speaking topics
RISING ABOVE THE ODDS
“Your past doesn’t define your future—it prepares you for it.”
In this signature keynote, Sharmain Harris shares his R.I.S.E Method to inspire audiences to turn trauma trauma and struggle into purpose, and success, and use their platform to changes lives.
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 that even in your lowest moments, you kept going.
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.
S — Strive for Success
Strive for Success is about turning belief into daily action. It’s about discipline over excuses, progress over perfection, and consistency over comfort. 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 positively impact the spaces you enter—your family, workplace, and community. When you empower your environment, you transform not just your life but the atmosphere around you.
Perfect for conferences, reentry associations, universities, and corporate leadership events, this talk empowers people to rise above any odds and transform their story into one of impact.
“Sharmain is bringing light and affirmation to a field that needs all it can get. He has an exceptional spirit and it has been a privilege to watch him take root.”
– Kyle Pruett, Author- Child Psychiatrist
Legacy After Lock Up
Every father leaves a legacy—either by design or by default. In this inspiring and actionable presentation, Sharmain equips fathers with the tools to intentionally build a legacy rooted in love, leadership, and resilience. This is not just about being there for your children today—it’s about planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Perfect for: Fatherhood programs, faith-based organizations, mentorship programs, schools, and family empowerment events.
Audiences will walk away inspired, equipped, and challenged to see fatherhood not just as a responsibility, but as a legacy-building opportunity.
R.O.I. – Redemption Over Incarceration
“The greatest return on investment isn’t measured in dollars—it’s measured in lives changed.”
In this impactful keynote, Sharmain Harris shares how true R.O.I. comes when redemption creates lasting impact. Through his journey from incarceration to earning a master’s degree and building a national platform, he inspires audiences to believe in the power of second chances.
Perfect for reentry programs, universities, corporate DEI initiatives, and social impact events, this talk challenges audiences to see that the highest R.O.I. is Redemption Over Incarceration because every life reclaimed is a legacy built.
The Real Second Chance – Education After Incarceration
“Freedom may start at release, but true transformation begins in the classroom.”
In this powerful keynote, Sharmain Harris shares his journey from incarceration to earning a master’s degree and using his voice to build a legacy. He shows audiences how education can change lives, break cycles, and inspire generations
Perfect for universities, adult education programs, reentry initiatives, and workforce development organizations, this talk equips educators and leaders to:
Understand the barriers justice-impacted learners face
Leverage education to reduce recidivism and transform families
Leverage education to reduce recidivism and transform families
