in 1996, with a B.A. in Political Science. While at Duquesne, he was very active with the Campus Ministry and a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1999, and passed the PA Bar Exam on his first attempt without any special accommodations. Craig worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Harrisburg until 2006, when he took the same position with the City of Pittsburgh.
In addition to bowling, hunting, fishing, skiing and playing volleyball, Craig always had a passion for swimming. But it wasn’t until 2008 that he decided to start training for long distance open water swimming and finished the 1500 meter Allegheny River Swim in 40:20 as part of a relay team in the Pittsburgh Triathlon.
Craig returned to the Pittsburgh Triathlon in 2009, and took nearly six minutes off of his swim time, finishing ahead of more than 100 able-bodied competitors. Craig also competed in two Half Iron Man triathlons, finishing the 1.2 mile swim in 46:12 on May 31, and then 41:58 on September 20. As if that weren’t enough, Craig also finished his first 2-mile open water swim in the Summer of 2009. In 2010, Craig plans to compete in his first Iron Man distance swim (2.4 mi.) and someday hopes to compete in the 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Swim.
Craig’s parents, two sisters and brother have been extremely supportive of all his activities throughout his life. His family was particularly instrumental in getting driving lessons for him and purchasing a van equipped for him to drive. Craig is engaged to be married in the Fall of 2010, and has lived independently since graduating from law school.
Craig’s story has been featured in ESPN The Magazine, on KDKA-TV News in Pittsburgh, and most recently on ESPN’s television show E:60.
What Clients Are Saying
It is my pleasure to recommend Craig Dietz! He has a powerful story to tell. Craig speaks about his life and how he has overcome what most people would call insurmountable challenges. Craig calls it life and moves on. He integrates humor in his presentations in a way that is funny and disarming. Craig tells a positive message of meeting the challenges he faced as he grew up, went to college and on out into the professional world. Craig will challenge your audiences to confront their obstacles with this same positive spirit.
-Mark J. Wester
Executive Director
Mosaic Colorado Springs
Craig is amazing. His story is of course inspirational, but when he tells it with his humor, insight and candor, it moves from inspirational to truly awe inspiring. No one can listen to him speak without being touched and inspired to strive for more. Craig’s impact on an audience remains strong, long after the event is over. His message is truly life changing.
-Melissa Evans
Executive Director
Hope Lives Northern CO
Craig Dietz is magical. Because Craig views himself as a typical man, his motivational message doesn’t get lost in his audience thinking about his challenges. Craig compels his listeners to look at their own lives, examining what they are doing to make it worth living. His low key delivery caused all of us to reflect “What are we doing to challenge ourselves?” Craig made me turn the corner to see that my possibilities are endless, the only obstacles are the ones I choose to see. I’ve been Dietzed.
Dr. Christina Shorall
Professor
Carlow University
Recent Clients
Mosaic and Carlow University |
