From Prison to Purpose: Topeka K. Sam Helps Incarcerated Women Reentering Society

Topeka Kimberly Sam, an American advocate for criminal justice reform, has transformed her life from one marked by incarceration to one defined by activism and impact. Once sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison, Sam now dedicates her life to supporting women navigating the challenges of re-entering society after incarceration.

Her efforts have earned her national recognition, including a full presidential pardon and multiple awards.

Early Life and Conviction

Topeka Sam grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood on Long Island, New York, before attending a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Baltimore, Maryland. It was during her college years that Sam became involved with a romantic partner who was engaged in drug dealing.

She facilitated connections between buyers and sellers, marking her initial involvement in the drug trade. Though she eventually dropped out of college, Sam maintained employment with Amtrak and explored other business ventures.

On April 24, 2012, Topeka Sam was arrested for her alleged role in a multi-kilogram drug trafficking conspiracy, including facilitating transactions involving up to 80 kilograms of cocaine.

She pled guilty on January 11, 2013, and was sentenced to 130 months at the Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury. Through a combination of legal appeals, participation in a prison drug program, and a personal letter to the presiding judge, Sam secured early release in 2015.

Advocacy and Impact

Following her release, Sam channeled her experiences into activism. In 2017, she founded The Ladies of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit focused on helping women successfully reintegrate into society.

The organization provides education, housing assistance, and groceries, including through its Angel Food Delivery Program, which had distributed over 9,000 grocery bags to families affected by the criminal justice system as of December 2022.

In partnership with former inmate Vanee Sykes, Sam also established Hope House, a transitional housing initiative for female parolees. While initial attempts faced setbacks due to state regulations and community concerns, the program is now operational in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, offering on-site support for residents with job placement, educational opportunities, and access to public assistance.

Sam has additionally raised national awareness for high-profile clemency cases, including that of Alice Marie Johnson, whose life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense was commuted following advocacy that Sam helped amplify.

She has also supported the First Step Act, legislation aimed at reducing mandatory minimum sentences, improving prison conditions, and facilitating re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. In 2018, she spoke at the White House Prison Reform Summit, highlighting challenges faced by incarcerated women, such as access to basic hygiene products.

Presidential Pardon and Recognition

Sam’s work was formally recognized when President Donald Trump granted her a full pardon on December 23, 2020, citing her advocacy in criminal justice reform. The pardon was facilitated by businessman Daniel Loeb, in partnership with Sam’s organization.

Her advocacy has earned multiple accolades. On May 5, 2022, she received Google’s inaugural Social Impact Award and a $100,000 grant for her work reducing incarceration rates among women. That same year, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from New York Theological Seminary.

Sam has also been a fellow at Columbia University, served as the first previously incarcerated board member of the Marshall Project, and worked as a filmmaker for 44 Blue Productions.