Haben Girma

Human Rights Lawyer & 1st Deafblind Graduate of Harvard

Haben Girma is a disability rights advocate who has built her path to success on the belief that inclusion is a choice. She has worked with various organisations and institutions to promote disability rights and to ensure that technology and information are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

“Named White House Champion of Change”

Topics

Disability & Innovation: The Universal Benefits of Inclusive Design
Leadership & Advocacy
Communication Strategies for a Winning Story

Languages

She presents in English.

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.

Publications

2019
Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law

Microsite

Talk to us about Haben Girma

In Detail

Haben received the Helen Keller Achievement Award, a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and TIME100 Talks. President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chancellor Angela Merkel have all honoured her. Disabled people are the largest historically underrepresented group, numbering over one billion worldwide. Haben believes disability is an opportunity for innovation and teaches organisations how to embrace inclusion. The New York Times, Oprah Magazine and TODAY Show featured her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. Her refugee story inspired her to embark on a quest for knowledge, traveling the world in search of the secret to 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).