Haben Girma

Human Rights Lawyer and First Deafblind Graduate of Harvard Law School

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. In 2023, Haben was appointed by the WHO as the Commissioner on Social Connection! The WHO established this new Commission because loneliness and social isolation impact public health around the globe.

Haben Girma

Human Rights Lawyer and First Deafblind Graduate of Harvard Law School

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. In 2023, Haben was appointed by the WHO as the Commissioner on Social Connection! The WHO established this new Commission because loneliness and social isolation impact public health around the globe.

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English
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Biography

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.

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).

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.

Topics

  • The Power of Inclusion: Embracing Diversity for Collective Success
  • Breaking Barriers: Navigating a World Without Limits
  • Innovation Through Accessibility: Designing for All
  • Tech for Good: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Accessibility
  • Inclusive Culture: Fostering a Workplace Where Everyone Thrives
  • Communication Beyond Words: Harnessing the Power of Inclusive Communication
  • Leading with Empathy: Creating Inclusive LeadershipPractices

Publications

  • Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law (2019)

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