Bio:

Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online. Nwadike Jr is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, which produces motivational videos to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues. His ‘Free Hugs’ videos have reached hundreds of millions of views on Facebook and YouTube.

In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project to spread love in response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon. The Free Hugs Project gained popularity in 2016, as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike was featured in Google’s 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight of some of the year’s most defining moments. Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.  Ken has spoken at hundreds of Colleges and Universities and is a favorite at high-schools and corporations. Ken was the 2017 featured keynote speaker at NACA National convention, and was also chosen to speak at the 2018 National convention and several regional NACA events.

Programs:

Virtual

 

Keynote / Documentary / Live Q&A

In response to the Corona Virus (COVID-19), we understand the need for social distancing and limited group gatherings. During this time, we are committed to spreading a message of kindness and the need for seeking common ground and civility through our virtual program.

Format: ​60 Minute Keynote w/ Virtual – Live Q&A / Documentary Screening

The audience will leave with:

Ken’s keynote address explores the power of positive human interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of this program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture on your campus.

 

College

 

THE POWER OF HUMAN INTERACTION

In this fun, creative and interactive program Ken brings his “Free Hugs Project” to engage students in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism.  Ken will interact with student leaders during small group discussions, to encourage them to spread love and kindness to transform the campus climate. His visit concludes with a keynote address that explores the power of positive human interaction.

Format: ​45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

The audience will leave with:

Ken’s keynote address explores the power of positive human interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of this program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture on your campus.

 

High School / Middle School / Elementary

 

DEVELOPING A LOVING SUPPORT TEAM

As a motivational speaker for students, Ken shares his personal story of overcoming homelessness and insecurities by getting involved in extracurricular activities in school. The support he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities, helped pave the way for Ken to start numerous businesses and a charitable organization that helps homeless teens.

Format: ​45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

The audience will leave with:

This program teaches students to be more loving and supportive of one another to accomplish life-changing goals. It also motivates and encourages students to get involved in activities on campus to enhance personal growth and preparation for college.

 

Corporate / Small Business

 

RESTORING CIVILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Creating safe and inclusive work environments begins with how civil we are towards our fellow men and women. As a business keynote speaker, Ken shares stories of de-escalating intense confrontations on the front-lines of riots and protests. He describes ways that peacekeeping principles can be used proactively in the workplace and community to prevent heightened situations from occurring.

Format: ​45-60 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

The audience will leave with:

The keynote inspires business leaders to be more supportive and respectful towards one another. Restoring civility in America improves the way we treat our families, coworkers, and people within our communities. Ken has received numerous awards from law enforcement agencies and community groups for his peacekeeping efforts during uprisings.

Workshops & Breakouts:

LEADERSHIP: BECOME THE LEADER THAT THEY ARE SEARCHING FOR

Format: ​30 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

This program is perfect for:

  • ​Inspiring leadership in the workplace, on campus, and within organizations.

The audience will leave with:

  • ​Inspiration and new ideas on how to identify needs
  • Courage to take on new challenges
  • Better problem solving skills

 

PERSEVERANCE: YOU DEFINE YOUR FINISH LINE

Format: ​30 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

This program is perfect for:

  • ​Motivating corporate / sales teams and athletes to break through the boundaries and limitations that they set for themselves
  • Teams struggling with forward momentum
  • Managers of underperforming sales teams
  • As a former homeless student athlete, Ken shares his story of using running to change his finish line.

 

CHARITABLE WORKS: SUPPORTING A CAUSE

Format: ​30 Minute Keynote w/ Optional Q&A

This program is perfect for:

  • ​Motivating groups to take action that create social and environmental change.

The audience will leave with:

  • ​Equipped and inspired to take action.
  • Ready to create a social good campaign or support a cause that resonates with your groups mission.

 

COMMUNITY: SOCIAL CHANGE THINK TANK

Format: ​1 Hour Workshop / Breakout Session

This program is perfect for:

  • Brainstorming ideas to improve your community and the world around you

The audience will leave with:

  • ​Actionable plans to develop charitable works that will benefit people in need.

