Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Liz Murray

Co-Founder & Executive Director of The Arthur Project | Bestselling Author of "Breaking Night" | Inspirational Speaker on Overcoming Adversity & the Power of Education

Liz Murray Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Co-Founder & Executive Director of The Arthur Project | Bestselling Author of "Breaking Night" | Inspirational Speaker on Overcoming Adversity & the Power of Education

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Liz Murray
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
NYC - New York City

Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

Secondary Topic Category:
Education

 

Liz Murray Speaker Profile: At A Glance

The child of drug-addicted parents who routinely ate from dumpsters and sought refuge at all-night subway stations to survive, Liz Murray was homeless at age 15 and fending for her life. Determined not to be defined by her circumstances, she recognized education as the key to a fresh beginning and a whole new way of living. With sincerity, maturity and graciousness, Murray takes audiences along on her personal journey from street smarts to classroom triumphs. Today, as Co-Founder of The Arthur Project, Murray is a passionate advocate for under served youth, working to end generational poverty through relationship-based learning.

Liz Murray is a renowned inspirational speaker and bestselling author known for her remarkable journey from homelessness to graduating from Harvard University. Born in the Bronx to cocaine-addicted parents, Liz faced severe challenges from an early age. Her home life was marked by instability, neglect, and poverty. By the age of 15, Liz found herself homeless, navigating the streets of New York City, sleeping in parks, and riding the subway all night. Despite these hardships, Liz was determined to change her life. She returned to high school, completed her coursework in just two years, and with the support of dedicated mentors and teachers, she won a full scholarship to Harvard University. Her incredible story of perseverance and resilience caught the attention of many, leading to the production of the Emmy-nominated Lifetime Television movie "Homeless to Harvard." Liz's memoir, "Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard," became a New York Times bestseller shortly after its release. The book has been published in twelve countries and translated into eight languages, inspiring readers worldwide with its powerful message of hope and determination. Liz has also received numerous accolades, including Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever Chutzpah Award and the White House Project’s Role Model Award. Today, Liz is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Arthur Project, a mentoring organization dedicated to partnering with underserved youth in the Bronx. Through her work and her speaking engagements, Liz continues to inspire audiences around the globe, sharing her story and emphasizing the transformative power of education, community support, and the human spirit's resilience. Her journey serves as a testament to the idea that no matter the obstacles, one can rise above and achieve greatness.
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