AMES, Iowa -- A standup comic, who hit rock bottom as a hard-core drug addict and was trafficked to Tokyo and held prisoner, will speak at Iowa State University.
Marti MacGibbon will present "Laughing All the Way Up from Rock Bottom" at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Her talk is part of the free community event, "An Evening of Hope and Healing."
MacGibbon is a certified addiction treatment professional, inspirational speaker and veteran storyteller. She will share simple, effective strategies that anyone can use to overcome adversity, get back on track, reduce stress and cultivate a sense of humor.
"Mental health is such a critical issue and deserves our attention," said Michelle Roling, critical care coordinator at ISU Student Counseling Services. "We're grateful to have Marti MacGibbon at ISU to share her personal trauma through comedy and help others overcome their own challenges."
As an empowered survivor and advocate, MacGibbon has spoken at the White House and the U.S. Department of State. As a standup comic, she has performed nationwide, including at the Hollywood Improv and Comedy Store. MacGibbon authored a memoir, "Never Give in to Fear: Laughing All the Way Up from Rock Bottom." She also serves on the statewide task force, Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans.
"An Evening of Hope and Healing" will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Memorial Union. A resource fair with local mental health and substance abuse professionals will be in the South Ballroom from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. "Mindfulness and Mental Health," a presentation by Doug Gentile, ISU professor of psychology, will be in the Great Hall at 5:30 p.m.
MacGibbon's talk is co-sponsored by the ISU Network Against Human Trafficking, Student Counseling Services, Youth and Shelter Services and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by Student Government. More information is available online at ISU Lectures Program, or by calling 515-294-9935.