 

TEAMBUILDING: A LOVING WORKPLACE WORKSHOP

Format: ​1 Hour Workshop / Breakout Session

This program is perfect for:

  • Improving kindness and trust in the workplace.

The audience will leave with:

  • ​A greater sense of joy, friendliness, and support from their  co-workers.
“

Ken’s talks at our events were something to behold: he touched and moved people in a way I’ve rarely witnessed on that large scale. His affable, approachable and humorous demeanor made every person in the room feel that he was their friend, and partner. He inspired masses of people to take a deep look at how they can contribute to a society that emphasizes compassion over alienation, unity over division, and peace over conflict. He is a speaker who changes the game around notions of conflict resolution and peaceful protest, and I will always look to include him in my programming for future events: I owe that to future generations.

Karina MackenziePROGRAMMING MANAGER, WANDERLUST
“

Wow! We were excited to have Ken as a keynote speaker at the HR Indiana SHRM conference in August 2018, but had no idea the impact he would have on our participants. 1800 of us laughed, cried, and cheered while he spoke; when he left we were inspired, more prayerful, more positive, and more kind to others. We were only disappointed that not all 1800 got a personal hug from Ken, but I bet about 450 of us did!! Bravo, Ken!

JoDee CurtisOWNER, SHRM-SCP, PURPLE INK, LLC.
“

I contacted Ken Nwadike, Jr. after seeing him on CNN. He was so inspiring and genuine in his message during that interview that I had to work out a way to bring him to our conference to speak to our customers. We had hoped Ken would leave them with some positive feelings and inspiration and he actually exceeded those expectations and had such a wonderful impact on all that were in attendance. There were laughs, tears, and lots of hugs! I would highly recommend Ken as a speaker at ANY event. His message is wide reaching and a perfect antidote to today’s climate. His smile is contagious as is his genuine pursuit to spread empathy, happiness, and love.

Stephanie LassCENTRAL ACCESS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, CENTRAL ACCESS CORPORATION
“

Ken Nwadike is a dynamic speaker! His authenticity and powerful message is incredibly motivating. The impact Ken has on both children and adults is life changing and important for our country.

Keyo GoldPRESIDENT, AMMEX CORP
“

Our students left Ken’s presentation feeling uplifted and motivated for social change. Ken’s authenticity and passion captured the audience’s attention in a natural, effortless way. Many students stayed late to share a free hug, a selfie, and personal stories with him.

Kate GriffinDIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES, VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
“

Ken is an amazing individual. He visited our school, and through the sharing of his story, and his message of spreading love and understanding, he connected with every single student and adult in our building. We are in the business of developing leaders and Ken’s message inspired everyone to be the best that we can be for each other. He’s more than just a speaker – he’s a difference maker. Our kids still wear his Free Hugs shirts every Friday! I can’t tell you what you mean to our campus! I tell everyone- that to this generation – you are truly their Martin Luther King Jr.

Julie DiazPRINCIPAL, TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL
“

Thank you so much for recommending and sending Ken Nwadike and his Free Hugs Project to our campus. In 12 years of arranging campus speakers I’ve never had one who connected so well with students that they were immediately pleading with me to schedule him for next year. Great speaker. Great program. Terrific response.

Ron SingletonLimestone College
“

AMAZING! STUPENDOUS! EYE OPENING! INSPIRATIONAL! AWESOME!” Those are words students used. It was a pleasure to work with him.

Austin L. DuckettWidener University
“

I am writing thank you notes today. Ken is special, I believe he is changing the world. During his speech folks were quiet and listening…introspective (as was I) to the significance of his work. How brave - not just to the dangers, but by putting himself out there like he does. The world needs peacemakers and we should all strive to be more like Ken. There is only one Prince of Peace, but if that is not Ken’s archetype, I don’t know who is. After his talk everyone at the conference, lined up to get their FREE HUG and a picture! Please let me know, how I can help Ken further his work and get the message out. I am natural skeptic, but I believe Ken to be the real deal.

Thanks for making this possible!

Mark Drennan - Chief Executive Officer - West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Assn.
 
 
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