Michael Hingson

Michael Hingson, blind since birth, was born in Chicago to sighted parents who instilled in him a can-do attitude. Raised to tackle challenges head-on, Hingson learned to ride a bike, excelled at performing advanced math mentally, and mastered Braille. His family moved to California's warm Palmdale area when he was five, where he embarked on his first experiences with Guide Dogs for the Blind, receiving his initial guide dog. He attended the University of California at Irvine, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Physics, along with a secondary teaching credential.

Hingson's life took a dramatic turn on September 11, 2001, when he and his guide dog, Roselle, narrowly escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One in the World Trade Center just before it collapsed. This harrowing experience thrust him into the international spotlight, where he began sharing his profound insights on trust, courage, heroism, and teamwork derived from that day.

Hingson has significantly contributed to various organizations; he was the National Public Affairs Director for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and currently serves as the vice president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users. He holds board positions at the Fort Worth Lighthouse for the Blind, the Earle Baum Center for the Blind, and the Colorado Center for the Blind. He also acts as the National Ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign of the National Federation of the Blind and is the founder of Roselle’s Dream Foundation, which supports blind individuals in accessing necessary technology for education and employment. His leadership extended to serving as the CEO of the Do More Foundation until October 2019.

As an accomplished author, Hingson penned the #1 New York Times Best Seller "Thunder Dog - The True Story of a Blind Man, a Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust," which has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. He also authored "Running with Roselle" in 2014, a narrative aimed at youth about the events of 9/11. His speaking engagements have taken him around the globe, from sharing stages with notable figures like former President George W. Bush to appearances on "Larry King Live."

Currently, Hingson resides in Victorville, California with his wife, Karen, his guide dog, Alamo, and their cat, Stitch. He continues to travel extensively, delivering talks that utilize humor and serious discussion to emphasize teamwork, ethics, trust, and the importance of moving from diversity to true inclusion.