Immaculee Ilibagiza

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 New York Times Best Selling book, "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." This book has been translated into 20 languages and is part of the curriculum in multiple high schools and universities. 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 major media outlets such as 60 Minutes, CNN, and The New York Times. In 2006, her story was captured in a documentary short titled "The Diary of Immaculée." A major motion picture based on her story is scheduled for international release in late 2025. 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, such as The Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace and the 2015 National Speaker’s Association’s Master of Influence 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 Seton Hall University. Known as one of the world's leading speakers on faith, hope, and forgiveness, Ilibagiza has spoken to diverse audiences, including world leaders and multinational corporations.