Erin Gruwell

Erin Gruwell

10 ratings

Keynote Speaker: Founder & Executive Director of the Freedom Writers Foundation; Education Reform Advocate

BOOK ERIN GRUWELL

Erin Gruwell Biography

Erin Gruwell is a teacher, an author, and an activist who has been fighting for social justice for over two decades. She first gained national attention in 1998 when she and her 150 students appeared on the ABC special "PrimeTime Live" with Connie Chung.

Gruwell's students - affectionately called the Freedom Writers - came from backgrounds of poverty, gangs, and violence, and many were at-risk of dropping out of school due to the school-to-prison-pipeline. But, under Gruwell's guidance, all 150 Freedom Writers graduated from high school and pursued higher education.

In 1999, Gruwell and the Freedom Writers published their book, "The Freedom Writers Diary," which detailed their unique journey from hardship to hope. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture, "Freedom Writers," starring two-time Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank as Gruwell. The film brought Gruwell's work to an even wider audience, and she has since used her platform to continue her fight for equity and inclusion with her non-profit, the Freedom Writers Foundation.

Gruwell's work has been recognized with several humanitarian awards, including the prestigious Spirit of Anne Frank Award. Gruwell and the Freedom Writers have appeared on multiple television shows to promote educational reform, including "Oprah," "The View," "Good Morning America," and NBC's "TODAY." They have also been featured on National Public Radio, numerous newspapers, and national magazines, such as People. In 2019, Gruwell and the Freedom Writers were the subjects of the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary "Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart." Gruwell also hosts The Freedom Writers Podcast with guests who are authors, activists and civil rights icons.

In 2022, Gruwell and the Freedom Writers Foundation released their latest book, "Dear Freedom Writer." This critically acclaimed book combines heartfelt letters written by the next generation of student authors with deeply personal responses from the original Freedom Writers.

Be it in the classroom, or otherwise, Gruwell’s powerful message of hope and possibility is sure to resonate with any audience, whom she encourages “to stand up, speak up and speak out.”

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Erin Gruwell and other top speakers and celebrities.

Read More +
BOOK ERIN GRUWELL

Erin Gruwell Speaking Topics

Becoming A Catalyst For Change

Erin Gruwell helped 150 of her students - many of whom were written off by the education system - to use the power of education to write a book, graduate from high school and attend college. In her inspiring presentation, Gruwell tells the story of this extraordinary journey - from poverty and despair to hope and promise - with stops at Anne Frank's House and Auschwitz and then on to Capitol Hill and Congress.

Erin challenged her students to overcome the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty, racism, violence. How can we all become role models for tolerance, respect, and cooperation? Erin Gruwell teaches us all how we can become "Catalysts for Change."

Nurturing the Leader Within

Teaching Tolerance

In a scene from the hit movie Freedom Writers, a film based on Erin Gruwell’s experiences as an English teacher to inner-city Los Angeles youth, a Latino student is drawing a derogatory picture of a fellow black student. Intercepting the racial correspondence, Gruwell is reminded of a caricature she had seen from the Museum of Tolerance—Holocaust propaganda of a Jew made to look like a rat. Drawing parallels between her students’ ignorance and the prejudice of the Nazis, Gruwell captures the attention of her class by pointing out the seriousness of their actions and the implications that can follow.

In a through-provoking presentation, Gruwell explores the very situations that have led us towards conflict in the past and how tolerance and understanding could have prevented such negative outcomes. A true proponent that one person can make an extraordinary difference, Gruwell inspires us all to embrace the concept of changing lives by teaching tolerance.

Achieving the Impossible: Become a Catalyst for Change

Erin Gruwell found herself the teacher for a troubled group of students who had been dubbed unteachable. The tale of how this first-year teacher encouraged these wayward inner city kids to redirect their lives, forego rampant drugs and the violence that pervaded their neighborhoods is the story recounted in the best-selling The Freedom Writers Diary. From the stark reality of one seemingly innocuous event in the classroom, she sparked a chord in the students that led the class to name themselves the Freedom Writers. Over the course of a few months, Gruwell empowered the class to re-chart their future and go on to become college students, published writers and citizens for change.

