Stephen Benvenisti
Steven was struck by a drunk driver while he was on spring break in Florida on March 20, 1989. He remained in a coma for nearly two weeks, suffering from a severe traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhaging, and crushed legs below the knees. He remained hospitalized for five months and underwent 15 surgeries, unable to walk or care for himself. Despite this harrowing experience, Steven transformed his personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of advocacy and justice. Now a distinguished personal injury attorney in New Jersey, he has dedicated his career to representing victims and survivors of impaired driving. Steven is a longtime MADD supporter, having served on the National Board of Directors (2012-2018) including three years as vice chair. He has provided leadership and advocacy, as well as raised thousands of dollars through his Walk Like MADD team and personal fundraising events, sharing proceeds with a brain injury nonprofit in New Jersey. Steven regularly delivers motivational and keynote speeches across the country and has been highlighted at numerous law enforcement recognition events nationwide. As chair of the MADD Advisory Board in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, he has spearheaded significant legislative efforts, personally testifying before the legislature to advocate for stronger impaired driving laws.