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Homeless to Hero
- San Antonio, TX
- Motivational Speaker
- Travels nationwide
- $2,000-$10,000, exceptions available
Overview
Janae Sergio "draws a crowd, shares riveting stories and always stays around to engage with her fans." - Reviewer
Chief of Air Force Lodging, proven expert in change leadership.
Her memoir, Perfectly Flawed: A Veteran's Journey from Homeless to Hero, became #1 Best-Seller on the first day and remained a best seller for over 12 weeks.
Janae has an online audience of over 700K where she advocates for veterans and underrepresented communities. Her work has influenced major change, to include policy change, as she is “boots on the ground” with activists and legislators elevating the voices of our community. She’s proven speaker who has graced the main stage of up to 6,000 people.
16 Reviews
Janae and her book Perfectly Flawed have been life-changing for me and countless others. I first met Janae years ago when I was just starting my podcast, and she gave me a chance early on—a rare gift from someone of her caliber. Since then, we’ve met in person three times, and she’s become a dear friend.
Janae is one of the most sincere and authentic leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Her willingness to support me during the early days of my podcast journey propelled me to new heights. Not many people with her status and recognition would give someone like me, a newcomer with the HeroFront podcast, a chance. But with her encouragement, I went on to win Veteran Podcast of the Year in 2022. In just two years, she helped me reach the number one spot and connect with guests I once thought were out of reach.
And I’m just one of many examples. I’m a small part of the hundreds, if not thousands, of people whose lives Janae has impacted through her book, speaking events, and mentorship. She is a veteran, a hero, and a relentless advocate for those without a voice. Janae stands up for what’s right in ways that are truly unprecedented, even in the face of adversity and pushback.
Her events are transformative, bringing teams together and inspiring action in ways I’ve never seen before. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend booking Janae for a speaking engagement at your company. And don’t miss her book, Perfectly Flawed, where she shares her powerful origin story—a journey of overcoming unimaginable odds in childhood to become a beacon of hope for anyone who feels alone.
Motivational Speaker, Author, Business Motivational Speaker, Industry Expert, Leadership/Success Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment
Janae is a fantastic public speaker. I've worked with her advocating for bills in the Texas Legislature the past few years. Janae's personal story is powerful and she is most effective testifying in Committee hearings.
Political Speaker
Janae Sergio is an inspiring powerhouse whose story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of self-love. As a bestselling author and retired veteran, Janae captivates audiences with her compelling journey from adversity to triumph. Her strength, authenticity, and wisdom resonate deeply, making her a phenomenal speaker who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets. She embodies the mantra Be Your Own Hero and empowers others to do the same. If you’re looking for a speaker who will uplift, inspire, and ignite a spark of change, look no further. Book Janae Sergio for your next speaking engagement and experience the true meaning of inspiration.
Motivational Speaker
Janae was one of our guest speakers for our Annual Event “Boardwalk For 22” our Non Profit (VetLife4Life) raise’s awareness for the 22 plus veterans that take their life by suicide daily. Janae came and spoke at our event and did a wonderful job. She connected with the audience and families and really showed how to turn your struggles into success.
Leadership/Success Speaker
Janae has been amazing to partner with in the Bexar Co Military/Veteran space. She has also been an integral partner with local, state and our federal office with meaningful representation and advocacy for Women Veteran Healthcare, mental health and VA policy change.
Highly recommend!!
Motivational Speaker, Author, Industry Expert, Political Speaker
Janae spoke at our JCON conference for our franchisees. Our franchisees consisted of owners across the country that are military veterans and military family members. Janae did an incredible job speaking on her life story from homeless to a military career with heart wrenching experiences, she turned into a positive spoke person for people in need of sexual trauma in the military. The response from our franchisees was positive and thankful to hear her story. She signed copies of her book and hung out all day and night and spoke to everybody. I strongly recommend hiring her to speak to your group.
Motivational Speaker
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Jerry,
Thank you for the amazing review. Speaking at JCON was a milestone in my career. I'm honored that you trusted me to motivate your team of highly successful franchise owners. I look forward to working with JDog brands in the future.
