Book Haben Girma for Your Event

Typical response: 1-2 business days

The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma is an award-winning advocate, author, and keynote speaker. President Obama named her a Champion of Change, the French Ministry of Culture appointed her a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and the World Health Organization selected her as an inaugural Commissioner for its Commission on Social Connection. She works with organizations worldwide to drive innovation, strengthen resilience, and deepen human connection.

The New York Times praised her bestselling book Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. She demonstrates how constraints fuel innovation, crafting non-visual techniques for everything from dancing salsa to climbing an iceberg in Alaska. Her ingenuity led her to develop a speech-to-Braille communication system, opening a powerful new channel for Deafblind communication. Her captivating voice, infused with warmth and humor, encourages audiences to transform barriers into opportunities for growth.

Organizations such as Apple, Bottega Veneta, Disney, Gartner, Google, Microsoft, Oxford University, and Visa have invited her to deliver keynote presentations. TIME included her in TIME100 Talks.

Jump to heading#This keynote clip has been viewed over 1.7 million times across Instagram and TikTok.

Experience how Haben Girma engages audiences with warmth, humor, and powerful ideas.

Video: Haben stands at a tall round table. She's wearing a light-blue dress. Her left hand rests on her BrailleNote as she gestures with her left hand. Her expression is earnest as she speaks. Behind her is a bright blue backdrop.

Transcript

Speaking Topics

Jump to heading#Turning Barriers into Breakthroughs

Leadership, Resilience, and Creative Thinking in Times of Change

What do iPhones, jacuzzis, and audiobooks have in common? Each traces its roots to innovations shaped by disability. As a Deafblind woman navigating a sighted-hearing world, Haben created inventive ways to communicate, collaborate, and move through everyday life. The same resourcefulness has fueled breakthroughs throughout history. Research shows companies prioritizing accessibility often outperform competitors. The global accessibility market, disabled people and their communities purchasing accessible products and services, is worth more than $13 trillion annually. In this engaging presentation, Haben explores how obstacles can become powerful engines for innovation.

Jump to heading#Audience Takeaways

How to transform barriers into opportunities for innovation
How to improve products, services, and customer experience
How to reach the $13 trillion accessibility market

Jump to heading#Fireside Chat

A Conversation with Haben Girma

In this fireside chat style presentation, Haben Girma responds to questions tailored to your organization.

Jump to heading#Human Connection in the Age of AI

Designing Technology That Strengthens Communication

As technology advances, organizations face an important question: how can innovation strengthen human connection rather than weaken it? As a Deafblind person who relies on technology to communicate, Haben Girma offers a uniquely personal perspective on AI. Through thoughtful stories, humor, and practical guidance, Haben encourages audiences to consider how leaders, engineers, and organizations can shape an AI-powered future that supports human connection.

Jump to heading#Audience Takeaways

How AI can strengthen communication when designed thoughtfully
Why accessibility matters for responsible technology development
Practical ways leaders can shape technology that serves more people.

What People Say About Haben

"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."

President Barack Obama

"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. So let's give her a big round!"

President Bill Clinton

"I wish to take this opportunity, as well, to recognize you for your lifelong advocacy for people with disabilities, especially for the deaf-blind community. As a teacher and Prime Minister, I am particularly grateful for your work to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the tools they need to thrive at school and beyond. When our society is inclusive, we are all better off."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Email: contact@habengirma.com

Typical response: 1-2 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to heading#How do I book Haben Girma for an event?

To book Haben Girma for your event, email our team to request availability and speaking fee information. Tell us about your event, including the date, location, and audience. Email contact@habengirma.com.

Jump to heading#What is Haben Girma's speaking fee?

Speaking fees vary based on event type, location, and timing. Email our team through contact@habengirma.com with your event details to receive a tailored quote.

Jump to heading#What is the typical format and length of a speaking engagement?

Most events feature a 45-minute keynote. Alternative formats include fireside chats, moderated conversations, and a mix of these formats.

Jump to heading#Is Haben Girma available for virtual or international events?

Yes. Haben Girma is available for virtual and in-person engagements. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and travels throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Jump to heading#Can we arrange a book signing or bulk book order?

Many organizations purchase copies of her book to gift to guests, give out as prizes, or make the books available for purchase. We recommend partnering with a local independent bookstore, or using a service like Porchlight Books that offers discounts for bulk purchases. Some organizations also purchase branded bookplates they send Haben to sign, which are then placed in books given to attendees.

Jump to heading#How far in advance should we book?

Earlier is better. Dates can fill several months in advance, especially for peak conference seasons. Email contact@habengirma.com to check availability for your date.