Clementine Bihiga
An Independent Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team
About Clementine
Clementine is a Certified John Maxwell Thought Leader, Empowerment Speaker and published author of her award-winning book “Happily Broken: Discovering Happiness Through Pain and Suffering”.
Clementine was listed among The Top Women Leaders of Ohio for 2022 by Women We Admire and has won many awards including 2020 Joe Belle Memorial Youth Alumni Award, Voice of the Year Award in 2016, Women in Action Award, Special Mayoral Recognition in Worcester, MA and has been recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate for her work with Refugees.
Clementine has appeared in numerous local and national publications and has shared the stage with influential people like Kim Kardashian, Cheryl Crow, Aisha Tyler and more. She has also appeared in business magazines with leaders like Mark Cuban and Jeff Bezos.
Who is Clementine Bihiga?
Clementine was only 8 years old when her family escaped from war-torn Rwanda. As her mother and youngest siblings piled into a car, she and her brothers had to walk beside the packed vehicle while bombs exploded beside them and bullets shot past their heads.
She spent the next 5 years in refugee camps and settlements. Clementine had to grow up quickly and become an adult-like 8-year-old. It is no surprise that at the age of 33, she has accomplished more than many at her age.
In 1999, her and her family were admitted to the USA where Clementine faced challenges of a different sort. Because of her past, many saw her as “different” and was bullied in high school. Where others would have quit and been scared away, she instead used it as motivation.
While in college, she started AFRIKA Club and held positions in several leadership organizations. She interned at the New York State Attorney General’s office, began her speaking journey and was able to travel the nation including doing work with the United Nations as an Agent of Change.
Later in life, Clementine once again encountered tragedy when she lost her daughter. Turning pain into purpose, she founded the Clarette Refugee fund which provides education to youth refugees.
Clementine has always used her past experiences as motivation and inspiration to keep her going through difficult times. Although she has lived through horrific events, she is resilient, charming, and features an addicting personality.
Among many other things, Clementine is….
- 2020 Joe Belle Memorial Youth Alumni Award Winner: Read about her work.
An Award-Winning Author: Happily Broken: Discovering Happiness through Pain and Suffering
Founder, Clarette Refugee Fund: Dedicated to providing education for refugee youth, the foundation is currently building a high school in Kenya.
She Knows Media Award Recipient: Clementine won the Voice of the Year Award in 2016.
Women in Action Award Recipient: Clementine received a Certificate of Excellence for her work with the Clarette Refugee Fund.
Receiver of Special Mayoral Recognition: Clementine received a Certificate of Special Mayoral Recognition for her work with the Clarette Refugee Fund.
Recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate: Clementine was recognized for her support of the mission of Women in Action.
Some Testimonials About Clementine’s Work
Dawn Witte, Inspire to Inspire Foundation founder: “Clementine Bihiga is a beautiful force. Her energy and presence are uplifting and her positive messages of resilience and courage and moving was powerful. She was born to inspire.”
Susan Wojtas, Director of Institutional Advancement, Anna Maria College: “Clementine provided an inspiring, uplifting, and entertaining presentation to our students and alumni. She is a positive force of nature and delightful.”
Maegan McCaffrey, Chief Communications Officer at RCAP Solutions Inc: “Clementine was the keynote speaker at our recent President’s appreciation dinner… Clementine’s unbelievable story and powerful and uplifting presentation about overcoming adversity and focusing on gratitude impacted every person in the room. The attendees continued to compliment Clementine and her inspiring and entertaining presentation long after the event took place.”
Clementine’s Two Promises
Each audience member will leave inspired and motivated to improve in at least one aspect of their life.
You will not be disappointed!
Invite her to speak or lead a group within your organization to bring in a whirlwind of positivity, productivity and gratitude.
Connect with Clementine Bihiga
Hear her awe-inspiring story that leaves audiences motivated to overcome obstacles and grateful for what they have.