April 21-24, 2025 | Nashville, TN |
There are many forms of recovery, and there are many people who play key roles in making it possible. The Hope Ambassadors program highlights stories of recovery from individuals with personal experience and those who have impacted the journey of others. See their stories below!
Director of Addiction Prevention and Recovery Resources
"Being a Hope Ambassador means I get to join a community of rockstars sharing resources and a hopeful message that recovery is possible for anyone that wants it! I'm excited to be a small part of a phenomenal conference...giving inspiration and hope for recovery to others."
Professional Motorcycle Athlete, National Championship
“Recovery is something I put in front of everything daily. I remind myself where I was and appreciate where I am in the present. I think about it every day and I believe that is a healthy approach.”
Harm Reduction Specialist
"Hope is the foundation of resilience, growth, and transformation. It’s the spark that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a path forward. As someone who has witnessed the power of hope in action—whether through harm reduction, peer support, or direct services—it is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful to me. Hope inspires people to believe in their own capacity for change, even when the odds feel insurmountable. It’s about fostering connections, creating spaces where people feel valued, and holding space for possibility even when it feels distant. It’s about embodying compassion, walking alongside others in their journey, and advocating for equitable resources and opportunities for all."
Screening and Referral Specialist
"I want to show others that recovery is possible!"
Harm Reduction Support Specialist
"The work that is being done for and with people who have experienced addiction is truly inspiring to be a part of. I would like to be a living example of the results that this work engenders. We Recover!"
Senior Health Education Specialist for the Drug Overdoes Prevention Program, Southwest District Health in Caldwell Idaho
"This year, I'm looking forward to hitting my 20th anniversary milestone of continuous abstinence-based sobriety. When I started my recovery journey, I felt hopeless, so I leaned on those who had hope to give. Over the last two decades, I have had the privilege of sharing that same message of hope with others - that recovery is possible and that your past doesn't have to define you. I'm proud of the career path of I've chosen that is dedicated to helping others through substance use prevention work and education."
Marketing Director
I'm deeply passionate about advocating for those affected by substance abuse, especially given my own experience in recovery. My addiction once destroyed my life, but through determination and support, I found a path to healing. This journey has fueled my commitment to raise awareness and educate others about the realities of substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of prevention and recovery."
Area Prevention Coordinator, Operation UNITE
"My life is proof that recovery is possible. My hope is that my story with encourage so many others that their life is worth fighting for. Never give up on yourself, keep reaching and never stop dreaming. There is a life out there worth living and someone is waiting on your story to give them hope. We are all in this together. Let’s lift each other up and continue to help Kentucky recover!"
RN/Program Director
"The most important thing to me is to help the public adopt a new perspective on this epidemic. We must break down barriers and reduce stigma, as we all know. Even more crucial is the need for all community partners to collaborate and dismantle the silos that stand in the way. The sooner we work together as a unified team, the more effective we’ll be—and the more lives we can save."