“Can I put my hand on your shoulder?” Libbi would ask, gently but courageously, not always knowing who was even next to her. You see, Libbi was born blind. Many who read this may not comprehend the strength it takes for a person to ask for support in this way, when you hear everyone around you chattering and distracted by the excitement of the upcoming days itinerary. But Libbi makes things look easy. She makes things look cool. She makes things light, funny, and joyful.
For decades, Libbi has relied on a service dog. For this trip, she made the significant decision to leave her seeing-eye dog at home—a leap of faith that pushed her out of her comfort zone. Instead, she relied solely on her cane and the kindness of the Top Talent team and the Kenyan people, quickly adapting to unfamiliar environments with remarkable grace – demonstrating an inspirational level of independence.
Libbi Lovejoy’s journey to Kenya with the Top Talent Kenya Keynote Tour was not just a new adventure—it was a transformative experience reinforcing her natural ability to be a light that others can most definitely see – even if they actually cannot.
A Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Libbi doesn’t always need to lean on others, though. For much of her career, people have leaned on her. Libbi spent much of her life centering her work on supporting women and adults facing similar challenges of blindness as her. However, over time, she found herself receiving messages from young adults who saw her as a mentor and role model. Their feedback stirred something deep within her, reshaping her sense of purpose.
The opportunity to work with schools during the Kenya Keynote Tour aligned perfectly with this new calling. “I’ve known for a long time that services for people with disabilities are lacking, especially in places like Kenya,” Libbi shared. “When this chance came, I saw a window of opportunity to make a difference.” This realization deepened her commitment to equipping young people with skills, tools, and a belief in their potential.
Connecting Through Touch and Presence
Libbi’s unique story made her a standout among the tour’s participants. Instead of leaving her message on stage, she extended herself beyond the “status” of an untouchable speaker. She stayed afterward with the students connecting through touch, hugs, and personal conversations. Her hands-on approach resonated deeply with students, particularly those with disabilities.
An especially moving moment occurred when she met five blind girls attending a sighted school. This was during the group’s visit to Moi Nairobi. While the rest of the team listened to diplomatic presentations, and enjoyed refreshments, Libbi continued connecting. She sat down with the group of blind girls after her keynote address for a personal coaching session. They shared their struggles, including bullying and a lack of resources. Libbi responded by giving them an iPad—a game-changing gift for their education. “That single device opened up a world of possibilities for them,” she said, reflecting on their joy and gratitude.
Offering Tools to Overcome Bullying
In an honest and heartfelt discussion, the girls shared that they were being bullied at school. Libbi offered empathy and actionable strategies, explaining afterward, “I feel sad that it happens, but I don’t feel sorry because we all have to overcome it,” she explained. “We just need some skill sets, and that’s what I wanted to give these young ladies.”
When one of the girls candidly asked, “Do you ever get teased?” Libbi responded without hesitation, “Yes.” The girl followed up, “How do you get over being so angry and bitter about it?” Libbi shared her personal coping methods: “I do a lot of writing. And sometimes, I beat on a pillow and scream.” By sharing these deeply personal coping mechanisms, Libbi empowered the girls with practical strategies they could apply in their daily lives. Her openness turned a routine speaking engagement into a transformative encounter.
Advocating for Vulnerable Youth
Libbi also opened up to the camera crew about an issue affecting blind children globally: the increased risk of sexual abuse due to systemic legal barriers. “Blind children are often sexually abused because they’re not able to testify against their abuser in court because their evidence doesn’t hold up,” she explained. “When you go to court and they have you identify a suspect, it’s all visual. If you can’t see them and just say you know them, your testimony is weak and not held up in court.” By getting real on camera, her advocacy continued to extend beyond platitudes and motivation; she used her presence and platform to dig up uncomfortable Truths and promote real protective measures for blind youth, even beyond school inclusion.
Harnessing the Power of Intuition
Libbi spoke a lot about the power of intuition, which she considers one of her greatest strengths. “When you lose one sense, others become sharper,” she shared. For Libbi, intuition is more than a survival tool—it’s a valuable asset in business, public speaking, and personal interactions.
She believes that developing this “sixth sense” can help everyone—not just those with disabilities—become more observant, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. “It’s about listening beyond what’s said and sensing what’s left unspoken,” she explained. A new business in the works called “Intuitive Genius International” will touch closer on how to help people make decisions using their sixth sense.
A Sensory Safari Experience
While the tour focused on education and advocacy, Libbi also immersed herself in Kenya’s natural beauty. On safari, she relied on her hearing and touch to experience the wild. Listening to a mother cheetah teach her cubs to hunt or the distant call of gazelles reminded her of life’s duality—its beauty and challenges. “Nature has a way of teaching us resilience,” she reflected. She also walked through the Giraffe sanctuary with a similar sense of innocence and curiosity – even feeding the large animals and commenting on the sensation of their tongues on her hand.
Empowerment Beyond the Classroom: A Legacy of Strength and Hope
Libbi’s impact extended far beyond the schools. Through her advocacy and mentorship, she showed students that disabilities do not define potential. With the right mindset, tools, and support, anything is possible. Her powerful message will echo long after her visit, reminding all she met that kindness and resilience can change lives.
Libbi Lovejoy’s journey to Kenya was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that lie within all of us. Her determination to navigate unfamiliar environments, advocate for vulnerable youth, and empower students through practical tools left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. By sharing her experiences and embracing the challenges of traveling without her seeing-eye dog, Libbi redefined what it means to lead with courage and compassion. Her legacy is one of hope, perseverance, and the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can change lives forever.
Jenny Carrington is a dancer, writer, philosopher, and yogi. After successfully walking across the United States from Delaware to California (over 3,000 miles), she now focuses on social activism.
