Amanda Ruth Quisenberry

A lifelong Illinoisan, Amanda cherishes her Midwestern roots, and has deep passion for sports, film, and politics. She earned a BA in journalism from Loyola University Chicago, and currently resides in Champaign where she continues to write and blog. Amanda’s debut memoir, "The Accidental Virgin," has started a new conversation about women who live, love, and thrive despite physical disabilities. This memoir is not a typical “rising from tragedy” story. It details a rollercoaster journey from girlhood into womanhood while coping with the very tangible—but largely undiscussed—realities quadriplegia presents toward self-image, love, sexuality, and following one’s heart.