Immaculée Ilibagiza: Inspirational Speaker

Genocide survivor and forgiveness keynote speaker Immaculée Ilibagiza delivers transformative lessons on faith, healing, and reconciliation, guiding audiences toward resilience, compassion, and profound personal growth.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide while hidden for 91 days
    • Bestselling author of Left to Tell, Our Lady of Kibeho, and additional works on faith and spiritual growth
    • Globally recognized keynote speaker on forgiveness, resilience, and reconciliation
    • Honored by international organizations for contributions to peace and human rights
  • Formats: Keynote Speaker
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, academic institutions, faith-based groups, humanitarian organizations, and communities seeking profound insights on forgiveness, healing, and compassionate leadership.
  • Outcomes:
    1. A practical understanding of forgiveness as a transformative tool for personal and professional growth.
    2. Renewed resilience through lessons on faith, healing, and navigating adversity.
    3. Stronger organizational culture rooted in empathy, compassion, and shared humanity.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • **Fee range: On Request

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

A Story of Peace, Hope and Forgiveness

In a moving and unforgettable presentation, Immaculée 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. Immaculée 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.

Talent Short Bio

Immaculée Ilibagiza is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and bestselling author whose extraordinary story of survival, faith, and forgiveness has inspired millions around the world. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, she spent 91 days hidden in a small bathroom with seven other women, facing unimaginable fear and loss. Through intense prayer, meditation, and unwavering faith, she discovered a path to inner healing that would shape her life’s mission.

Her memoir, Left to Tell, has become a global phenomenon, celebrated for its emotional depth and its powerful message of forgiveness. Immaculée has since authored multiple books, including Our Lady of Kibeho and The Rosary, further solidifying her influence as a leading voice on spiritual resilience and peacebuilding.

She has addressed audiences across corporate, educational, faith-based, and international humanitarian sectors, sharing profound insights on healing trauma, cultivating compassion, and transforming adversity into purpose. Her message resonates deeply because it is grounded in lived experience and delivered with humility, clarity, and hope.

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a remarkable and inspirational speaker whose powerful story of survival and forgiveness has resonated with audiences worldwide. A Rwandan genocide survivor, Ilibagiza’s journey from the depths of despair to becoming a leading advocate for peace and reconciliation is both moving and transformative. Her story is one of extraordinary courage and unwavering faith, making her an ideal choice for organizations seeking a speaker who can deliver a profound message of hope and resilience.

Immaculée Ilibagiza’s life changed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a period of unimaginable horror and suffering. Amidst the violence, she found refuge in a small bathroom with seven other women for 91 days. During this time, she relied on prayer and meditation to endure the brutal circumstances. Her extraordinary experience is detailed in her bestselling memoir, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. This book has not only captivated readers but also established Ilibagiza as a leading voice on forgiveness, faith, and the human spirit’s resilience.

Her role as an advocate for peace and human rights extends beyond her speaking engagements. Immaculée has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts and continues to work towards preventing violence and promoting reconciliation. Her dedication to these causes further underscores her credibility and the impact of her message.

Immaculée Ilibagiza’s extraordinary journey from the Rwandan genocide to becoming a global symbol of forgiveness and resilience makes her an unparalleled speaker. Her ability to convey deep and transformative messages of hope, faith, and personal growth has made her a sought-after voice in the speaking circuit. For event planners seeking to deliver a profound and inspirational experience, Immaculée Ilibagiza is an ideal choice.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (40)

David Houle is a futurist, thinker and keynote speaker. He has always been slightly ahead of the curve. Houle is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists and futurist keynote speakers on the major search engines. He has keynoted numerous conferences across the country and internationally. In the last seven years he has delivered […]

  • Travels from: Sarasota, FL
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (8)
Deirdre Van Nest

Deirdre Van Nest is the undisputed, go-to expert in the insurance and financial services industry on the topic of speaking! She is the creator of the Crazy Good Talks™ Blueprint, a system that teaches financial professionals how to build their brands and bring in business through the power of speaking. She is the host of […]

  • Travels from: Edina, MN
  • Finance Speakers
  • (51)
Dr. Andrew Ng - Image 06 (February 3, 2026)

Dr. Andrew Ng is a luminary in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), renowned for his groundbreaking work and visionary leadership. As the founder of DeepLearning.AI, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to democratize AI education and make advanced AI techniques accessible to a global audience. His role as the Founder and CEO of Landing AI […]

  • Travels from: Palo Alto, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (34)
  • (10)
Stafford Masie 2025 1

Stafford Masie talks around Digital Innovation and Disruption, and are applicable to any audience because technology is a transversal matter, irrespective of industry or theme. Stafford has been in the ICT industry for more than 25 years. His career foundations started in mid 90’s working for Telkom, Dimension Data and then Novell as a software engineer. […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Digital Speakers
  • (19)

Ryann Richardson is a tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion leader spent 10 years building brands then made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and set her on the […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (81)
Kumasi Aaron

Kumasi Aaron is a dynamic journalist known for her commitment to authenticity and her passion for telling compelling stories. Raised in Florida and named after the city of Kumasi in Ghana, she discovered her love for journalism after a transformative internship experience at ABC News. Kumasi Aaron is currently based in the vibrant Bay Area, […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • News Anchors
  • (46)
Angela Gargano 1f - Building Strength From the Inside Out

Angela Gargano is a keynote speaker, 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America, 3x Covergirl biochemist-turned-coach, and founder of a global movement that’s helped thousands of women accomplish what once felt impossible, starting with their first pull-up. After tearing her ACL live on national television, Angela didn’t just recover she redefined herself. She turned a […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • Resilience Speakers
  • (70)
Sir Richard Branson - Image 05 (January 20, 2026)

Sir Richard Branson is an international entrepreneur, adventurer, icon, founder of the Virgin Group, the eccentric and outspoken chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways and the founder of Virgin Records. Famous for his daring entrepreneurial style, he oversees the Virgin Group, Ltd., an extensive conglomerate encompassing over 360 companies, including recording studios, a travel business, publishing […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Business Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.