Haben Girma, a distinguished American human rights advocate, lawyer, and author, has not only broken barriers—she has rewritten the narrative around disability and inclusion.
Best known as the first deaf-blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, her life and legacy stand as a compelling testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and justice.
Through her groundbreaking achievements and unwavering advocacy, she has become a global symbol of possibility and progress.
Early Life: A Story of Migration, Identity, and Challenge
Born on July 29, 1988, in Oakland, California, Haben Girma is the daughter of Eritrean immigrants.
Her mother fled Eritrea during the country’s war for independence, seeking refuge and a better future in the United States.
Her father has Ethiopian roots, making her story one that weaves together the rich yet tumultuous histories of the Horn of Africa.
From an early age, Haben faced the profound challenge of a progressive condition that gradually led to both hearing and vision loss.
Despite this, her spirit remained undeterred. She attended mainstream public schools and actively engaged in programs tailored for blind youth, thriving academically and socially.
Her exposure to both American and Eritrean cultures fostered a unique awareness of identity, equity, and the universal desire for dignity.
Her academic journey saw her graduate magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Frequent childhood visits to Eritrea deepened her understanding of global inequality and inspired her commitment to justice on an international scale.
Breaking Barriers at Harvard Law School
In 2013, Haben etched her name into history by becoming the first deaf-blind student to graduate from Harvard Law School.
Her achievement was not just personal—it was a breakthrough moment for disability representation in one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Navigating Harvard required innovation. She developed a custom communication system using a wireless keyboard paired with a refreshable Braille display, enabling her to engage in real-time conversations and classroom discussions.
This innovation underscored one of her core philosophies: disability can be a catalyst for technological advancement, not a limitation.
Championing Digital Accessibility and Disability Rights
After law school, Haben embarked on a legal and advocacy career that would place her at the forefront of the global disability rights movement.
She became a key figure in efforts to expand the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to encompass digital accessibility, ensuring that websites, mobile applications, and digital services are inclusive to people with disabilities.
Her work has empowered individuals, influenced public policy, and prompted corporations and governments alike to re-examine how they serve people with disabilities in the digital age.
Global Recognition and Lasting Impact
Haben Girma’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. She was honored by President Barack Obama as a White House Champion of Change and has received prestigious awards including the Helen Keller Achievement Award.
She was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and has been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The TODAY Show, and Oprah Magazine.
Her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, is a national bestseller praised for its warmth, humor, and powerful message.
Through stories that span building a school in Mali, traveling the world, and advocating for technological accessibility, the book captures the spirit of a woman who turns obstacles into opportunities.
Inclusion as a Catalyst for Innovation
Haben Girma’s message is clear and profound: the greatest barriers facing people with disabilities are not their impairments but societal attitudes and systemic inaccessibility.
Through her dynamic public speaking and consulting work, she helps organizations understand that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy that unlocks potential and drives innovation.
At 37, Haben continues to lead global conversations around disability justice. She advises corporations, universities, and public institutions on how to create accessible and equitable environments. Her engagements span continents, and her influence continues to grow.
A Living Legacy of Hope and Change
The name “Haben,” meaning “pride” in Tigrinya, is fitting for a woman who embodies the hopes of millions.
She has not only inspired people with disabilities but has also educated the world about the importance of access, dignity, and representation.
Through tireless advocacy, unyielding courage, and a deep sense of purpose, Haben Girma is helping shape a world where access is not a privilege, but a fundamental right—and where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.
Her life is more than a story of overcoming—it’s a call to action.
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