Speaker
Dr. Topeka K. Sam is a visionary speaker dedicated to transforming lives and empowering others to break barriers. Her journey exemplifies perseverance, creativity, and leadership, inspiring audiences to lead with purpose. Whether discussing social reform or building generational wealth, Dr. Sam speaks with wisdom and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
At your event, she will captivate your audience with powerful storytelling, guiding them through resilience, innovation, and leadership. Her insights not only inspire but empower people to take action. She looks forward to connecting with those ready to make an impact.
Empowering Change Building Legacies
Speaking with Purpose


Impactful Speaker
Now Booking For
- Keynote Speaking at Leadership and Business Conferences
- In Prison Speaking and Workshops
- Panels on Generational Wealth and Entrepreneurship
- Workshops on Empowerment and Business Development
- Social Justice and Criminal Justice Reform Events
- Motivational Speaking for Personal and Professional Growth
Women on the Move Interview
Watch this inspiring video featuring Dr. Topeka K. Sam, Founder and CEO of The Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM) and Co-Founder and CVO of MyFRSH. From incarceration to advocacy, Dr. Sam shares her journey of transformation and leadership. Learn how she empowers women to overcome barriers, rebuild their lives, and drive impactful change in their communities, as part of JPMorgan Chase's 'Women on the Move' series.
Featured Speaking Events

Variety Power of Women Speech
As a visionary speaker, I captivate audiences by sharing my personal journey and blending it with a forward-thinking mindset that challenges and inspires change. When I accepted the Variety Power of Women Social Impact Award, I spoke passionately about transforming the lives of women impacted by the criminal legal system. Through my storytelling, I connect deeply with people, drawing from my experiences of resilience and leadership.

Global Black Economic Forum
At the Global Black Economic Forum, I spoke on Building & Scaling Business Ventures for Multicultural Audiences, highlighting my commitment to generational wealth and financial stability. My goal is to challenge systems while empowering marginalized communities to unlock their potential, bridging advocacy and business to create impactful, sustainable ventures.

TEDxMidAtlantic
In my TEDxMidAtlantic talk, "Prison is No Place for Women and Girls," I spoke about the deep impact incarceration has on women, especially women of color. After witnessing these injustices firsthand, I felt compelled to raise awareness and advocate for change. Through The LOHM, I help disenfranchised women rebuild their lives with education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, driving lasting reform in the criminal legal system.

NFL Inspire Change
In my conversation with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, I shared the vital work we’re doing at The LOHM to support justice-impacted women. Together, we’re creating real change and a brighter future by addressing critical issues in the criminal justice system. It was an empowering opportunity to highlight the transformative work we are doing.

Unlocked Futures
In my #UnlockedFutures talk, I reflected on how I could help women successfully re-enter society after incarceration. With support from partners like New Profit and Bank of America, I established The Ladies of Hope Ministries as a safe haven for formerly incarcerated women to rebuild their lives. Our mission is to provide the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and create sustainable futures.

Unconditional Freedom
In this video, I recount my journey from drug involvement to finding my purpose in prison. I discuss the challenges women face behind bars and how initiatives like organic farming and community programs can provide hope and healing. This story showcases the power of personal transformation and the ability to create lasting change.

The LOHM Celebrates 6 yrs
In this video, I celebrate The Ladies of Hope Ministries' (LOHM) 6th anniversary and reflect on the incredible impact we've made. Over the years, LOHM has empowered justice-impacted women by providing housing, reentry support, and opportunities for education and entrepreneurship. This milestone highlights the resilience of the women we serve and our ongoing mission to create brighter futures and lasting change.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Topeka K. Sam as a Speaker
Dr. Sam is available for a wide range of speaking engagements, including:
Workshops → Conducting interactive sessions on reentry, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Conferences → Delivering keynote speeches and expert insights at major industry events.
Meetups → Engaging with small groups on leadership, justice reform, and entrepreneurship.
Moderator & Panel Discussions → Leading meaningful conversations with industry experts.
School & University Events → Educating students on social impact, leadership, and advocacy.
Virtual Webinars → Hosting digital events for organizations and global audiences.
Workshops → Conducting interactive sessions on reentry, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Charity Events → Inspiring audiences at fundraisers and nonprofit gatherings.
Dr. Sam is available for speaking engagements worldwide and will travel anywhere in the U.S. or internationally. She frequently speaks in New York, Florida, California, Michigan, Louisiana, Maryland, and beyond.
If you’re interested in booking Dr. Sam for an event in your city, reach out to discuss availability.
Dr. Sam brings a wealth of experience across multiple disciplines, including:
Business → Strategies for launching and scaling purpose-driven ventures.
Leadership → Developing strong, impactful, and visionary leaders.v
Women Empowerment → Advocating for gender equity and economic independence.
Legislative Advocacy → Driving policy change in justice reform and reentry.
Black Women Entrepreneurs → Supporting women of color in business and wealth-building.
Decriminalization → Advocating for criminal justice reform and systemic change.
Officer Relationships → Bridging the gap between law enforcement and communities.
Parole and Probation → Reforming supervision systems for fairer outcomes.
Public Safety → Promoting policies that prioritize safety and rehabilitation.
Restorative Justice → Encouraging healing-based justice models.
Social Integration After Incarceration → Helping individuals transition successfully post-release.
Successful Reentry → Providing strategies for employment, housing, and stability.
Family Reunification → Strengthening support systems for justice-impacted families.
Still have questions?
Reach out to let us know.
Exciting Announcement
Stand Up for Our Hair, Health, and Identity
I was honored to be a speaker at the Proven Secrets to Untangle and Reclaim Your Hair Summit. Over 21 transformative days, we heard from expert speakers who confronted and guided us through the harsh realities that women of color have faced for too long: burned scalps, thinning hair, and the constant pressure to hide our natural beauty under wigs and extensions that don’t reflect who we truly are.
For too long, we’ve been told that our natural, “nappy” hair isn’t beautiful. Many of us have spent countless hours and dollars trying to conform, often at the cost of our health, self-worth, and identity. This summit was about more than hair; it was about reclaiming our identity, confidence, and true beauty.
This event served as a call to action to break the cycle and ensure that the next generation of Black girls grows up knowing they’re beautiful just as they are. If you missed it, I encourage you to catch the replay and hear from the incredible lineup of speakers, including my session on October 14th, where I shared mental health secrets for embracing natural beauty. I’d love to hear if any of my insights resonate with you!
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