• Founder of the Free Hugs Project, inspiring audiences around the world
• Keynote speaker on empathy, leadership, and restoring civility
• Featured in Delta Airlines’ Velvet Series and Google’s “Year in Search”
• Expert in conflict resolution and positive human connection
• Ideal for: corporate leadership programs, HR initiatives, college keynotes, and high school assemblies
Experience the energy, empathy, and connection that have made Ken one of today’s most impactful speakers.
“Ken inspired students and staff in a way I’ve rarely seen. He helped shift the tone of our entire school.”
— Jessica Jones, Peru High School (IN)
“I really struggle to find words to express the impact Ken had on everyone. Women were giving each other hugs in the bathroom… someone told me she couldn’t sleep so she watched Ken’s videos just to recapture that feeling.”
— Amy Smith, NEI Global Relocation
Ken Nwadike Jr. is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist best known as the creator of the Free Hugs Project, a movement that has inspired millions worldwide through viral videos and live appearances promoting love, unity, and human connection.
Once a homeless student-athlete, Ken’s journey from hardship to hope embodies the resilience he now teaches. His story—part heart, part humor, and entirely human—reminds audiences that courage and compassion are contagious.
Following the Boston Marathon bombing, Ken launched the Free Hugs Project to promote empathy in the face of fear. His peace-keeping efforts quickly gained national attention, leading to features on CNN, BBC, Good Morning Britain, USA Today, and in Google’s “Year in Search” video as one of the defining moments of 2016.
Ken has shared his message at hundreds of events—from Fortune 500 companies and universities to high-school auditoriums—and was most recently featured as a Delta Airlines Velvet Series speaker. Through every story and interaction, he invites audiences to look beyond division and rediscover what connects us.
He is also the co-founder of the Black and Blue Podcast with Sheriff Chris Swanson, a platform that models civil conversation across differences. Whether leading a keynote, workshop, or heartfelt dialogue, Ken makes “unity” feel not only possible but practical.
Today, Ken speaks at high schools around the country, leading programs during assemblies, leadership retreats, Kindness and Unity Weeks, and staff development sessions. Whether talking with a gym full of students or a small group of student leaders, Ken brings heart, humor, and inspiration to every school he visits—leaving communities more connected and uplifted.
Restoring Civility and Connection
Creating safe and inclusive environments starts with how we treat one another. Drawing from his experience de-escalating high-tension protests, Ken shares real-life stories that translate directly to workplace and community life. He gives leaders and teams practical tools to strengthen respect, communication, and empathy, even in challenging moments.
This program inspires participants to support one another, improve collaboration, and build cultures grounded in kindness and accountability.
The Power of Positive Human Interaction
Ken brings his Free Hugs Project to life in this interactive, inspiring program about understanding, empathy, and connection. Through storytelling, humor, and audience engagement, he helps students see how their everyday choices shape the culture of their campus.
Audiences leave motivated to lead with compassion, listen with curiosity, and create communities rooted in unity and inclusion.
Building a Loving Support Team
Ken shares his personal story of overcoming homelessness and hardship through the support of teachers, coaches, and classmates. He encourages students to recognize the power of showing up for one another and getting involved in positive activities that build confidence and belonging.
This uplifting keynote helps students see that small acts of kindness can change a school, and that real success begins with being part of a caring community.
Conversations with Ken
Ken has done many things in his life — from founding the Hollywood Half-Marathon to building successful businesses during the pandemic, to risking his safety as the Free Hugs Guy on the frontlines of protests. Yet the most powerful thing he does is often the quietest: bringing people together to talk, listen, and understand one another.
Whether through a keynote, workshop, or leadership session, Conversations with Ken creates honest dialogue that changes hearts, builds trust, and reminds us that we all belong.
NowThis Campaign: “The Power of Softness”
Ken Nwadike Jr. was featured in a national NowThis campaign celebrating men who lead with empathy, vulnerability, and strength through kindness. His story, “Softness Is My Superpower,” has been viewed millions of times and continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Bring Ken Nwadike Jr. to your next event and give your audience an unforgettable experience of empathy, inspiration, and connection. Whether it’s a corporate conference, HR summit, leadership retreat, campus program, or community event, Ken’s message of unity and compassion leaves a lasting impact on every room he enters.
