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Breaking Barriers with Haben Girma

Meet Haben Girma—Harvard Law’s Deafblind graduate and inclusivity dynamo.

Discover the dynamic voice of Haben Girma, a pioneering speaker reshaping narratives on diversity, inclusion, and innovation. As the first Deafblind Harvard Law School graduate, Haben brings unparalleled insights to her talks, sparking meaningful conversations on accessible technology, Inclusion, leadership, and success.

Haben’s Power Talks: Ignite Innovation and Supercharge Business Success

Dive into Diverse Experiences

Harness Empowerment for Success

Actionable Strategies for Inclusivity

Dynamic Delivery, Engaging Every Audience

She got out of Harvard, and you know what she’s doing? She is an advocate for opportunities for people with disabilities. Because in fact they have enormous ability, and all over the world that ability is going untapped, diminishing their lives and the rest of ours as well.

While tech offers fascinating new solutions, it can’t replace the warmth & power of human connection. There’s a special place on the table for tech that brings down the wall between the disabled & non-disabled.

Thank you so much, Haben, for that amazing introduction, and for working to make sure that students with disabilities get a world-class education, just like you have. So please give Haben a big round of applause.

Bill Clinton

Angela Merkel

Barack Obama

Speaking Topics

About Haben Girma

Haben Girma, Keynote Speaker, Human Rights Lawyer and the First Deafblind Graduate of Harvard Law School, is a dedicated disability rights advocate. Her journey to success is rooted in the conviction that inclusion is a choice. Collaborating with diverse organisations, Haben champions disability rights, striving to make technology and information universally accessible. In 2023, she was appointed by the WHO as the Commissioner on Social Connection, recognising her commitment to addressing the global impact of loneliness and social isolation on public health.

Haben has garnered prestigious accolades, including the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and participation in TIME100 Talks. Recognised by luminaries like President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Chancellor Angela Merkel, Haben has received widespread acclaim.

As an advocate for the largest historically underrepresented group — over one billion disabled individuals worldwide — she sees disability as an avenue for innovation. Haben imparts her wisdom to organisations, guiding them in embracing inclusive practices.

Her memoir, “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law,” has gained prominent features in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and the TODAY Show. Motivated by her refugee story, Haben embarked on a global quest for knowledge, exploring the essence of belonging.

What she offers you

Haben is a talented storyteller who helps people frame difference as an asset. She resisted society’s low expectations, choosing to create her own pioneering story. She shares with audiences worldwide her incredible life story and her amazing journey from isolation to the world stage (and standing ovations).

How she presents

Haben exudes magnetic energy, captivating hearts and minds effortlessly. Infusing confidence, humour and warmth, she conveys her message of inclusivity and leadership advocacy. Her presentations are a masterpiece of effective communication, leaving the audience inspired and motivated to drive positive change in their communities.

These topics showcase the breadth of Haben Girma’s expertise and her ability to engage audiences on various aspects of accessibility, inclusion, and diversity. Depending on the event’s focus and audience, specific themes can be tailored for maximum impact.

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma! 

Spark change with Haben Girma!