Paul Rusesabagina

Humanitarian, Paul Rusesabagina, is highly respected for his impactful work during the Rwandan genocide. He protected over 1,000 refugees, housing them at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali. As an inspiring keynote speaker, audiences are left on the edge of their seats, thrilled by his incredible story of bravery and determination. Paul has the power to resonate with audiences of all ages, backgrounds and professions, leaving a lasting positive impression that ripples through to all areas of their lives.

With parents hailing from the two different groups, Hutu and Tutsi, Paul found himself caught in the middle of the Rwandan genocide. After violence threatened the safety of his family, he used the Hôtel des Mille Collines, which he was the General Manager of, as an area of refuge. Though Paul and his wife, Tatiana, lost family and friends in the tensions, he fought to save orphans from the genocide, sneaking them over rebel lines. In total, Paul rescued 1,268 refugees of both Hutu and Tutsi origin, saving them from the Interahamwe militia at the hotel.

Paul's experience has shaped him as a person, and as a speaker. He gives keynote speeches to humanitarian leaders, corporate audiences and school students alike, including at the Northwestern University Community for Human Rights 2018 conference. Paul has even had an Academy Award-nominated film released based on his life, titled Hotel Rwanda. Alongside the enlightening cinematic masterpiece, he also founded the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation.

With a harrowing yet inspiring story, his speeches discuss lessons in morality, perseverance and destiny, leaving audiences with a new perspective on life. Few keynote speakers can rival Paul's story. Eloquent and concise, his discussion of such a sensitive topic keeps all audiences hooked on his every word.