Iyanla Vanzant

Iyanla Vanzant is the acclaimed spiritual life coach, empowerment orator, Emmy award winner and New York Times best-selling author whose focus on faith, personal development and loving relationships has captivated and inspired audiences around the world.

The author of 15 books, including an astounding 5 New York Times’ best sellers, Iyanla’s work has been translated into 23 languages and has sold over 8 million copies. With her no-nonsense approach and underlying message of, “live better by loving yourself,” Iyanla has ignited a universal spark of self discovery.

Iyanla’s latest book, the triumphant "Peace from Broken Pieces", chronicles her extraordinary professional success against the backdrop of personal tragedy. As she dazzled as a regular guest expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show and then on her own daily talk show, “Iyanla,” her marriage was crumbling and tragically, her daughter was losing her battle with cancer. "Peace from Broken Pieces" shares the spiritual lessons learned and the strength and wisdom gained.

On stage, Iyanla has an innate ability to intimately connect and engage her audiences, heightening their self awareness and quest for fulfillment. There is no better arena in which to experience Iyanla’s dynamic presence as teacher and spiritual guide. Thus, she is an immensely sought-after speaker at conferences, seminars and retreats.

Iyanla is a shining example of her quote, “when we face our challenges with faith, prepared to learn, willing to make changes, and if necessary, to let go -- we are demanding our power be turned on.” Iyanla appeared regularly on Oprah’s Lifeclass on OWN, The View, and regularly appears on The Tom Joyner Morning Show and The Michael Baisden Show, as well as other national radio programs. Iyanla has received numerous awards and accolades for the sheer power and impact of her work. Ebony Magazine says “Iyanla’s books, lectures and television appearances have made her a multimedia high priestess of healthy relationships.” According to Emerge Magazine, she is “one of the most dynamic speakers in the United States.”

At age 30, Iyanla tapped the power within and enrolled in Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York; from which she graduated Summa Cum Laude three years later. Next she earned her law degree from City University of New York Law School. It was here that her sparkling oratory skills, for which she is now so highly-regarded, caught the attention of the Philadelphia Public Defender's Office who offered her a job on the spot.

A few years later, Iyanla transitioned to a career in talk radio. Her first guest spot, she discussed moving from public assistance to personal independence—a subject she clearly was familiar with—so resonated with listeners and station management that she was given her own show. This prompted Iyanla to write her first book, "Tapping the Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Black Women", where at its crux she told readers if they wanted to make a change for the better, they were the only ones with the power to do so. The next 10 years were a whirlwind which catapulted her to national prominence and recognition.

A woman of passion, vision and purpose, in addition to her renowned regard as speaker and author, Iyanla is the Founder and Executive Director of the Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. With classes and workshops conducted around the country, throughout Africa and the United Kingdom -- this multi-cultural global network of people practicing religious and spiritual tolerance seeks to facilitate healing, growth and development with the ultimate goal of experiencing peace, joy and love in every aspect of their lives.