Haben Girma is a pioneering human rights lawyer, public speaker, and advocate for disability justice. She is the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, which has earned her international recognition. Haben graduated magna cum laude from Lewis and Clark College with a Bachelor of Arts degree before attending Harvard Law School. Since 2016, she has focused on advancing disability justice, working to remove barriers and promote full participation for people with disabilities in all areas of life. Haben offers consulting and public speaking services on accessibility, diversity, and leadership. She has spoken to global audiences, including organizations like Apple, the New York Times, Oxford Law, Stanford, and TEDx. Her advocacy highlights the importance of inclusion and encourages organizations to see disability as a source of innovation. Her achievements include being named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama, receiving the Helen Keller Achievement Award, and being recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for Law and Policy. She has also been featured in TIME100 Talks for her impactful work in disability justice. Haben believes everyone can advocate for positive change and that role-modeling is key to fostering an inclusive society. She promotes the development of accessible digital services and inclusive designs that benefit everyone. In addition to her advocacy, Haben published a memoir titled “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law,” which shares her remarkable journey. Her work continues to inspire and challenge businesses and communities to prioritize accessibility and inclusion, making disability justice a mainstream issue.
