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...

  • (32)
Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith is more than a football legend; he’s a multifaceted entrepreneur, bestselling author, and sought-after motivational speaker. With a career that spans beyond the gridiron, Smith has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in both sports and business. Emmitt Smith | Football Legend From his record-breaking achievements on the football […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (33)
Cirque Mirage

Cirque Mirage, LLC is a full service event entertainment company. We make it fun and easy to book event entertainment for your next event. We understand the importance of streamlining the process of hiring high level circus performers, Aerialists, Acrobatics and more. We  create custom Schedules, costumes, choreography, and management of the event entertainment. We pride […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Speciality Acts
  • (16)
Katie Sowers

Sowers has held coaching positions as the offensive assistant for the 49ers and training camp coach for the Atlanta Falcons. She started with the Kansas City Chiefs as a top athlete quarterback, then became the athletic director in Kansas City. As a female athlete and an empowered gender equality speaker, Katie Sowers has publicly taken […]

  • Travels from: Santa Clara, CA
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (21)
elizabeth smart

Elizabeth Smart’s story of survival and resilience captivated the world when, at just 14 years old, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. For nine grueling months, she endured unimaginable abuse before being miraculously rescued. Today, Elizabeth is not just a survivor; she is a symbol of hope, a powerful advocate […]

  • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (24)
Ted James-cover

Dr. Ted James is a pioneering figure in healthcare transformation, celebrated for his impactful contributions to advancing the future of care delivery. As a Medical Director within the prestigious Harvard healthcare system and a clinical advisor in healthcare technology, Dr. James has become a sought-after voice for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of today’s […]

  • Travels from: Boston, MA
  • Healthcare Speakers
  • (63)
Phillip Koontz

Phillip Koontz, a former Navy SEAL with over six years of service, stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Through the crucible of SEAL training, Koontz honed his skills and acquired invaluable life lessons that he now imparts to others, helping them navigate the challenges of their personal, professional, and family lives. Phillip […]

  • Travels from: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Military Speakers
  • (34)
Dr. Lisa D. Jenkins

Dr. Lisa D Jenkins is a distinguished cultural strategist renowned for her expertise in cultivating environments of impactful cultural diversity within organizations. With a track record of excellence, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning professional speaker, empowering teams to thrive in multicultural settings. Lisa’s journey is enriched by her diverse background, including pivotal roles […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (21)
David Dye

Author and international keynote speaker David Dye gives leaders the roadmap they need to transform results. David Dye works with leaders around the world who want to achieve breakthrough results without losing their soul (or mind) in the process. He gets it because he’s been there: a former executive and elected official, David Dye has over two […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Leadership 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.