Iyanla Vanzant is one of America’s most celebrated writers and public speakers. She is among the most influential, socially engaged, and profound spiritual leaders of our time. Her body of work spans more than three decades and includes six New York Times best sellers (translated into 23 languages and with sales exceeding 10 million copies), CDs, television, radio, and stage performances. Her latest book, Peace from Broken Pieces, chronicles her extraordinary professional success against the back drop of personal tragedy.

Vanzant is the former host and executive producer of Iyanla: Fix My Life, the number one reality show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She is also founder of Inner Visions World Wide, where she trains new spiritual leaders, spiritual life coaches, and ordained ministers.

In her foundational years, Iyanla attended Medgar Evers College and Virginia Union University. She holds a doctoral degree from the City University of New York School of Law and a master's degree from the University of Santa Monica Center for the Study and Practice of Spiritual Psychology. A woman of passion, vision, and purpose, Iyanla embodies a holistic approach in her message and teaching style. Transparent, truthful, and wise, she is a living testament to the value in life's valleys and the power of acts of faith. On stage, as she tours the country, she uses humor and straight talk to deliver her message of love, forgiveness, and living your best life.

Iyanla has received numerous awards and accolades for the power and impact of her work, including an Emmy for the NBC/Bunim Murray daytime drama Starting Over, four NAACP Image Awards, three Gracie Awards, three honorary degrees, and The Walden Award from Unity Worldwide Ministries as a socially conscious leader, making the world a better place through mind, body, and healing. 

What Others are Saying About Iyanla Vanzant

“[Iyanla Vanzant is] an inspiration to all women.”
—Tom Bradley, former mayor of Los Angeles

“Every day I read Iyanla Vanzant’s inspired work, my soul just opens up! And so will yours if you heed her advice on how to achieve a greater sense of self-awareness and self-assurance.”
—Tavis Smiley, host of Tavis Smiley on PBS

“Iyanla Vanzant focuses on healing lives and letting people know that someone cares.”
—Los Angeles Times