I had seen Janae Segio’s story online and knew that I wanted to reach out to her. Janae Sergio is the true definition of resilience. She wrote a book about her experiences from being dropped off at a homeless shelter at the age of 16, spending 2 years in shelters as a teenager, and then going on to join the Navy, and becoming a successful entrepreneur, with near a million followers on social media ,and a best-selling book on Amazon. Janae posed for our Pin-Ups For Vets fundraiser calendar as “Miss April 2020”. She went on to volunteer with our nonprofit organization, delivering morale-boosting gifts to Veterans. So much can be learned from Janae and how she has overcome obstacle after obstacle. Janae’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, marked by determination, and an unwavering spirit. Her ability to transform adversity into growth is a powerful tool that can resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Janae can empower individuals to take actionable steps to move past challenges. Her life is proof that hope, courage, and perseverance can lead to endless possibilities. Janae provides examples of how she navigated challenges, proving that her setbacks were not the end, but rather stepping-stones to growth and achievement. Janae has a positive, relatable energy that can motivate others to live up to their full potential. Her story can empower others to overcome their own battles, and use that grit to reach their potential and find their purpose.
Author, Business Motivational Speaker, Team Building Event
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Gina,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. I am honored to be a long-time ambassador for Pin Ups for Vets. I look forward to future events together.
Janae is professional, articulat, charming, captivating, and CONSISTENT. I had the pleasure of meeting Janae when she was a guest on my talk show, Noncommissioned News. She demonstrated an innate ability to share her experiences and her feelings in a deeply inpactful and touchingly relatable way. I'm proud to call Janae a Battle Buddy, a colleague, and a dear friend.
Motivational Speaker, Industry Expert, Leadership/Success Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Jamie,
The pleasure was all mine. You are such an inspiring talk show host and I look forward to working with you more in the future.
She draws a crowd, shares riveting stories and always has stays around to engage with her fans.
Motivational Speaker
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Thank you so much for your review.
Without a doubt, Janae is one of the rising voices for advocacy and “road to success” personalities. She has been a voice we’ve have collaborated with; to highlight survivorship and helping those to truly become their own hero.
Featured on our podcasts several times, she has also represented herself professionally as a broadcaster as a guest cohost as well.
We also collaborated on site at events as well.
Motivational Speaker, Author, Leadership/Success Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Ken,
Thank you for your wonderful review. Being invited on WTF Nation Podcasts to share our message with millions of military, veterans and patriots has been an honor. I look forward to working together in the future.
Janae ability to speak on the fly to a large crowd is incredible. We were at a large event with multiple concerts, and we were given the opportunity to go on stage and advertise our brand and honor our veterans and active duty. No plan. No script. No bullet points. No problem. Janae got on stage and knocked it out of the park and had the whole crowd of an estimated 5k in attendance engaged.
Motivational Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Ed,
Thank you for this impactful review. The memories of what an amazing day that was flooded back and I am so grateful that Grunt Style Foundation and Irreverent Warriors trusted me to share your missions with the city of St. Louis. That crowd was surreal. I look forward to working together more in the future.
I have had the privilege of knowing Janae Sergio for several years, first as a journalist learning about her incredible story and later experiencing firsthand the profound impact of her motivational speeches. Janae is not only a U.S. Navy Veteran but also a passionate advocate for veterans and sexual assault survivors. Her powerful testimony is more than just a story of resilience—it’s an inspiring call to action for anyone facing adversity.
Janae speaks with a rare combination of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity that draws you in, making every listener feel seen and understood. Her advocacy work is not just about words; she is committed to making tangible differences in the lives of those she supports. Whether sharing her personal journey or championing causes close to her heart, Janae consistently exemplifies courage, hope, and perseverance.
Her story is a beacon of strength for veterans, survivors, and anyone striving to overcome the most challenging circumstances. Janae Sergio is an inspirational speaker and a true force for good in this world.
Motivational Speaker, Author
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Jonathan,
Thank you for your wonderful review and for the incredibly powerful KSAT 12 interview you conducted. I will forever cherish the way you told my story in the most impactful way. And subsequently working speaking engagements with you has been fulfilling. I look forward to working more with you in the future.
Janae is a consummate professional with a huge heart. Not only can she speak and deliver a message with the passion it takes to ensure everyone listening leaves with something, but she lives by the same values that she speaks on. I have had the privilege of knowing Janae for years and she has attended and supported multiple events I have been a part of. Her advocacy for women, veterans, children and many more underseved communities is second to none. I highly recommend Janae fotlr any event where the goal is to inspire your audience for greatness!
