Kari Kelley — Survivor Advocate · Author · Speaker
Kari Kelley knows what it means to survive in silence. As a survivor of childhood abuse and a woman navigating life with legal blindness, she has turned her pain into a platform — speaking in schools, churches, and communities across the country to help children find their voice before it's too late.
Why She Speaks
"1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse before age 18."
Most never tell anyone. Kari speaks so they know someone is listening — and fighting for them.
Speaking Topics
01
For schools, youth groups, and community organizations. Kari shares her story and gives children the language to recognize and report abuse.
02
For women's groups, churches, and survivor communities. A message of strength, faith, and radical self-compassion.
03
For parents and educators. Practical tools for creating safe environments and opening conversations about safety.
04
On navigating disability, identity, and purpose. For disability advocacy groups, healthcare communities, and inclusive organizations.
Kari doesn't just speak — she reaches you in places you forgot were wounded.
— Audience Member, Phoenix, AZ
Her story changed how I talk to my kids about safety. Every parent needs to hear this.
— Parent, Birmingham, AL
Book Kari
Speaker Kit
Short Bio — 50 Words
Kari Kelley is an award-winning author, survivor advocate, and speaker based in Mesa, Arizona. Legally blind and a survivor of childhood abuse, she uses her story to protect children, empower survivors, and inspire communities through her books, one-woman shows, and speaking engagements.
Long Bio — 150 Words
Kari Kelley defied every label placed on her. Diagnosed with significant visual impairment early in life and carrying the hidden weight of childhood abuse, Kari could have accepted the story others wrote for her. Instead, she wrote her own. A two-time #1 Amazon bestselling author, Kari's books — Black, Blind and Female and Heal Thy Self — have resonated with readers across the country who see their own struggles reflected in her pages. As a speaker, she brings that same honesty to stages across America — schools, churches, women's conferences, and survivor summits — delivering a message that is equal parts raw truth and radical hope. Recently relocated to Mesa, Arizona, Kari is expanding her advocacy work through partnerships with national child protection organizations, her doTERRA wellness community, and the launch of her upcoming pageant platform. She speaks so others don't have to suffer in silence.
Talk Topics
1. Breaking the Silence — Recognizing and reporting abuse for schools and youth groups
2. Resilience Is Not Optional — Strength, faith, and self-compassion for women's groups and survivor communities
3. Raising Protected Children — Practical tools for parents and educators
4. See Me Fully — Disability, identity, and purpose for healthcare and advocacy communities
Community Voice
Kari shapes her speaking content around what her community needs most. Submit a topic or question — the most requested themes become part of her upcoming talks.