Dr. Tererai Trent, Founder of Tinogona, to Speak at Walden University Winter Commencement

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Tererai Trent, scholar, motivator and global humanitarian, will be the keynote speaker at Walden University's 49th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at the James L. Knight Center at the Hyatt Regency Miami. A well-known inspirational speaker and founder of the nonprofit organization Tinogona, Dr. Trent has dedicated her life to bringing educational opportunities to people around the world. 

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"Dr. Trent's moving story of creating positive social change has touched millions. It is truly an honor to have Dr. Trent share her experiences and offer words of inspiration as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates with their families at our 49th Commencement," said Dr. Cynthia G. Baum, president of Walden.

As a child growing up in a cattle-herding family in rural Zimbabwe, Dr. Trent dreamed of getting an education. Married young, and the mother of three by age 18, she was bound to a husband who beat her when she expressed her desire to learn. But Dr. Trent was undeterred. She confided her dreams to Jo Luck, a woman in her village who worked with the organization Heifer International. Luck inspired Dr. Trent with the words, "If you desire those things, [they are] achievable."

Despite facing incredible odds and many obstacles, Dr. Trent went on to earn her bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate in the United States. Now, through her nonprofit organization, Tinogona, which means "it is achievable" in her native language, she is working to realize her new dream of creating educational opportunities for girls and women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Trent has twice appeared as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she reached millions with her powerful messages on the importance of education, women's empowerment and never giving up on your dreams. Winfrey chose Dr. Trent as her "all-time favorite guest." She has also been featured in Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a New York Times best-seller written by columnist Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

The 2013 winter commencement ceremony and Dr. Trent's address can be viewed live via webcast at www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 46,500 students from all 50 states and more than 145 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network -- a global network of more than 60 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 75 degree programs with more than 345 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University