Immaculée Ilibagiza Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Immaculée Ilibagiza          

Rwandan Genocide Survivor & Motivational Speaker; Author, "Left to Tell" & "Led by Faith"; Recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Reconciliation & Peace Award

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a Rwandan-American Catholic author and motivational speaker, known for her gripping accounts of survival during the Rwandan genocide. During this horrific period, Ilibagiza found refuge in a cramped bathroom for 91 days with seven other women, a story she vividly recounts in her book, "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." This harrowing experience didn't end her story, but instead, inspired her to continue writing. Her second book, "Led by Faith: Rising from the ashes of the Rwandan Holocaust," further illustrates her journey of survival and reinvention.

Since her initial publications, Ilibagiza has continued to share her story and experiences, reaching a wider audience through various platforms. In 2006, her story was captured in a documentary short titled "The Diary of Immaculée." She has also appeared on Wayne Dyer's PBS program and a segment of 60 Minutes, further expanding her reach. In 2013, after years of sharing her experiences and contributing to the American narrative, Ilibagiza was naturalized as a U.S. citizen.

In recognition of her inspirational journey, Ilibagiza has been honored with various awards and accolades. In 2007, she was a recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Reconciliation and Peace Award. Additionally, she has been recognized for her contributions to literature and peace-building with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the University of Notre Dame and St. John's University.

Speech Topics


Left to Tell: A Story of Peace, Hope and Forgiveness

In a moving and unforgettable presentation, Immacule Ilibagiza shares with audiences her experience surviving the Rwanda genocide. She discusses the political and social factors that led up to the genocide, how she struggled to stay alive, and where she is today. Immacule then shares what led her to be able to forgive her killers, and how that kind of compassion and strength translates into everyday life. Her incredible story and attitude to overcome will encourage everyone who listens to her to hold onto hope.

News


Saginaw Township's Valley Lutheran High School students raise ...
New York Times bestselling author Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, will speak in Saginaw Township and Midland about the ...
Immaculee Ilibagiza, guest speaker, Rwanda Genocide Survivor ...
ST. FERDINAND CHURCH, Cranberry Township, PA announces a rare opportunity to meet Immaculée Ilibagiza. Immaculée Ilibagiza is a survivor of the  ...
Genocide survivor, new citizen has message of hope - Yahoo News
Immaculee Ilibagiza (ih-MAK'-yoo-lee ee-luh-bag-EE'-zuh) became a naturalized American with 50 other immigrants at a Manhattan ceremony on Wednesday.
Woman who hid in bathroom for three months to escape genocide ...
Rwandan Immaculee Ilibagiza narrowly got away from her home country ... Immaculee Ilibagiza spent 91 days hiding in a bathroom to escape genocide in ...

Related Speakers View all


More like Immaculée