Ken Nwadike Jr. speaking for the Free Hugs Project – Conscious Campus speaker

Ken Nwadike Jr. Bio:

Ken Nwadike Jr. is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, peace activist, and video journalist best known to students across the country as the “Free Hugs Guy.” His uplifting videos and live appearances have reached hundreds of millions of people online and in-person, inspiring messages of kindness, courage, and connection.

Ken’s journey—from experiencing homelessness as a teenager to becoming a successful entrepreneur and internationally known speaker—is a story of resilience, hope, and the quiet power of compassion. His presentations help students see that their challenges do not define them—and that empathy and action can change lives.

Ken launched the Free Hugs Project in response to the Boston Marathon bombing to spread love and unity during difficult times. His work quickly went viral, and he’s since been featured on CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, BBC News, and in Google’s Year in Search as one of 2016’s defining moments.

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.

Ken Nwadike Jr. Programs:

Building a Loving Support Team

Format: 45–60 minute keynote + optional Q&A

Ideal for: Middle School • Freshman transition • Student-athletes • Student support programs

Ken shares his story of overcoming homelessness in high school through the support of teachers, coaches, and classmates. This program helps students recognize the value of getting involved, encouraging one another, and building strong peer networks that lead to personal success and a stronger school culture.

Students will leave with:

  • – A renewed appreciation for school community and connection
  • – Encouragement to participate in activities and support others
  • – Insight into how small actions can create a lasting impact

The Power of Positive Human Interaction

Format: 45–60 minute keynote + optional Q&A

Ideal for: School assemblies • Leadership classes • Kindness Week

Ken uses his viral Free Hugs Project and real-life stories to show how empathy and small acts of kindness can completely change a school’s atmosphere. Through engaging storytelling and student interaction, he inspires young people to be leaders in creating a more respectful, inclusive, and compassionate school community.

Students will leave with:

  • – A better understanding of how empathy changes lives
  • – Motivation to take positive action in their schools
  • – Practical ways to build kindness and unity every day

Restoring Civility in School Culture

Format: 45–60 minute keynote + optional Q&A

Ideal for: Staff development • Student leadership events • School community initiatives

Drawing on his peacekeeping work during protests, Ken shares lessons that apply to every school: how to calm conflict, listen with respect, and show up with empathy. This session gives students and staff practical ways to shift school culture by leading with kindness, patience, and responsibility—especially when tensions are high.

Participants will leave with:

  • – Tools for respectful communication and problem-solving
  • – A better understanding of how to de-escalate peer conflict
  • – Motivation to create a positive, unified school community
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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
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"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

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It is a pleasure to share that our district employees were overwhelmed by Ken's story. His connection with a teacher/coach, as he described, was very touching and hit home for my educators. His passion to do good in society and demonstrate courage to spread love and peace is a testament to his character. His humbleness and genuineness was evident. He is an angel in human form and that came through. I want to thank you for making this event a reality for East Haddam!

It was a real pleasure to personally meet Ken!

Teresa DeBrito
Superintendent of Schools
East Haddam Public Schools

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Ken Nwadike, Jr. achieves something that is becoming increasingly difficult: navigating a polarized world without tiptoeing around it, and delivering a meaningful message to every single member of his audience. Our students responded to Ken in a powerful and moving way, and the feedback we have gotten has been completely and overwhelmingly positive. Ken has a way of making himself understood, and his story makes his message all the more compelling.

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Michael Croft
Assistant Principal
Shepaug Valley School