UB Distinguished Speakers Series: Amy Schneider

Amy Schneider is an American software engineer and recent “Jeopardy!” champion. Following an impressive 40-game winning streak, she became the most successful woman ever to compete on “Jeopardy!” She is second all-time in the show’s history, trailing only Ken Jennings, and the 11th highest-earning contestant of all time across all American game shows. Schneider is also the first openly transgender contestant to qualify for the Tournament of Champions.

Schneider's upcoming book, “In the Form of a Question,” serves as an inspirational memoir and an exploration of what it means to ask questions of the world and of yourself.

Having been raised in a Catholic family, Schneider suppressed her gender identity well into adulthood. She has since stressed the importance of trans representation and shifting the focus from their suffering to their accomplishments. Since her transition in 2017, she has made a point to say yes to new experiences, from trying stand-up comedy to piercing her nose.

The Ohio native earned a spot in the show’s Hall of Fame and won the Tournament of Champions after competing against some of her all-time favorite contestants.