If you are seeking a powerful, authentic, and dynamic speaker who thrives on both large and small stages...look no further. After his release from incarceration, Sharmain transformed every barrier into a stepping stone, becoming a devoted father, igniting a fatherhood movement, and earning an early discharge from parole through his relentless commitment to growth. He went back to college, earned multiple degrees, and eventually returned to teach as a criminal justice professor at the very institution he once thought was out of reach. His journey of discipline and transformation led to receiving an official pardon from the Governor of Wisconsin, marking a full-circle moment of redemption. Along the way, Sharmain discovered his gift for speaking and realized his story had the power to change lives. That revelation propelled him into becoming a nationally recognized speaker and the author of his highly sought-after book Rising Above the Odds, inspiring thousands to rise above their circumstances and reclaim their purpose.
He has been featured in news stories, praised by judges and prosecutors, and celebrated on national stages. Sharmain uses raw storytelling and research-backed insights to help people break cycles, rewrite their narratives, and rise above the odds. His signature R.I.S.E. Method™ is transforming justice-impacted individuals, organizations, and communities around the nation.
R — Recognize Your Resilience
Recognizing your resilience means shifting your focus from what happened to you to what’s happening through you. It’s the foundation of self-awareness and strength, acknowledging your lowest moments are often your best teachers
I — Imagine the Impossible
Imagine the Impossible” challenges you to dream beyond your current reality. To envision a future greater than your past mistakes or limitations, so you can take the necessary steps to reach greatness
S — Strive for Success
Strive for Success is about turning vision into daily action. It’s about establishing discipline, routines, and systems to achieve the vision of your future. "Success doesn’t come to those who wait; it comes to those who work while they wait."
E — Empower Your Environment
Empower Your Environment” means using your story, example, and energy to now positively impact the spaces you enter. Your family, workplace, and community will thrive because of you. When you empower your environment, you transform not just your life but the atmosphere around you.
Sharmain's R.I.S.E. Method™ has been used by family service programs, reentry associations, universities, and corporate leadership events. This method empowers people to rise above any odds and transform their story into one of impact.
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Speaking Topics
From community rooms to national stages, Sharmain blends honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom with practical tools people can use on Monday.
✔ Rising Above the Odds - Signature Speech
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Rising Above Fatherhood
✔ Education After Incarceration
✔ Redemption Over Incarceration
WORKSHOPS & TRAINING
Workshops
✔ 7 Steps to Engaging Fathers In Family Services
✔ Justice Impacted Facilitation Training
✔ Reentryprenuership Readiness Bootcamp
✔ Turn Lived Experience into Leadership
✔ From the Cage to the Stage - Speaker Development
1-ON-1 CONSULTATION
Consultation
We would love to learn more about your organization's initiatives, goals, and strategies. Get support with
✔ Strategic Planning Initiatives
✔ Live Facilitated Brainstorming Sessions
✔ Understanding father & Justice Impacted
✔ For justice-impacted organizing efforts
✔ Political Strategies to Engage JIP's
My journey from pain and prison to power and purpose.
A powerful, cinematic keynote that takes audiences through Sharmain’s journey from childhood trauma, street life, and incarceration — to inner healing, fatherhood transformation, education, and national leadership.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✔ How to shift from survival to purpose
✔ How to transform pain into power
✔ How to break generational cycles
✔ How to rise above systems, statistics, and setbacks
WHY ORGANIZATIONS TRUST SHARMAIN as a speaker
Inspiration After Incarceration
His message is built on lived experience, proven results, and a deep understanding of the barriers their clients face
Book Smart and Street Smart
He blends academic expertise with street-level wisdom, offering solutions that are practical, trauma-informed, and immediately applicable.
Programs That Stick
His programs are trusted because they don’t just motivate—they create measurable progress, strengthen community impact, and give people the tools to rise above the odds.
Jeleslie Taylor
Wardne at Racine Youth Offender Correction Facility
"Sharmain's speech at our correctional facility was very impactful for the young men who were present. Even the correctional staff were moved by his speech"
Joshua Living
Child Support - County Attorney
Sharmain is very passionate about what he does. He got me thinking about my attitude and responses to men. His talk was very personal and inspiring. It would be awesome if we had a program for Fathers in NE
My journey from pain and prison to power and purpose.
Part memoir, part manual. Sharmain shares the hard truths, the turning points, and a practical path forward for anyone ready to rebuild.
BONUS: Practitioners Get Free Workbooks and Study Questions
*With bulk purchases only.
Matt Moore
Senior Director at Core Civic
I worked in the field of corrections and have read scores of books in this genre. Sharmain's rises above the rest. I was very moved by his story. You can see and feel the changes he made along his journey. What a powerful story! Keep up the great work Sharmain!
Mike Gravely
Former District Attorney
This book really should be assigned reading in any Criminal Justice 101 classes for future cops, social workers, PO's, etc. I was brought to tears several times thinking about Sharmain's choices and options during his journey
Based on the overwhelming feedback from his book. Sharmain developed an online platform where Lived Experience meets professional practice
Rise Above Reentry Academy is a comprehensive online learning and personal development platform designed to help justice-impacted individuals rebuild their identity, reclaim their purpose, and create sustainable success after incarceration.
The Rise Above Reentry Alliance is a community of dedicated professionals—child support staff, probation and parole agents, reentry specialists, and family-service leaders—committed to helping fathers and justice-impacted individuals rise above systemic barriers.
Justice Impacted People Join the Academy. Professionals Join the Alliance
Built for people and programs
Bring Sharmain to your stage—or bring his systems into your program.
For Conferences & Events
From child support associations, correctional settings, to universities, and nonprofits, Sharmain delivers a transformational message that inspires staff, strengthens families, improves outcomes, and inspires lasting change.
For Organizations
Sharmain delivers dependable, high-quality solutions that align with organizational goals: improving client engagement, strengthening outcomes, and elevating the effectiveness of frontline staff.
Seen on & Partnered With
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sharmain different from other speakers and trainers ?
Sharmain blends lived experience, academic training, and a decade of professional leadership with justice-impacted populations. His approach is both inspirational and evidence-based, offering organizations solutions that are practical, trauma-informed, and measurable. He doesn’t just motivate—he equips people to rise above systemic, emotional, and generational barriers.
Who does Sharmain typically work with ?
Sharmain partners with child support agencies, corrections departments, universities, nonprofits, reentry programs, and corporate teams committed to equity and personal development. He also provides direct coaching, courses, and community support for formerly incarcerated individuals looking to rebuild their identity, career, and legacy.
How much does it cost to book Sharmain ?
Pricing varies depending on your organization’s needs, the scope of the engagement, the length of the session, and the level of customization required. Sharmain offers flexible options for agencies, universities, nonprofits, and corporate partners. To receive an exact quote, simply submit an inquiry with a few details about your event or training goals.
Can Sharmain customize his presentation or training for my organization ?
Absolutely. Every presentation, workshop, or training can be tailored to your organization’s goals, data, client population, and desired outcomes. Sharmain regularly designs customized sessions for statewide agencies, universities, and justice-focused organizations to ensure maximum relevance and impact.
How can we bring Sharmain to speak or train our team ?
Booking Sharmain is simple. You can complete the contact form below, request a discovery call, or email directly with details about your event or training needs. From there, Sharmain will work with your team to develop a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and budget.
Bring Sharmain to your stage
Tell us about your event or program. We’ll follow up with dates, fees, and a plan to make an impact.