In a powerful presentation that leaves audiences cheering, Gruwell parlays her story into ways the audience can improve their performance and productivity by asking "what can I do to make a difference?" Gruwell speaks to the authenticity and stamina needed to fuel change. An emotional connection with your work and life goals is a powerful force that can produce an unstoppable vision against all odds. Gruwell speaks from her heart, customizing every speech to her audience and shares:

How even little events can fuel transformational change

How to develop an environment of trust and communication

Ways that individuals can become catalysts for change in their own lives

How to harness your own personal power and determination to accomplish success that others may not think is possible

Read Less -
Read More +

Erin Gruwell Videos

Ep3: "Educating children well is the ultimate sharing economy," Erin Gruwell, "Freedom Writers"
Ep3: "Educating children well is the ultimate sharing economy," Erin Gruwell, "Freedom Writers"
Walden University: An Interview with Erin Gruwell
Walden University: An Interview with Erin Gruwell
Freedom Talk #1: "What Storytellers Do"
Freedom Talk #1: "What Storytellers Do"
See All Videos »

How do I book Erin Gruwell to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Erin Gruwell for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Erin Gruwell, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Erin Gruwell or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Erin Gruwell for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Erin Gruwell, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Erin Gruwell are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Erin Gruwell, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Erin Gruwell speak about?

Erin Gruwell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as College, Inspirational, Sports Motivation, Women, Diversity & Inclusion, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Business Leadership, Authors, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Family & Parenting, Change Management, Faith & Religion, Jewish Heritage, Business, Civil Rights, Creativity, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Influential Women, Motivational, Spirituality, Education Reform, Success, Education, Literary, Psychology, Social Sciences, Leadership, Commencement, Social Justice, Culture, Early Childhood Education, Neuroscience, Female Leadership and Women's History Month.

Where does Erin Gruwell travel from?

Erin Gruwell generally travels from Long Beach, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Erin Gruwell?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Erin Gruwell for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Erin Gruwell for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Erin Gruwell or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Erin Gruwell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including College, Inspirational and Sports Motivation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Erin Gruwell for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Erin Gruwell generally travels from Long Beach, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Liz Dozier, Keith L. Brown and Doug Lemov. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Erin Gruwell for an upcoming event.

BOOK ERIN GRUWELL
Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/03/2025.

Erin Gruwell Speaking Topics

  • Becoming A Catalyst For Change

    Erin Gruwell helped 150 of her students - many of whom were written off by the education system - to use the power of education to write a book, graduate from high school and attend college. In her inspiring presentation, Gruwell tells the story of this extraordinary journey - from poverty and despair to hope and promise - with stops at Anne Frank's House and Auschwitz and then on to Capitol Hill and Congress.

    Erin challenged her students to overcome the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty, racism, violence. How can we all become role models for tolerance, respect, and cooperation? Erin Gruwell teaches us all how we can become "Catalysts for Change."

  • Nurturing the Leader Within

  • Teaching Tolerance

    In a scene from the hit movie Freedom Writers, a film based on Erin Gruwell’s experiences as an English teacher to inner-city Los Angeles youth, a Latino student is drawing a derogatory picture of a fellow black student. Intercepting the racial correspondence, Gruwell is reminded of a caricature she had seen from the Museum of Tolerance—Holocaust propaganda of a Jew made to look like a rat. Drawing parallels between her students’ ignorance and the prejudice of the Nazis, Gruwell captures the attention of her class by pointing out the seriousness of their actions and the implications that can follow.

    In a through-provoking presentation, Gruwell explores the very situations that have led us towards conflict in the past and how tolerance and understanding could have prevented such negative outcomes. A true proponent that one person can make an extraordinary difference, Gruwell inspires us all to embrace the concept of changing lives by teaching tolerance.

    • Read More +
  • Achieving the Impossible: Become a Catalyst for Change

    Erin Gruwell found herself the teacher for a troubled group of students who had been dubbed unteachable. The tale of how this first-year teacher encouraged these wayward inner city kids to redirect their lives, forego rampant drugs and the violence that pervaded their neighborhoods is the story recounted in the best-selling The Freedom Writers Diary. From the stark reality of one seemingly innocuous event in the classroom, she sparked a chord in the students that led the class to name themselves the Freedom Writers. Over the course of a few months, Gruwell empowered the class to re-chart their future and go on to become college students, published writers and citizens for change.

