Haben Girma
(1988 – )
Disability rights advocate
The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change, and Forbes recognized her in Forbes 30 Under 30. Haben travels the world consulting and public speaking, teaching clients the benefits of fully accessible products and services. Haben is a talented storyteller who helps people frame differences as an asset. She resisted society’s low expectations, choosing to create her own pioneering story. Because of her disability rights advocacy, she has been honored by President Obama, President Clinton, and many others. Haben is also writing a memoir that will be published by Grand Central Publishing in 2019.
Haben has been featured extensively in media around the world, including the BBC, NBC, Forbes, NPR, and many more. If you work in media, please read this brief guide on producing positive disability stories.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
“We all have challenges in different forms, and it’s beautiful to find solutions and make it through these challenges.”
5 Success Lessons
to learn from Haben Girma
- Be a problem solver.
- Don’t let barriers stop you from where you want to go.
- Never give up until the problem is resolved.
- Success is not magic; its opportunity meets hard work.
- Don’t forget to have fun. (In her spare time, Haben enjoys dancing and surfing).
Sources: habengirma.com popsugar.com npr.org
