Clemantine Wamariya

Clemantine Wamariya is a Rwandan-American author, speaker, and human rights advocate known for her powerful storytelling and resilience. Born in Kigali, Rwanda, she survived the Rwandan Genocide as a child, fleeing the conflict as a refugee alongside her sister. Her remarkable journey is chronicled in her memoir, "The Girl Who Smiled Beads," which explores themes of survival and identity. Wamariya is a Yale University graduate, where she focused on literature. She has spoken at the United Nations and other global forums, sharing her experiences and advocating for refugees and displaced people. Wamariya continues to inspire through her writing and activism.