"What Death Taught Me About Life"
“After 20 years in public safety and death investigation, I’ve seen the finality of bad choices.
I didn’t study this—I lived it, standing face-to-face with families on their worst days.
Now, I share the lessons death taught me about life—That’s where I learned how to lead with empathy, communicate when words fail, and guide people through the moments that matter most.”
Now, I bring those lessons to the stage - teaching resilience, accountability, and how to lead with empathy when it matters most.”
Keynote Topics
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20+ Years Combined Law Enforcement, Forensic Death Investigations and helping families in their toughest moments of life
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2025 Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Team Player Honorable Mention Award
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Assisted Victims and Families Following the Annunciation Church Shooting get resources
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Former Minnesota DPS VINE Program Manager – Helping Crime Victims Navigate the Justice System
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Assisted Victims, Law Enforcement and Families Following Violent Crimes and Homicide Investigations
Understanding the hidden toll on death investigators, forensic professionals, and last responders
1 hr
How small decisions today can impact the rest of your life (Drug Prevention)
1 hr
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Executive Board Member For a Non-Profit Organization which helps people with Substance Use Disorders
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Delivered Training Webinars for Public Safety Professionals
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Provided Security During the I‑35W Mississippi River Bridge Collapse
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Speaker on Drug Prevention and Life Choices for Students
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Forensic Technician Performed Over 2,000 Autopsies
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Death Investigator With Over 800 Scene Investigations
Conference Keynote
1 hr
Biography
Ryan Jensen Introduction
Ryan Jensen is a former public safety professional with more than 20 years of combined experience working in law enforcement, forensic death investigations, and with crime victims and families at their worst moments. Ryan’s journey into public safety was shaped early in life. At just 16 years old, he lost his father to drug addiction, a moment that changed the trajectory of his life and gave him a deep understanding of how substance use disorders impact families and communities. Instead of allowing adversity to define him, Ryan used those experiences to build resilience, discipline, and a commitment to helping others in prevention efforts to overcome their own obstacles.
Professional Background
Ryan has spent more than two decades working in multiple public safety roles and investigations. His career began in law enforcement as a police reserve from 2006-2009, where he assisted with community events and helped out with the 35W bridge collapse response providing security. Ryan was hired as a police officer back in 2009, after getting his associates degree in law enforcement, before transitioning into forensic work at the Ramsey County Medical Examiner for over 16 years, where he conducted over 2,000 autopsies as a forensic technician, and was later promoted to a death investigator, where he conducted over 800 death scene investigations, including homicides, suicides, overdoses, and traffic accidents, while collaborating with multiple law enforcement agencies .
Ryan later served as the VINE Program Manager for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in 2024, where he worked closely with crime victims and their families, helping them navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Ryan received the 2025 Minnesota Department of Public Safety Honorable Mention Team Player Award for his efforts in helping crime victims, including helping the families and victims of the Annunciation Church shooting get much needed resources.
Through this work, he helped connect victims with critical information and resources during multiple traumatic events. His experience across investigations, victim advocacy, and crisis response has given him a unique perspective on human behavior, resilience, and the importance of compassionate communication.
Ryan helped start a non-profit organization in 2024 WaymakersToRecovery.org, a non profit dedicated to helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders, where he currently serves as an executive board member. The organization focuses on providing support, awareness, and resources to individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Ryan speaks from real experience, not theory. His presentations combine personal experiences, professional insight, and practical lessons that resonate deeply with audiences.
Ryan’s Message Through years of working crime scenes, helping victims, and overcoming personal adversity, Ryan has learned that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, it’s about learning how to grow through it. His mission is simple: To help people make positive choices, build resilience, and better support others during life’s most difficult moments. Ryan delivers authentic, impactful presentations that challenge audiences to think differently about adversity, leadership, and compassion.
Ryan Jensen is available for in person and virtual events, including:
Professional Trainings, Breakout Sessions, Panels and Conference Keynotes
Audience Testimonials
"The stories Ryan tells are impactful and resonate well with students." (Mary B.) Blaine Senior High Criminal Justice Instructor)
"He teaches how resiliency is a life changing learned skill!"
"Ryan's talks truly resonate, fostering an environment of openness and learning."
"His insights on addictions from his own lived experience and as a death investigator are invaluable during discussions about drug prevention strategies with students!"
"Ryan is a very engaging, empathetic, honest, and an inspirational speaker."
Northwest Family Youth and Services
Organizations Served
