Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Harris.
Hi Katrina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
y story is one of redemption, resilience, and God’s grace. I was married at 15, became a mother of three by 17, survived domestic violence, and spent time incarcerated as a teenager. For a long time, my circumstances seemed to define my future, but I refused to let my past have the final say.
After my release, I went back to school, earned my BBA and MBA, built a successful career in healthcare, became a business owner alongside my husband and authored the book Freedom Ain’t Free.
Today, I am the founder of Lady K’s Survivors Initiative and Life After Incarceration, where I work with incarcerated women and men, domestic violence survivors, and individuals reentering society. What began as sharing my testimony has grown into a movement focused on restoration, healing, and helping people understand that their past does not define their future.
My journey has taken me from incarceration to restoration, from surviving to serving, and from being counted out to helping others discover their purpose. If my story proves anything, it’s that one decision, one opportunity and one “yes” can change the entire trajectory of a life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. The road has been anything but smooth.
I faced challenges that could have easily become excuses. Like teen pregnancy, domestic violence, incarceration, self-doubt and the stigma that often follows people long after they’ve paid for their mistakes. There were seasons when I questioned whether anyone would ever see beyond my past.
Even after earning my degrees and building a successful career, there were still obstacles. Starting businesses, building a nonprofit, gaining trust and opening doors into correctional facilities all came with setbacks, rejection, and moments when giving up seemed easier. One of the biggest struggles was learning to forgive myself and believing that God could use every part of my story…not just the successful chapters, but the painful ones too.
Looking back, I realize the struggles weren’t roadblocks; they were preparation. Every challenge taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and equipped me to serve others who are facing similar battles. Today, the very things that once tried to break me have become the foundation of my purpose.
I often say, “Your past does not define your future.” I can say that with confidence because I’ve lived it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear several hats, but at the core of everything I do is helping people discover that their past does not define their future.
Professionally, I work in healthcare, where I focus on patient advocacy, rehabilitation, and helping individuals regain their independence and quality of life. I am also a business owner, author, speaker, and founder of Lady K’s Survivors Initiative and Life After Incarceration, organizations dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals, domestic violence survivors, and those rebuilding their lives after adversity. Alongside my husband of more than 20 years, I co-own Smokey D’z BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has become a staple in our community. Building businesses together while raising a family has taught us the value of hard work, perseverance, faith, and serving others.
Above all, my greatest accomplishment is my family. I am a wife, mother of six, a Gigi, and no title or achievement means more to me than those roles. No matter how busy life becomes, my family remains my number one priority and my greatest source of motivation. Everything I do whether in business, healthcare, ministry, or nonprofit work is rooted in creating a legacy that my children and grandchildren can be proud of.
However, in this season of my life I am best known for my work inside correctional facilities, where I lead a transformational trauma program called SURVIVE where we focus on healing, accountability, personal development, and reentry. Through our SURVIVE curriculum, we help participants move from victimization to empowerment and from incarceration to restoration.
What I am most proud of is not the awards, recognition, or titles…it’s the lives that have been transformed. Seeing the women that graduate from our program, reunite with their families, secure employment, continue their education, and begin believing in themselves again is what matters most to me.
What sets me apart is that I don’t teach from theory, I teach from experience. I’ve lived through many of the challenges the people I serve are facing. My journey from incarceration to earning my BBA and MBA, building businesses, authoring my book, and receiving statewide recognition allows me to connect with people in a way that is authentic and relatable. People don’t just hear my message; they see proof that transformation is possible.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to be a bridge between where people are and where they have the potential to become, reminding them that one decision, one opportunity, and one yes can change the trajectory of an entire life.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was traveling to Mexico with my family. I loved spending time at the ranch, enjoying the simple things in life, and creating memories that have stayed with me for years. Some of my fondest memories include helping at the taco stands, learning the value of hard work, and being surrounded by family and community.
And of course, no childhood memory would be complete without getting on my brothers’ nerves every chance I got. Looking back now, those moments of laughter, adventure, and family connection are priceless. They taught me to appreciate where I come from and reminded me that some of life’s greatest joys are found in the simplest moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladykharris.com
- Instagram: @ladykharris @lifeafterincarceration
- Facebook: Katrina Harris and Life After Incarceration
