Emily O’Brien

Keynote Speaker | Hamilton, Ontario

Social Entrepreneur and Reintegration Leader
Resilience, Accountability & Change Expert

Emily O’Brien Expertise Entrepreneurship, Resilience & Change, Adaptability & Agility, Leadership, Personal Growth, Mindset & Attitude, Resilience & Adversity, Inspirational & Engaging and Motivation.

Emily O’Brien

About Emily O’Brien

Emily O’Brien is a social entrepreneur, prison reform advocate, and the founder of Comeback Snacks, a Canadian social enterprise focused on second chance employment and reintegration. She developed the concept during her incarceration, where she identified the need for purpose driven opportunities that reduce stigma and support rehabilitation. Emily O’Brien transformed this insight into a growing business that trains and employs individuals with prior convictions. Her presentations outline the realities of incarceration, resilience, reinvention, and the creation of opportunities that strengthen communities through empowerment and pro social pathways.

Emily O’Brien Videos

Emily O'Brien | Her Story

Fuckup Nights Toronto | Emily O'brien | March 2024

Emily O’Brien Interviews & Podcasts

She Was in Prison for Drug Smuggling. Now She’s a CEO

This CEO Came up with Her Business Idea While in Prison

From Shackles to Success with Emily O'brien

The Comeback: Uncorked with Emily O’brien

Sportsline: Emily O'brien Shares How She Started a Gourmet Popcorn Bus

How Emily O’brien Started a Gourmet Popcorn Business Behind Bars

Comeback Snacks: Unfolding from Prison with Popcorn

A Comeback Snemily O'brien of Comeback Snacks: a Community Catchup on

EMILY O’BRIEN BIOGRAPHY

Emily O’Brien is a Canadian social entrepreneur whose work focuses on reintegration, prison reform, and community impact. She founded Comeback Snacks after developing the concept during her incarceration and identifying an opportunity to create structured pathways for second chance employment. The career of Emily O’Brien demonstrates how a purpose driven enterprise can address stigma while creating practical solutions for individuals returning to the workforce. Her leadership reflects a commitment to reducing barriers and promoting informed approaches to reintegration.

Emily O’Brien entered the correctional system as a first time offender and recognized the emotional, social, and structural challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. Her experience shaped her understanding of the need for empowerment, education, and accessible employment opportunities. During her sentence, Emily O’Brien observed how food supported connection and eased daily stress. The creativity demonstrated by women who improvised popcorn recipes inspired her to consider how a simple product could serve as the foundation for a business that promoted dignity and possibility.

Emily O’Brien built Comeback Snacks on the principle that flavour innovation and quality ingredients could coexist with a broader social mission. The enterprise employs and trains individuals with prior convictions, establishing a model that aligns profitability with community advancement. The work of Emily O’Brien addresses the long term impacts of stigma and the importance of stable employment in reducing recidivism. Her initiatives highlight how organizations can support individuals who are motivated to rebuild their lives through structured professional opportunities.

Emily O’Brien uses her platform to increase awareness of the realities of incarceration and the factors that influence successful reintegration. Her perspective is grounded in lived experience and supported by her continued engagement with justice reform partners. As a speaker, Emily O’Brien provides insights on resilience, responsibility, and the processes that support personal and professional change. Her sessions present the operational, emotional, and cultural considerations relevant to reintegration and second chance employment.

Emily O’Brien has gained national visibility for her commitment to strengthening reintegration outcomes in Canada. Her work contributes to ongoing public dialogue about justice, community safety, and the value of inclusive employment practices. Through Comeback Snacks, Emily O’Brien demonstrates how businesses can design supportive environments for individuals transitioning from incarceration. The company serves as a case study in mission driven entrepreneurship grounded in practical implementation.

Emily O’Brien continues to advise organizations on reducing stigma in workplaces and improving internal systems that support individuals with diverse life experiences. Her guidance assists leadership teams in developing policies that balance risk management with opportunity creation. Her work emphasizes the role that education and training play in community safety and economic stability. Emily O’Brien encourages organizations to evaluate the long term benefits of reintegration strategies that align with organizational values.

Emily O’Brien also highlights how personal accountability and structured support intersect to influence long term success for individuals with prior convictions. Her insights provide clarity on the challenges faced during reentry and the factors that contribute to sustainable outcomes. She continues to expand the reach of Comeback Snacks through partnerships, public engagement, and evidence informed practices. The growth of the enterprise reflects her focus on meaningful contribution and community resilience.

Emily O’Brien remains committed to strengthening understanding about lived experience within the justice system and its connection to social and economic advancement. Her work supports leaders seeking reliable strategies to foster inclusive, community aligned workplaces.

Emily O’Brien Topic Presentations

Emily O’Brien Hamilton, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Leaders Never Leave

The Comeback Blueprint

Profits with People

Resilience for Redemption

Radical Accountability: Owning Your Path to Success

Emily O’Brien Books & Articles

I Started My Popcorn Business from Behind Bars. It Gave Me a Second Chance at Life
I Started My Popcorn Business from Behind Bars.

When Emily O’Brien was 26, she was convicted of drug smuggling. While serving a four-year sentence at a Hamilton prison, she came up with...

4 Million Canadians Have a Criminal Record. Companies Not Hiring Them are Missing Out, Say Advocates
4 Million Canadians Have a Criminal Record.

During her time in prison, Emily O'Brien came to the conclusion that it would be difficult to find a job after her release, so she...

The Comeback Journey
The Comeback

Emily O'Brien's story is a remarkable journey of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of second chances.

I Launched a Company While Serving Time for Coke Smuggling
I Launched a Company While Serving Time for Coke

They say prison is correctional work, but successful reintegration is still an issue due to social barriers for low income people or people...

Emily O’Brien Speaking Testimonials

"Emily O’Brien speaks from the heart with passion, humour, and grace. She shows audiences how they too can be resilient, and come back from what may appear to be insurmountable challenges. Everyone can apply her grit and determination to build a business and life to be proud of."

Stacey Smith

Program Manager
Farm Credit Canada

"Thank you, Emily O’Brien, again for speaking at the YW event. So many people are still talking and posting about it. You are a real inspiration."

Christine Michaud

Director of Development
YWCA Canada

"I am thrilled to endorse Emily O’Brien for her extraordinary ability to deliver inspirational talks to clients. Having witnessed her passion and eloquence firsthand, I can confidently say that Emily possesses a unique gift for connecting with audiences and igniting positive change."

Tom Best

CEO
Book Clubs For Inmates

"CMHA Fort Frances Branch was fortunate to have Emily O’Brien from Comeback Snacks present to us during our All Staff meeting. Emily is a passionate speaker who inspired our staff with her personal story. Truly inspirational and would highly recommend"

Pauline Hyatt

Director of Services
Canadian Mental Health Association

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emily O’Brien known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Emily O’Brien is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Emily O’Brien speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Emily O’Brien delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Emily O’Brien is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Emily O’Brien is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Emily O’Brien from and where do they speak across Canada?

Emily O’Brien is from Hamilton, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Emily O’Brien available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Emily O’Brien is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Emily O’Brien deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Emily O’Brien may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Emily O’Brien to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Emily O’Brien is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Emily O’Brien for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Emily O’Brien is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Emily O’Brien as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Emily O’Brien keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Emily O’Brien for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Emily O’Brien may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Emily O’Brien for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Emily O’Brien should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Emily O’Brien represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Emily O’Brien is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More