Motivational Speaker, Business Motivational Speaker, Leadership/Success Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment, Team Building Event
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Matt,
Thank you for your wonderful review. Working the most recent Irreverent Warriors fundraising event was so much fun. IW stands by its mission to prevent veteran suicide through humor and camaraderie, judging a belly flop contest was in alignment for sure. I look forward to the events we have coming up in the next few months.
Janae is a powerhouse for the betterment of our veteran community. Her story is compelling, her journey is inspiring and she uses all that in her message to all that listen.
Motivational Speaker
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Travis,
Thank you for the wonderful review, you are an absolute inspiration so your words are held in the highest regard. I look forward to working more with Alpha Elite Performance and joining you in philanthropic efforts in the future.
We've had the pleasure of collaborating with Janae Sergio on multiple occasions. She has served as a motivational speaker, author, and keynote speaker, inspiring our audience with her personal journey. Janae brings a unique and insightful perspective on the process of healing, making a profound impact on our events. I highly recommend working with Janae as she is not only incredibly personable and inspiring, but also professional, dedicated, and compassionate.
Motivational Speaker, Author, Team Building Event
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Stephanie,
Thank you for trusting me as the keynote speaker for several The Pink Berets events and for the amazing team building opportunities. Working with you on all things advocacy, to include legislative advocacy, has been the highlight of my career. I look forward to our continued efforts together.
Janae brings the heat.
I met Janae two years ago at the Military Influencer Conference. We quick discovered that we share much of the background through childhood trauma, joining the Navy, and public speaking.
Janae is one of those rare speakers that brings the audience along for the ride from Homeless to Hero. Every new story and build the picture and emotion as they share every moment together.
Her inspiration and insight not only convey the power of her story but makes it relatable and provides decision points with next steps.
Janae move your audience towards community and action.
Motivational Speaker, Author, Business Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Family Expert, Leadership/Success Speaker, Patriotic Entertainment, Team Building Event
Response from Homeless to Hero:
Travis,
Thank you for the wonderful review. Working with the Military Podcasts team has been an absolute pleasure and I am looking forward to future endeavors together.
Booking Info
Price Range: $2,000-$10,000, exceptions available
About
Sixteen-year-old Janae Sergio walks the streets of Hollywood, California terrified and focused on how to survive while avoiding attempts to be lured into drug addiction and sex trafficking.
After making a life-changing decision to join the U.S. Navy, she experienced yet another petrifying adventure when at just nineteen she was amongst the first service members to be forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A war that would go on to last 20 years.
Some would label her a hero for her contributions to preserving freedom around the world. But most importantly, Janae became the hero she always needed for herself.
She went on to become a successful businesswoman where she was recently selected as the Chief of Air Force Lodging managing a portfolio of 88 Air Force Hotels. And after gaining a large social media platform she turned her childhood dream into a reality by opening an online fashion boutique where she helps women step out of their comfort zones and embrace their own “flaws” as what makes them unique. Janae’s perseverance has been a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. This story will have you reflecting on the hero you became for yourself.
About the Author
Janae Sergio is a #1 Best-Selling Author, Social Justice Advocate and the Chief of Air Force Lodging where she manages a portfolio of seventy six Air Force Inns.
In 2018, Janae’s social media platform skyrocketed and she took advantage of the opportunity to pair her love for fashion with her dream of empowering women through her quickly growing online clothing boutique.
She is a Combat Navy Veteran who was amongst the first group of service members to be forward deployed aboard the USS John C Stennis one month after the 9/11 attacks to kick off Operation Enduring Freedom. Her Navy achievements include dual warfare certifications and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement (NAMs) medals.
Prior to being sent to war, Janae was no stranger to facing the unknown as that’s exactly what she had to do when she was dropped off at a homeless shelter at the young age of sixteen where she spent the next two and a half years avoiding attempts to lure her into drug addiction and the sex trafficking industry.
By embracing the victor mindset Janae became the hero she always needed. Through her story, Janae has been committed to giving back to the very community she rose from. She has created multiple programs geared at mentoring at-risk youth towards creating a better future for themselves. She also uses her social media influence to provide necessities to the homeless in her community. Janae currently lives in San Antonio with her husband and two beautiful daughters.