Jackie was born and raised in Pasadena, Texas. She received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Sam Houston State University in 1977 and went on to get her Master's degree in Education Diagnostics at the University of Houston in 1984. Jackie taught regular and special education for seven years in Baytown, Texas. In the fall of 1984, she moved to Stavanger, Norway, where she went to set up the Special Education Department at the Stavanger American School. In 1985, Jackie moved to Cairo, Egypt where she taught at the Cairo American School. 

  Jackie Pflug speaks from personal experience when she talks about facing change and adversity.  On a Thanksgiving weekend trip in 1985, she was flying to Cairo, Egypt from Athens, Greece for a volleyball tournament with a group of students. Jackie was a victim of terrorism when she was taken hostage aboard hi-jacked EgyptAir Flight #648, shot in the head, thrown to the tarmac below, and left for dead ... for 5 hours, as terrorists executed one passenger every 15 minutes until their demands were met.  Fifty-nine passengers died during the ordeal. Jackie lived.

  For five hours, she drifted in and out of consciousness until an airport grounds crew retrieved her body on its way to the morgue. Jackie shares the amazing story of how she survived, recovered, suffered, and struggled ... and through commitment and determination ... and how she persevered and even flourished. 

  As a result of this head injury, Jackie continues to face challenges with emotional, physical, and learning disabilities. She has used her nine years expertise in special education to train and rehabilitate herself.

Inspirational Speaking

  Today, Jackie sees things differently.  Through her personal experience of facing change and adversity with endurance and perseverance, she has reached thousands with her message of looking beyond the obstacles that get in our way and focus on what really matters.  We can all become peak performers through our attitudes and reactions.  She reminds us that tragedy, suffering, and even everyday issues always contain the seeds of new growth and learning.  Each of us makes choices daily to be happy or sad, positive or negative.  Jackie encourages her audiences to develop strengths and coping skills to set a new direction in their lives, as they focus on their own personal and professional challenges.

  Jackie has been a nationally-acclaimed speaker since 1987, and is the author of Miles to Go Before I Sleep.  A graduate of the University of Houston, she has a master's degree in education and psychology.  She is a motivating speaker with a story to tell that will keep any audience on the edge of their seats. 

  Jackie speaks to businesses, organizations, and associations on a full-time basis. She also speaks to school districts and colleges on motivational issues as well as educational issues pertinent to teachers and students. Jackie's strength and skills to lead a normal life have inspired thousands of people to set a new direction and focus on key aspects of living their lives to a full potential.

Jackie's Keynote Presentation:

  The Courage to Succeed, shows us how we can all become peak performers through our attitude and our reactions to change, adversity, and challenge. It is designed for groups who want to boost morale, provide their people with a lift, and inspire them to do their very best on a daily basis.

  In her presentations, she relays the story of her captivity; then details the skills she had employed to survive and grow, and most importantly, how the audience can apply these methods to their own lives.

  The audience reaction is amazing. Emotions are surfaced, barriers fall, and the audience becomes open to change their own way in dealing with daily personal as well as professional challenges. Feedback cites that the audience members learn to look at challenge from a different perspective. Mountains don't seem as tall as before, and trivialities in life lose their importance, leading the listener to focus on more important professional and personal issues.

Jackie's Programs Have Helped Thousands To: 

•       Be Inspired to Take Action
•        Feel Better About Themselves and Others
•        Have a Renewed Sense of Hope
•        Be More Courageous
•        Leave With a Strong Sense of Renewal as They Face Their Day to Day Challenges
 

"Your story, your delivery, and the example you set are so compelling that anyone could benefit from hearing youspeak."

                         Fran Conklin, Brain Injury Association of MN

"Jackie is a great motivational speaker that stimulates your thinking, but more important she also moves your soul and causes positive change to occur in people's lives." 
Kelly Johnson, ConAgra Beef 

"I know that many of us, myself included, went away with a renewed sense of vigor, knowing that with perseverance and determination, the impossible can be overcome. Your fascinating delivery and presence kept our audience on the edge of their seats." 

                         Terry Mosey, General Manager of Bell Canada

Author
  Miles to Go Before I Sleep (Hardcover) is more than a hijacking story. It contains a message about weathering adversity, about going for dreams and goals and about not giving up. Though we are powerless over many of the forces that shape our lives, Jackie believes we have power over our responses and power in the choices we make. 

  Jackie shares her riveting story and lessons learned from this horrific experience. Jackie's healing journey began when she realized she had two options. She could slip into self-pity and blame, and see herself as a victim for the rest of her life; or she could reclaim her life and dreams despite the slow, painful years it would take to recover. In her book, Jackie shares her story and the lessons she learned during her recovery and rehabilitation.

  "Be good to yourself. Take care of yourself. Be true to yourself, and above all - love yourself. That's where it all begins."

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