Stories That Heal. Voices That Unite. A Journey from Survival to Global Impact.

Stories That Heal. Voices That Unite. A Journey from Survival to Global Impact.

A woman stands on stage giving a presentation in front of an audience. A large screen behind her displays her name, Dyline Umunyanya, with a circular logo and the title 'Shine' as well as a black-and-white photo of her smiling. The venue has wooden ceiling panels, large round ceiling lights, and purple lighting effects.

Dydine Umunyana Anderson is an award-winning speaker, author, and survivor of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Through her work, she transforms trauma into empathy and division into connection.

She speaks to audiences worldwide about healing, forgiveness, belonging, peace, and the courage to rebuild.

🎤 Invite Dydine to Speak
A woman standing at a podium speaking into a microphone, with a large screen displaying a document or presentation behind her.

Born in Rwanda and shaped by the story of survival, Dydine’s journey is a living testament to resilience. Through her talks and writings, she helps people, organizations, and nations learn the art of healing — not by forgetting the past, but by transforming it into light.

Learn More About Dydine

Dydine’s keynotes and workshops invite audiences to see healing as a form of leadership by blending storytelling, mental health, and culture to bridge the gaps that divides much of our society.

Speaking Topics

Healing Through Storytelling

Our stories are sacred vessels of memory and meaning. Through storytelling, we transform pain into wisdom and reconnect with our shared humanity. This talk explores how telling our truth can mend generations—at home, in classrooms, and within institutions.

Ideal for: Educators, mental health programs, community leaders.

Forgiveness as Freedom

Forgiveness is not forgetting; it is reclaiming peace. We examine forgiveness as a radical act of self-love that releases resentment and builds bridges toward collective healing.

Ideal for: Wellness events, faith communities, conflict-resolution teams.

Cultural Humility & Belonging

Belonging is an act of courage. We practice cultural humility—listening, learning, and empathy—to transform classrooms, teams, and systems into spaces of connection and respect.

Ideal for: Universities, DEI initiatives, nonprofits, law enforcement training.

Women, Leadership & Courage

To lead as a woman is to rise with grace in a world that tests your fire. We cultivate heart-centered leadership rooted in authenticity, intuition, and disciplined courage.

Ideal for: Women’s leadership programs, corporate ERGs, conferences.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

From surviving genocide to rebuilding a purposeful life, resilience is a spiritual art. Hope is not naïve—it is a disciplined practice that keeps humanity alive.

Ideal for: Keynotes, orientation programs, civic and global forums.

From the Dear Humanity Letter

“Dear Humanity, forgiveness is not forgetting — it is remembering with grace.”
— From Dear Humanity: On Forgiveness
Read the full letter
Featured
The Traveler’s Prayer
The Traveler’s Prayer

To travel is not just to move through the world, but to move through the unknown within ourselves. Every immigrant, every refugee, every soul who has had to start again carries both a wound and a promise — the wound of loss and the promise that peace will find them again.

Hope, My Little Friend
Hope, My Little Friend

When I spoke to the students of Polytechnic School, I expected to share my story. I didn’t expect to find myself reflected in their hearts — a reminder that hope is alive and growing in the next generation.

The Courage to Forgive
The Courage to Forgive

A reflection on healing, courage, and the freedom to begin again.

How to Survive After Surviving
How to Survive After Surviving

Lately, I have been reflecting on what it truly means to survive after surviving.

As a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, survival was the first language I ever learned. My earliest memories are not of playgrounds or laughter — they are of loss, fear, and silence. My introduction to humanity was genocide.

 

Global Impact.

Trust.

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Global Impact & Trust
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Testimonials

  • “Dydine’s talk moved our entire class to tears — it reminded us that empathy is action.”

    — Educator, Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles

  • “One of the most powerful speakers we’ve ever had. Dydine’s story moved everyone to tears—and to action.”

    —Event Organizer, Museum of Tolerance

  • “The entire room was captivated. Dydine reminded us why we serve—with compassion, courage, and truth.”

    —Law Enforcement Leader, WLLE

  • “Dydine’s talk on ‘The Key to Happiness’ left a lasting impression on every student and teacher in the room.”

    —Board Member, Insight Through Education Florida

  • “She speaks with a heart so open, it changes you.”

    —Youth participant, Buenaventura, Colombia

Two women sitting and talking in a room. The woman on the left has dark skin, braids, and is holding a notebook and pen. The woman on the right has white hair, light skin, and is wearing a light-colored top and beige pants.
Young woman with braided hair and dark skin, wearing a red blazer over a white shirt, is speaking and gesturing with her hands in a room with dark red curtains.

Let’s work together

Bring this story of healing and hope to your community.

For bookings, collaborations, and interviews — please complete the form below.