    In a powerful presentation that leaves audiences cheering, Gruwell parlays her story into ways the audience can improve their performance and productivity by asking "what can I do to make a difference?" Gruwell speaks to the authenticity and stamina needed to fuel change. An emotional connection with your work and life goals is a powerful force that can produce an unstoppable vision against all odds. Gruwell speaks from her heart, customizing every speech to her audience and shares:

    How even little events can fuel transformational change

    How to develop an environment of trust and communication

    Ways that individuals can become catalysts for change in their own lives

    How to harness your own personal power and determination to accomplish success that others may not think is possible

    • Read More +

Erin Gruwell Videos

Ep3: "Educating children well is the ultimate sharing economy," Erin Gruwell, "Freedom Writers"
Ep3: "Educating children well is the ultimate sharing economy," Erin Gruwell, "Freedom Writers"
Walden University: An Interview with Erin Gruwell
Walden University: An Interview with Erin Gruwell
Freedom Talk #1: "What Storytellers Do"
Freedom Talk #1: "What Storytellers Do"
This Teacher Taught The Impossible
This Teacher Taught The Impossible
ERIN GRUWELL ERIN GRUWELL Live Keynote
ERIN GRUWELL ERIN GRUWELL Live Keynote

Erin Gruwell Reviews

  • We had a fantastic experience with Erin. She truly is a wonderful human and our members really connected with her.
    National Collegiate Honors Council - Nov 18 2024

  • Erin did a great job!
    Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. - Aug 16 2024

  • FACTS Education Solutions - Jul 12 2024

  • Erin was absolutely amazing and personable! She truly is an inspiration. I enjoyed working with her, as well as all the staff involved.
    Cabell County Board of Education - Jun 13 2023

  • Thank you for your support!
    Los Angeles County Office of Education - Feb 10 2023

Erin Gruwell News

  • How do I book Erin Gruwell to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Erin Gruwell for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Erin Gruwell, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Erin Gruwell or any other speaker of your choice.

  • How much does it cost to book Erin Gruwell for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Erin Gruwell, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Erin Gruwell are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Erin Gruwell, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Erin Gruwell speak about?

    Erin Gruwell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as College, Inspirational, Sports Motivation, Women, Diversity & Inclusion, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Business Leadership, Authors, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Family & Parenting, Change Management, Faith & Religion, Jewish Heritage, Business, Civil Rights, Creativity, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Influential Women, Motivational, Spirituality, Education Reform, Success, Education, Literary, Psychology, Social Sciences, Leadership, Commencement, Social Justice, Culture, Early Childhood Education, Neuroscience, Female Leadership and Women's History Month.

  • Where does Erin Gruwell travel from?

    Erin Gruwell generally travels from Long Beach, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

  • Who is the agent for Erin Gruwell?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Erin Gruwell for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Erin Gruwell for your next private or corporate function.

  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Erin Gruwell or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
ERIN GRUWELL

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
Need Quick Answers?

We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.

Image
Our celebrity booking agents can:

Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.

Provide you with speaking fee to book Erin Gruwell or other celebrity appearance fees

Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities

Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process

Speakers Similar to Erin Gruwell

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

AAE Speakers

AAE Speakers is a full-service speakers bureau and talent agency that exclusively represents the interests of event professionals to select, book, and execute events with keynote speakers who leave a lasting impact on their audiences. We work tirelessly for event professionals as their centralized, trusted, and impartial partner in the talent booking process.

With our expansive industry experience and exceptional customer support, our team has connected thousands of live, hybrid, and virtual events around the world with their perfect speaker, host, celebrity, or performer since 2002. We have booked well over $250M of celebrity talent on behalf of the most respected companies and organizations in the world.

Find a Speaker by Topic
Quick Links
Other AAE Sites

Call Us
1.800.698.2536

Sitemap | Privacy Policy
©2025 AAE Speakers Bureau. All rights reserved.