Mawi Asgedom

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1 General Information
2 Illinois Connection
3 Biographical and Professional Information
4 Published Works
5 Titles for Purchase and at Your Library
6 Literary Awards
7 Speaking Engagements and Upcoming Appearances
8 External Links
9 Editing

[edit] General Information

Name: Mawi Asgedom

Pen Name: None

Born: September 29, 1976 in Adi Wahla, Ethiopia

Website: mawispeaks.com

Email: info@mawispeaks.com

[edit] Illinois Connection

Mawi grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, Illinois.

[edit] Biographical and Professional Information

Mawi Asgedom was born Selamawi Haileab Asgedom. He is an author and a successful inspirational speaker for students, community groups, and businesses.

Mawi was a refugee of Ethiopian. For about two years of his childhood, he was separated from his father and had to flee to Sudan to avoid the war in Ethiopia. Mawi was seven years old when he and his family arrived in the U.S. in 1983, sponsored by World Relief. They had spent the previous three years in a refugee camp in Sudan.

He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, Illinois. He graduated with top honors from Harvard University, receiving a degree in American history and giving the commencement address at his graduation in 1999. Since graduating from Harvard, Mawi has dedicated himself to uplifting teenagers. He is the bestselling author of Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard and The Code: The 5 Secrets of Teen Success.

He is a very popular speaking guest at middle and high schools. He has spoken to over 500,000 students in more than thirty states. He has trained educators at The Harvard School of Education, The Midwest Principal's Center and many teaching conferences. Mawi is also the founder of Mental Karate, an organization that helps youth take positive action.

Oprah Winfrey named her interview of Mr. Asgedom as one of her 20 Unforgettable Moments in October 2005.