Conference Keynotes

Opening Keynote: Haben Girma

We are thrilled to announce that Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and bestselling author, will deliver the Opening Keynote at the NJLA/NJASL Annual Conference, February 16–18, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City.

An award-winning advocate, author, and keynote speaker, Girma has earned international recognition for her work. President Obama named her a Champion of Change, France appointed her a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, and the World Health Organization selected her as an inaugural Commissioner of its Commission on Social Connection. She works with organizations around the world to drive innovation, strengthen resilience, and deepen human connection.

Her bestselling memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, tells the story of her determination to resist isolation and find the keys to connection. From dancing salsa to climbing an iceberg in Alaska, Girma demonstrates how constraints can fuel innovation. Her ingenuity also led her to develop a speech-to-Braille communication system, opening a powerful new channel for Deafblind communication.

Girma's message is a wonderful fit for this year's conference theme, "Partners in Purpose: Building Community Through Collaboration." Learn more about Haben Girma

Garden State Book Awards: Chloe Gong

Chloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of critically acclaimed fantasy and science fiction novels, including These Violent Delights, Immortal Longings, and Coldwire. Her books have been published in over twenty countries and she was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2024. Chloe graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and International Relations. Born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, she is now located in New York City.  https://thechloegong.com/