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About Itto – 2023 Edition

Itto Outini is a journalist, Fulbright scholar, Steinbeck fellow, human rights activist, interdisciplinary consultant, international public speaker, and author of the forthcoming memoir, Blindness is the Light of My Life. Numerous outlets have featured her story, most notably BBC Outlook. She has an MA in journalism and strategic media from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and a BA in applied linguistics from Mohamed V University in Rabat, Morocco.

 

In 2021, she founded Fulbrighters with Disabilities in coordination with the Fulbright Association, and in 2022, she made history by co-chairing a panel at the 15th Session of the Conference of State Parties to the UN CRPD.

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In 2022, she and Mekiya co-founded The DateKeepers, an international media platform dedicated to telling untold stories, promoting nuanced journalism, and spotlighting well-lived lives. Itto also offers a diverse suite of services. To book her for a consultation or speaking engagement, contact her directly at itto.outini@gmail.com. 

Image: Itto Outini in a black and white dress, black sandals, and red lipstick, sitting in gray chair

Itto's Services

How to Start a Business Consultation
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Less than a week after launching my own business, I found myself working less, earning more, and producing more valuable outputs than I had in months at my full-time job. If you're burnt out from working for others and can't wait to forge your own path, I'll be happy to guide you on your way. 

Self-Advocacy Consultation

 

If my topsy-turvy life has taught me one thing, it's how to advocate for myself. I've managed to access opportunities and achieve professional and personal success because of the skills and knowledge I've gained from a difficult but rewarding life. If you're stuck and unsure how to navigate your professional, social, or personal relationships, I can help you find your way. 

TOEFL / GRE / IELTS Prep Consultation 

 

To become a Fulbright scholar, I had to pass all these tests with flying colors. I gave up sleep and food so I could  buy books and study materials I needed—and so that you wouldn't have to. If you dream of studying abroad, I can show you the way. 

Public / Motivational Speaking
 

I'm an international public speaker with over a decade of experience. The topics I cover range from overcoming adversity to assistive technology to my forthcoming memoir, Blindness is the Light of My Life. I've been invited to speak at the United Nations, Verizon Wireless, Cal Tech, North Seattle College, and more. I accept in-person and virtual engagements. If you'd like to book me, please contact me at least six months in advance. 

Study Abroad Consultation
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Before I became a Fulbright scholar, I was homeless. I was abandoned by my family. I was blind. According to society, I had no prospects—until I earned the Fulbright and became an international scholar. If you aspire to study abroad, I will help you familiarize yourself with opportunities and guide you through the process so that your potential can be realized as well.

How to Write Your Memoir Consultation 

 

Are you trying to write a memoir, but aren't sure how to navigate the challenges, pitfalls, and potentially compromising disclosures such a book would require? I've been there, and I can help you chart a path that preserves your story's truth and integrity without putting your, your subjects, or your loved ones in danger. 

Request an Interview (You Interview Itto)
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I've given interviews to outlets including BBC Outlook, Blind Abilities Podcast, and ABILITY Magazine. With the launch of my memoir approaching, now is a good time to book me if you want to feature my story so that your audience be motivated, moved, and inspired. 

Request an Interview (Itto Interviews You)
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I worked as a journalist for over a decade and published with numerous accredited outlets including the Chicago Tribune, and ABILITY Magazine. I now write for The DateKeepers while continuing to publish with other platforms. I look forward to telling your story with integrity and sharing it with the world. 

Content Writing 
 

My work is infused with perspectives and insights derived from lived experience, education (formal and otherwise), research, interviews, and critical thinking. I take my journalism ethics seriously and will not waste your time with anything but the most sophisticated work. 

Digital Accessibility Consultation 

 

When I first started my assistive technology training, I was told that it would take me at least five years. Five months later, I'd masters JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, a full suite of Microsoft, Apple, and Google products, and more. If you have a product or website and you need to find out whether it's accessible (and what to do if it's not), I'm the expert for you!

Publications

INTERVIEWS & PROFILES

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ESSAYS, OP-EDS & COMMENTARIES

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  • "Commentary: A Moroccan orphan finds the American Dream is also accessible." Op-ed. The Chicago Tribune. February 2020. 

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BLOG POSTS

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  • "From Homelessness in the Atlas Mountains to the UNDP Headquarters." Op-ed. UNDP's People for 2030 Blog Post. November 2021. ​

“Blindness is the light of my life.”

Media Appearances

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  • Interviewed on Talk Radio Europe – The Lifestyles Show. November 2022. 

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  • Interviewed on RNIB Connect Radio – Tracks of My Life. October 2022. 

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  • Interviewed on KMBC Channel 9 – News at Noon. March 2021. 

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  • Interviewed on KKFI 90.1 Kansas City, MO. January 2021. 

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  • Interviewed on KUAF 91.3 Fayetteville, AR. January 2018. 

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  • Interviewed on UA TV, Fayetteville, AR. October 2017. 

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  • Interviewed on HesPress, Rabat, Morocco. July 2017. 

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  • Interviewed on Radio Medina FM, Mèknes, Morocco. October 2016. 

"Focusing on my education has always paid off. I never regretted what I gave up for the sake of educating myself."

Image by Nahil Naseer

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