CMU Speaker Series presents Laurie Hernandez

At just sixteen, Hernandez became a household name by earning her spot on the US Olympic gymnastics team. Her sensational performance in the 2016 Rio Games secured both team gold and an individual silver on the balance beam. She also appeared in “American Ninja Warrior Junior” and speaks to the next generation about following your dreams and embracing who you are. Nicknamed “the Human Emoji” for her expressive charm, Laurie continued to shine on Dancing with the Stars winning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Her first book, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond,” was a New York Times bestseller which chronicled her path to success. She has since written a children’s book “She’s Got This” also a New York Times bestseller. In recognition of Hernandez’s work as a Literacy Champion promoting readership as a path to leadership, Mattel created a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie to honor her.