Carryn Barker speaking on stage sharing stories about courage, resilience and allyship

From the frontlines to the keynote stage — I share stories of courage, resilience, and allyship.

I’m a detective, former SWAT operator, and Medal of Honor recipient.

My journey led to a landmark legal settlement, but more importantly, it showed me the power of standing up and standing together. 

I strongly believe that in any high-stakes environment, whether kicking down doors or making tough calls in the workplace — allyship isn’t just important. It’s essential.

As a keynote speaker, I share my lived experiences with individuals, teams, organizations and audiences of all kinds to shine a direct light on the importance of showing up for others.

Watch the video to learn more

From the frontlines to the stage

Carryn Barker with her SWAT team

Former SWAT Operator

There was no playbook for a pregnant woman on the SWAT team. I had to rewrite the rules while kicking down doors, leading high-risk search warrants, and making split-second decisions with lives on the line.

Carryn Barker pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at University of Southern California to deepen her expertise in resilience, trust, and organizational change

Doctoral Student

I’m pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at University of Southern California to deepen my expertise in resilience, trust, and organizational change.

Carryn Barker's commitment to service was recognized when she received the Medal of Honor for rescuing a woman from a burning car

Medal of Honor Recipient

My commitment to service was recognized when I received the Medal of Honor for rescuing a woman from a burning car.

Carryn Barker has completed five ultramarathons, applying the same level of discipline and dedication to her workouts as she does to her work

Ultra Marathon Runner

Pushing limits isn’t just professional — it’s personal. I’ve ran 5 ultramarathons so far, applying the same endurance and perseverance off the field.

After leaving the SWAT team, Carryn Barker continued her role as a detective — a position she holds proudly to this day

Detective

Carryn on stage before speaking where she shares her lived lessons in resilience, leadership, and allyship — helping teams create cultures of trust, navigate adversity, and lead with confidence

After leaving the SWAT team, I continued my role as a detective — a position I proudly hold to this day.

Keynote Speaker

As a keynote speaker, I share my lived lessons in resilience, leadership, and allyship — helping teams create cultures of trust, navigate adversity, and lead with confidence.

Let’s connect

Interested in having me speak at your next event? I’d love to hear from you! Whether you're looking to inspire your team, spark meaningful conversations, or dive into the power of resilience and allyship, let’s chat about how I can tailor a keynote or workshop for your audience.

Carryn Barker is a former SWAT operator, medal of honor recipient, ultra marathon runner and currently a detective and keynote speaker inspiring others through stories about courage, resilience and allyship