Haben Girma — White House Champion of Change

It is all about perspectives and that spark to be a leader. 

A leader 

who actually set an example, 

who give a reason to others to follow that leader,

who come with an optimistic mind,

who love to solve problems,

who love to lead.

Yes, as we have already said. It is all about perspectives. Turning your disability into your strength and making it your special ability is what makes you a leader. If you want to see a live inspiration for that, here you go.

Who Is Haben Girma?

Meet Haben Girma, an American disability rights advocate. She is a disability rights lawyer, author and speaker.

Haben became the first Deafblind person to graduate from law school when she earned her degree from Harvard Law School in 2013. She got recognition in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and TODAY Show as Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. She was honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and President Barack Obama named her a White House Champion of Change.

Haben was born in Oakland, California in 1988 to Eritrean immigrants. She lost her hearing and vision as a result of an unknown progressive condition beginning in early childhood. She retains 1% of her sight. Mylo, a German shepherd, is her guide dog.

Despite many social and physical barriers, she stayed determined, and now she is a globally known leading advocate for people living with disabilities.

"Stop assuming we’re incompetent. We are talented; we work hard. It’s just ableism, the assumption that people with disabilities are inferior, that gets in our way."

She has not let her mother's sacrifices and efforts go in vain. Haben started her activism since she attended elementary school in Oakland, California. She has been amplifying so many disabled voices. Her efforts are to make civil rights accessible to every other person who doesn't have it.

employHER is so inspired by your determination and activism.