Keynote Speakers
Scott Thornhill
Scott Thornhill is a passionate advocate, speaker, and leader who has spent his life championing greater inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities. Diagnosed at age eight with retinitis pigmentosa, Scott was told he’d be blind by 40—but he never let that define him. He excelled in school, played college football with limited vision, and built multiple successful businesses with his wife, Jane, before transitioning into nonprofit leadership. His story is one of resilience, optimism, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges.
Scott currently serves as Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), a national nonprofit focused on expanding independence, equality, and quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Prior to ACB, he was Director of Public Policy at Alphapointe, where he led efforts that preserved nearly 1,000 jobs for people with disabilities and secured over $6 million in funding to expand access to employment and resources. Known for his hands-on advocacy, Scott traveled extensively across the U.S., becoming a trusted consultant on accessible travel and workplace inclusion. His work has earned him national recognition, including Alphapointe’s 2022 Employee of the Year and finalist honors for the National Industries for the Blind Career Achievement Award.
Scott continues to inspire audiences with his relatable humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unwavering belief that vision loss—or any challenge—should never limit one’s potential. Whether mentoring youth, speaking with elected officials, or advising organizations, he brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional insight. He holds degrees in sport management and public administration and splits his time between Greensboro, NC, and Washington, DC, with his wife, Jane, and their son, Will.
Wilma Chestnut-House
Wilma Chestnut-House was just 17 years old when a violent crime left her blind—an act meant to silence her voice. But instead of retreating, Wilma rose with unwavering strength. With the support of her St. Louis community, she found her footing and began a lifelong journey of resilience. Well wishes poured in from across the country, including messages from President Nixon, Frank Sinatra, and the Jackson 5.
Wilma went on to co-author The Wilma Chestnut Story, which is now part of the Missouri History Museum’s “Stories of Resilience” collection. She also published a cookbook, Messin’ Around in the Kitchen: It’s Always Better the Second Time Around. A former first runner-up in the Miss Black St. Louis pageant, Wilma later became a decorated athlete, earning gold medals in powerlifting, track and field, and cycling through the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. After retiring from competition, she founded a sports camp at the Missouri School for the Blind to teach blind children how to safely play and compete in adaptive sports.
Today, Wilma remains a passionate advocate and leader. She chairs the Sports and Recreation Committee for the Missouri Council of the Blind, serves on the board of the Missouri School for the Blind, and is president of the Heritage Council of the Blind. In July, she was honored with a Lifetime Membership Award from the American Council of the Blind. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Wilma continues to inspire through her love of service, sports, and—above all—her unshakable spirit.
