When I sat down with Topeka Sam on this episode of Nightmare Success, I knew right away her story was going to move people. She doesn’t hold back. She went from being incarcerated to becoming a national voice for women impacted by the justice system. Her journey is proof that your past doesn’t define your future. It’s what you do with it that matters.
Topeka served time in federal prison for a non-violent drug offense. Like many, she entered a system that wasn’t built to rehabilitate. It was built to punish. She saw firsthand how women, especially women of color, are treated inside. That experience lit a fire in her.
She came out determined to change the system.
Topeka founded The Ladies of Hope Ministries. Her mission is to support and empower women transitioning out of prison. She provides housing, education, and job training. She’s created a real path forward for women who are often overlooked. Her work has helped reduce recidivism and given women the tools to build new lives.
She talked about how hard it was to get people to take her seriously after prison. She said, “People see your past before they see your potential.” But she didn’t let that stop her. She kept showing up. She kept speaking. Now she’s at the table with lawmakers and leaders, helping change policies that affect millions.
One of the most powerful moments in the episode was when she described the emotional toll of incarceration. She said what hurt most wasn’t the loss of freedom. It was the loss of dignity. That’s what drives her advocacy. She wants to bring humanity back to a system that often strips it away.
We also talked about the First Step Act and her work with the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls. Topeka believes reform starts with those who’ve lived through the system. She’s proof that lived experience is a strength, not a weakness.
Topeka doesn’t want sympathy. She wants change. And she’s making it happen. She’s been featured in documentaries, spoken at the United Nations, and helped free women who never should have been in prison. Her voice is clear and strong. Her message is simple: no one is beyond redemption.
This episode is for anyone who feels stuck. Anyone who thinks their past is too heavy to carry forward. Topeka shows you how to turn pain into purpose.
Listen to the full episode to hear how she rebuilt her life, how she’s building a movement, and how you can be part of it. This is a story of resilience, action, and hope. You don’t want to miss it.