VOICES OF FREEDOM SPEAKERS SHOWCASE

WATCH THE RECORDING

Event date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Voices of Freedom is an impactful initiative designed to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with the necessary skills and resources to become effective public speakers on social justice issues and their lived experiences. This is an effort by Remind to Shine Motivational Media.

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SPEAKER PROFILES

Crushion “Cru” Stubbs, Speaker, Founder/Program Director of Voices of Freedom

Crushion "Cru" Stubbs is a justice system-impacted leader, storyteller, and advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who have overcome adversity to let the world know that one person's hard-earned wisdom can guide others to success. As the Project Director of Voices of Freedom Speaker’s Showcase, he empowers individuals who have turned personal trials into triumphs. He provides communications training and a platform where resilience, redemption, and renewal take center stage.

As a certified Toastmasters International Advanced Leader and Communicator, past keynote speaker for UIUC’s Diversity & Social Justice Education Friday Forum, and Just Leadership USA’s Emerging Leaders Training graduate, Cru understands storytelling's power to inspire change. Now a Communications major at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he uses his education to dismantle barriers and uplift communities. Through the Education Justice Project’s P2G Pathway Initiative, he helps to expand higher education access and campus support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

In 2021, Cru was selected to serve as a civic engagement organizer for the Fully Free Coalition’s Champaign chapter to end permanent punishments, where he played a key role on a team that succeeded in the passing of the FREE Act.

Beyond advocacy, Cru is behind Remind to Shine Motivational Media, a platform spreading messages of perseverance and purpose. His soon-to-be-published book will further amplify his mission of transformation and empowerment.

Carlos Harvey, Speaker

Carlos Harvey is a visionary leader, educator, and entrepreneur whose journey through hardship and incarceration embodies personal resilience and faith. Born and raised in Urbana, Illinois, Carlos turned obstacles into opportunities, dedicating his life to uplifting others. A master barber, licensed instructor, and youth mentor, he has helped transform lives by creating pathways to entrepreneurship and education.

After years of honing his craft and overcoming personal trials, Carlos made history by founding the first African American Barber College in the Champaign-Urbana community, offering individuals a second chance to build careers and break generational cycles. His deep-rooted commitment to youth mentorship, faith leadership, and community service has earned him recognition from the NAACP, the Black Chamber of Commerce, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Currently pursuing a business degree at Morehouse College, Carlos believes education is the key to unlocking potential and restoring hope. Carlos is a testament to the power of redemption, the strength of community, and the ability to transform struggle into success.

Jessica Wrightsman, Speaker

Jessica Wrightsman is a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and a testament to the power of transformation. Born in Danville, IL, her journey led her through Oklahoma, Indiana, and immense personal challenges, shaping her into the resilient woman she is today.

A graduate of Attica High School, Jessica finished 11th in her class and earned two scholarships. She worked as a library assistant and earned a welding certification. However, drug use began to overshadow these achievements, leading to addiction, homelessness, and incarceration.

Determined to reclaim her life, Jessica committed to healing and personal growth. She completed multiple recovery programs, including the 7 Keys to Freedom, and actively engages in counseling and faith-based transformation. She believes in the power of renewal—spirit, soul, and body—emphasizing that "you get out what you put in."

Today, Jessica embraces her authentic self, free from shame and full of purpose. She finds peace in nature, where she feels closest to God, and uses her journey to inspire others. Her story proves that no matter the past, recovery, healing, and hope are always within reach.

Jessica is living proof that it’s never too late to rebuild, and every challenge can be a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Damen Rowell, Speaker

Damen Rowell is a devoted father, a man of faith, and a testament to the power of transformation. Born and raised in Danville, IL, he faced the harsh realities of violence, addiction, and gang life from an early age. For years, he was caught in a cycle that cost him precious time with his children and led him down a path of despair.

Determined to rewrite his story, Damen made the courageous decision to seek help, enter rehab, and embrace a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and unwavering faith. Now, over 14 years sober, he has not only rebuilt his relationships but has emerged as a leader in his community, guiding others toward hope and redemption.

As the founder of New Beginnings Outreach and Second Chance Sober Living Home, Damen is dedicated to helping individuals break free from addiction and reclaim their lives. His story is a powerful reminder that no past is too broken to be restored, and every day is an opportunity for a new beginning.

Join Damen as he shares his compelling journey from struggle to triumph, offering inspiration, wisdom, and undeniable proof that change is possible for anyone willing to take the first step.

Kardell Sims, Host

Kardell Sims is a passionate advocate dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Despite facing tremendous adversity in his youth, he has overcome his past to become a leader in the re-entry space. Growing up in poverty with strong influences of drugs and gangs, Kardell first became involved with the justice system at age 15. After release, Kardell put his plan for personal change into action. He beat the odds by transforming himself through education, self-improvement, and service. Today, he is the founder of On The Inside Re-Entry Academy and uses his journey to inspire those facing similar struggles. As a national speaker, 9-time author, master certified empowerment coach, and re-entry consultant, Kardell is dedicated to guiding others toward self-empowerment. He shares his story of overcoming poverty, addiction, gang influences, and recidivism. He aims to spark inspiration and provide the tools for creating lasting change.

Katie Martin, Facilitator

Katie Martin, MA, CCC-SLP, is a transformational speech coach and the founder of Dovetail Speech Consultants. Since 2009, she has empowered professionals to break through communication barriers, helping them speak with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Katie believes that exceptional communication is the cornerstone of personal and professional success. She specializes in helping clients master the art of storytelling, strengthen their vocal presence, and create engaging, persuasive presentations. Whether preparing for high-stakes conversations, keynote speeches, or business presentations, she equips individuals with the tools to captivate audiences and elevate their careers.

Her passion for coaching stems from personal experience. As a teenager, Katie moved to Germany without speaking the language, facing isolation and frustration. Determined to overcome this barrier, she became fluent within a year—an experience that shaped her empathetic, results-driven coaching approach. Later, despite earning a master’s in speech-language pathology, she struggled with public speaking, learning firsthand how to transform fear into confidence.

Today, Katie helps professionals conquer speaking anxiety, develop their authentic voice, and command any room. As a consultant for the Voices of Freedom Speaker’s Showcase, she is dedicated to helping speakers deliver powerful, unforgettable messages. Ready to amplify your voice and transform your communication? Connect with Katie today.

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